Forum seeks solutions to the problem of bullying

"The challenge before us today is two-fold," said Judy Foote, the Minister of Education, as she addressed delegates at the opening of Creating Peaceful Schools- A Forum on School Bullying, held today in St. John�s. "First, we must consider the responsibility we have in nurturing an environment of peace in our schools and, second, we must deal appropriately with those who are engaged in bullying. We must be diligent in encouraging practices that support open, safe, caring, inclusive, peaceful and healthy learning environments."

"We come together today as a community to work towards solving a problem that is affecting our ability to maintain an environment of respect and peace in our schools. That problem is bullying. Unfortunately, this inappropriate behaviour by a minority of students impacts negatively on the whole school community in which it exists," continued the minister.

The forum brings together 120 representatives from school boards, the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers� Association, the Federation of School Councils, other government departments and the Safe and Caring Schools Advisory Committee, which includes representation from the police forces. Also attending are educational psychologists, guidance counselors, teachers and students.

The participants at the forum are looking at interventions currently in place to deal with bullying and investigate other effective and innovative ways to stop those who bully and discourage these acts of violence. This forum is the beginning of the building of a shared action plan that will be implemented as soon as possible. Minister Foote resolved to look at the issue of bullying in the province�s schools because of concerns expressed to her by some parents. In addition, there have been some recent and frightening events in Nova Scotia and British Columbia that have precipitated the decision to facilitate this forum today.

The keynote address will be given by Dr. Wayne Nesbit, Professor of Education at Memorial University of Newfoundland, and the author of the award winning book, Black Eyes and Bruised Souls: A Portrait of Bullying.

Today�s forum follows a national conference held in Ottawa last week that sought to develop a national blueprint on bullying. Staff of the Department of Education and several delegates attending this forum participated in the conference in Ottawa.

"Government is committed to providing quality education for our students and this is demonstrated, for example, by our investment in new schools and support of professional development for teachers," said Minister Foote. " However, we also have a responsibility to ensure that the school community is an environment built on a premise of respect for all, where hostility and threats are non existent. In coming together today as a community, we have committed to take action to develop the means that will stem the act of bullying effectively, stop violence and encourage an environment of peace in our schools. Cultivating an atmosphere of respect and tolerance in our schools will promote a culture of peace in our society."

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, (709) 729-0048.

2002 05 30                             11:15 a.m.