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Everyone in our school community is responsible for implementing bullying and violence prevention policies and programs. Key roles involved in bullying prevention programs include:
- Principals and vice-principals - provide leadership in the administration of bullying prevention programs.
- Teachers and support staff - provide daily implementation and monitoring.
- Students - acquire the confidence and skills to recognize bullying and report it to an appropriate person (educator/adult).
- Parents - act as partners in modelling consistent expectations.
- Police, neighbours, community organizations, local businesses and agencies - take an active role in supporting Safe School initiatives.
We have guidelines in place to help students deal with incidents of bullying, whether they are the victim, bystander or bully. We do not tolerate bullying on school property, at school related activities, on school buses or in any other circumstances such as online communication.
We provide constant involvement, progressive discipline and pro-social training to support students who bully and those who are victimized or bystanders.
Report It
Report It is a tool for parents and students to advise staff of non-emergency incidents of bullying and other school safety issues (for example vandalism). It is not monitored on a 24/7 basis. In case of an emergency, call 911. If a student needs immediate emotional support, please call the Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or Durham Mobile Crisis: 905-666-0483 or toll-free: 1-800-742-1890.
Our top priority is the safety and well being of all students. All students deserve to learn in a place where they feel safe. We want to know about incidents of bullying and other safety concerns so that we can take action and prevent further incidents from happening. We take issues of bullying and school safety very seriously.
Click here to Report a Bullying or Non-Emergency Incidents
Effects of bullying
Bullying negatively affects a student's:
- ability to learn;
- healthy relationships and school environment; and
- education.
Definitions
The following are definitions to explain the various forms of bullying.
| Bullying |
| The Education Act defines “bullying” as aggressive and typically repeated behaviour by a pupil where, (a) the behaviour is intended by the pupil to have the effect of, or the pupil ought to know that the behaviour would be likely to have the effect of, (i) causing harm, fear or distress to another individual, including physical, psychological, social or academic harm, harm to the individual’s reputation or harm to the individual’s property, or (ii) creating a negative environment at a school for another individual, and (b) the behaviour occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance between the pupil and the individual based on factors such as size, strength, age, intelligence, peer group power, economic status, social status, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, family circumstances, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, disability or the receipt of special education; (“intimidation”). Bullying (1.0.0.1) For the purposes of the definition of “bullying” in subsection (1), behaviour includes the use of any physical, verbal, electronic, written or other means. |
| Physical bullying |
| Physical bullying: includes hitting, shoving, stealing or damaging property. |
| Verbal bullying |
| Verbal bullying: includes name-calling, taunting, or sexual, racial or homophobic comments. |
| Social bullying |
| Social bullying: involves excluding someone from a group, spreading gossip and rumours or manipulating the social order. |
| Cyber bullying |
| Cyber-bullying (1.0.0.2) For the purposes of the definition of “bullying” in subsection (1), bullying includes bullying by electronic means (commonly known as cyber-bullying), including, (a) creating a web page or a blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person; (b) impersonating another person as the author of content or messages posted on the internet; and (c) communicating material electronically to more than one individual or posting material on a website that may be accessed by one or more individuals. |
How are bullying incidents handled at school?
We treat all incidents of bullying at school seriously. We use a model of progressive discipline to maintain the dignity of all children, including the victim and the bully. We are committed to teaching appropriate behaviour, not simply punishing students. Students are given consequences for their behaviour based on the harshness of the actions and factors as outlined in the Education Act and the Board's Student Discipline Policy. Restorative practices plays a key role in the prevention and intervention of bullying situations.
| What should I do as a parent if my child is being bullied? |
|
Use our Report It tool to advise staff of any non-emergency incident(s) of bullying and other school safety issue (such as vandalism). Our top priority is the safety and well being of all students. All students deserve to learn in a place where they feel safe. We want to know about incidents of bullying and other safety concerns so that we can take action and prevent further incidents from happening. We take issues of bullying and school safety very seriously. It is important that you address the situation adequately and safely. Your child may be nervous about involving you in the problem for the fear it might make things worse. Talk to your child about finding a friend that he/she trusts. Talk to the school. Make a plan together that safely addresses the problem. Ask the classroom teacher or school administrator for help. Our educators have a different outlook on what is happening and can ensure your child is safe, while dealing with problems immediately as they occur. For more information visit Canadian Safe School Network. |
How should my child handle a bully?
Although bullying is not accepted in our schools, it does happen. It is important for students to assert themselves and try to resolve the situation. Students should always use their words to solve problems, and not resort to violence. When dealing with a bully, students are encouraged to remember the acronym PAL:
- P - pick a friend;
- A - assert yourself; and
- L - let someone know.
Students are encouraged to have a:
- friend to play with at recess who can be an ally for them;
- tell the bully to stop;
- tell an adult at school (teacher, supervisor on duty, principal, or another adult they trust).
Resources for Families
The following websites provide resources to help parents and students.
| Parent resources | Student resources |
|---|---|
If a student is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs immediate support, they should be encouraged to:
- call the Durham Crisis Line at 1-800-742-1890; or
- call 310-COPE at 1-855-310-COPE (2673); or
- go to the nearest emergency room.
Students and/or families may also wish to access the following resources:
- Kids Help Phone: is available for anyone age 5 to 20. Counsellors are available 24/7 to support children and teens by phone, text, or online chat in English or French. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
- Black Youth Help Line: specifically responds to the need for a black youth specific service. It promotes access to professional, culturally appropriate support for youth. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (1-833-294-8650)
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Available 24/7 and toll free in both English and French. (1-855-242-3310)
- DCDSB Social Work Access Line: DCDSB students and families can call the Social Work Access Line and leave a voicemail with their contact information. A DCDSB mental health professional will call them back to provide support. (905- 576-6150 ext. 21021) Note: This is not a crisis line and is not monitored 24/7.
- Be Safe: is a mobile app that aims to help youth make a decision about seeking help in a crisis. Be Safe was developed in full partnership with youth and professionals. It helps youth find help when they need it and supports them through the process of reaching out when it feels overwhelming. Download the BeSafe app today.
- LGBT Youth Line: call 1-800-268-9688; text 647-694-4275; or online chat https://www.youthline.ca
- LGBTQ Prideline Durham Helpline: call 1-855-87-PRIDE (77433)
For additional mental health supports visit our Mental Health & Well-Being webpage.
Parents and guardians can also follow these resources below on Twitter for up-to-date information:
- Cyber Safety Lady @LeonieGSmith
- PreVnet @PREVNet
- Get Safe Online.org @GetSafeOnline
- Kids Health @KidsHealth