Students Celebrate Stand Up Against Bullying Day

Schools across the province are celebrating Stand Up Against Bullying Day today, Sept. 10.

Since 2007, government and education partners recognize the second Thursday in September as Stand Up Against Bullying Day. Students, teachers and administrators wear pink to support putting a stop to bullying and cyberbullying.

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Karen Casey joined students and staff at John MacNeil Elementary in Dartmouth to participate in anti-bullying celebrations.

"Schools have really embraced anti-bullying and have worked hard to make progress on this very important issue," said Ms. Casey. "While it is important that we reaffirm our commitment to stop bullying, I commend the students, teachers and staff that work to end bullying all year round."

To help combat bullying and other unacceptable behaviours, government introduced a provincewide Code of Conduct Policy which came into effect on Sept. 1. The code strengthens a school's ability to respond effectively to unacceptable behaviours, including bullying and cyberbullying, violence, and all forms of harassment.

Parents and students can watch a short video about it at http://dvl.ednet.ns.ca/videos/provincial-school-code-conduct and can read the full policy at https://www.ednet.ns.ca/educationreview/ .

Teachers, parents, students and community members can report incidents of cyberbullying to CyberSCAN by calling 1-855-702-8324 (toll-free) or 902-424-6990. More information can be found at http://cyberscan.novascotia.ca/.

For more information on bullying and cyberbullying, where to go for help, and ways to report visit www.antibullying.novascotia.ca .