Consultations to Focus on Bullying, Harassment

The Provincial Government is planning to strengthen the way the education system reports, and responds to, incidents of bullying and aggressive behaviours among students, and is providing opportunities for input and feedback through a consultative process which begins this week.

“Earlier this year, our government committed to consulting with groups and individuals who have insight and expertise into issues around bullying to discuss potential changes to policies, protocols, and legislation,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “Those consultations are set to begin this week, with a focus group session to be held with the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils on Friday, November 23. It will be followed next week with sessions in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador City for Labrador School District personnel, principals, teachers, school council chairs and parent representatives, as well as intermediate and high school students.”

The consultations will focus on finalizing a definition of bullying as it pertains to the education system; a Bullying Prevention and Intervention Protocol, and a consistent Code of Conduct to be used in all schools. There will also be an opportunity to suggest ways to address cyber-bullying; the role of students, schools, parents and the community at large in preventing and responding to bullying behaviours.

“As a government, we place significant emphasis on acquiring input directly from Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement. “We believe that through focused dialogue with key audiences, and utilizing online resources to reach as many people as possible, we can better develop programs and policies which have an impact on all segments of our society.”

Meanwhile, Minister Jackman noted one aspect of the consultations involves focus group sessions with target audiences, while the second is designed to encourage input and feedback from 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, harassment and intimidation,” said Minister Jackman. “For that reason, we are posting consultation materials online and encouraging all interested groups, agencies, and individuals to offer their comments and suggestions.”

The presentation and discussion guide can be viewed at www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/consultations/index.html, through which participants are guided to respond to specific questions and suggestions. General feedback is also encouraged through the webpage, via email, or by regular mail. The current Provincial Safe and Caring Schools Policy (2006); a recently-released independent consultant’s evaluation of that policy, as well as other related background materials, are included on the webpage.

“Violence, harassment and intimidation have no place in our schools, or in our society,” Minister Jackman said. “We all have a responsibility to ensure our children can learn and grow in safe and caring environments. I therefore encourage anyone with an interest in this issue to review the consultation materials and to offer feedback. All responses will be considered in determining our next steps.”

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2012 11 19             1:10 p.m.