Education and Early Childhood Development
November 14, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development:

 Provincial Government Recognizes National Bullying Awareness Week

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to recognize National Bullying Awareness Week which takes place November 14 to 20. This year's theme is Stand Up to bullying.

Bullying Awareness Week is an opportunity for students, educators, parents and communities to discuss and learn about what we can do to prevent bullying.

Mr. Speaker, it is the responsibility of all of us to speak up against bullying. We encourage schools to review the Safe and Caring Schools Policy and its Bullying Intervention Protocol; we also encourage students to Stand Up when they witness bullying and to tell a teacher, a friend, or a parent so that together we can put an end to bullying.

Every child and adult deserves to feel safe, protected and accepted for who they are within the school environment, in the community and, indeed, in all aspects of their lives regardless of appearance, gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity and beliefs.

Mr. Speaker, our government supports a proactive approach to eliminating bullying. Annually, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development recognizes students and schools for their work to promote Safe, Caring and Inclusive School communities.

The provincial Safe and Caring Schools Policy promotes the elimination of all forms of bullying, harassment and inappropriate behavior. The policy also provides guidance on the development of a bullying intervention protocol and a school code of conduct.

I ask all members of the House to join me and promote National Bullying Awareness Week.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2016 10 14             1:50 p.m.