The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education:

Bullying Consultations to Begin this Week

Mr. Speaker, today I announced that provincial consultations around bullying, harassment and intimidation of students will begin later this week, with our first focus group session to be held with the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils.

As you may recall, Mr. Speaker, I stood in this House earlier this year and committed to consulting with groups and individuals who have insight, expertise and frontline experience with issues around bullying before making any major changes to policy or legislation. At that time, we were awaiting an independent consultant’s evaluation of our existing Safe and Caring School’s Policy. We had also established a provincial committee to draft a definition of bullying, a template for a Code of Conduct, and a Bullying Prevention and Intervention Protocol which outlines a clear, consistent way in which bullying incidents are documented, investigated, and handled at the school level. We are now ready to bring those draft documents to our focus groups, and to the public at large, for input and feedback.

Mr. Speaker, one aspect of these consultations will involve focus group sessions with target audiences – such as the Federation of School Councils, the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association, school district personnel, principals, teachers, school council chairs and parent representatives, as well as intermediate and high school students, among others.

The second is designed to encourage input and feedback from any and all interested groups or individuals. With an issue like this, with such widespread implications, we are determined to hear from as many people as possible – especially students and parents, who are most affected by bullying behaviours. For that reason, Mr. Speaker, we are posting consultation materials online and encouraging all interested groups, agencies, and individuals to offer their comments and suggestions. I can assure you all responses will be considered in determining what changes will be made.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the investments that the Provincial Government has made in supporting Safe and Caring Schools initiatives, professional development for school personnel, and the many resources provided for teachers, students and parents to promote safe and caring environments – in our schools, in our homes, and in our societies.