Anti-bullying Co-ordinator to Help Keep Students Safe

A new anti-bullying co-ordinator is in place to lead efforts to help keep young people safe in their schools, communities and cyberspace.

Education Minister Ramona Jennex announced the hiring of Kathleen Richard as the province's first anti-bullying co-ordinator today, Sept. 28.

"Students tell me how bullying behaviours can make them feel vulnerable and alone, this is simply unacceptable," said Ms. Jennex. "The province, with Kathleen's leadership, will stand beside parents, students and teachers as we make our schools a safer place to come and do what students are supposed to do, learn."

Ms. Richard brings expertise in human relations and supporting people facing bullying. She has more than 20 years of education experience.

"Bullying has grown from students teasing each other on the playground to targeting someone with a unrelenting stream of intimidating messages and actions," said Ms. Richard. "However, there are solutions that I have seen work that will help bring respect for individuals and safer schools back to our students. I look forward to join the work already underway and provide the support necessary to help improve the current situation."

"Bullying is a societial problem that extends beyond the school grounds and we all must do our part," said Ms. Jennex. "Kathleen will help bring everyone together so young people know they are never alone. Together, we will fight against bullying and cyberbullying with them."

Ms. Richard will begin the job Monday, Oct. 1.

Kids and Learning First, the province's plan to help every child succeed, commits to fight against cyberbullying with families, communities and students. The efforts include legislative changes that ensure people's responsibilities to report any cyberbullying activity are clear. As well, students are helping to develop a public awareness campaign to begin later this fall.