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Executive Council Education September 7, 2007 Anti-Bullying Campaign Focus of Back to School Rally A campaign to combat bullying was the focus of a rally today that brought together over 600 students, teachers and representatives from community and police organizations. The event builds on the television and radio advertisements which are airing over the next two months to encourage awareness and action against bullying. "Some youth are experiencing physical, mental, emotional, and cyber violence, inflicted by their peers, parents, strangers or others. Every day, too many of our young people experience some form of violence," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education and lead Minister for the Violence Prevention Initiative. "The purpose of this rally is to educate people about the different forms of violence that exist, encourage everyone to take action against violence and to reach out to support victims." In May 2007, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador launched its prevention of youth violence campaign that includes television and radio advertisements, posters for schools across the province and a website (outrageNL.ca) where individuals can get information and emergency numbers. Youth aged 13 to 18 from across Newfoundland and Labrador played a key role in the development of the campaign. They helped determine campaign materials, messages, and the language used in the advertisements and on the website. The campaign is a project of the Violence Prevention Initiative, the Provincial Government�s six-year, $9.2 million commitment to reducing violence in Newfoundland and Labrador. The initiative brings together 10 Provincial Government Departments and agencies and approximately 30 community groups working together to eliminate violence. "As a community we must challenge all schools to work together to prevent bullying. It is not enough to commit to not being a bully yourself, you must also challenge others not to be violent," said Dana English, co-ordinator of the Coalition to End Violence -Avalon East. The RCMP and RNC play an active role in the Violence Prevention Initiative and have been working to promote anti-bullying messages.
"We believe that communities must work together to make our province a safer place to live. We are pleased to be involved with the Violence Prevention Initiative and a co-ordinated provincial effort to bring awareness and education to the violence our youth are exposed to and impacted by each day. Education and awareness is an important step in addressing this very complex issue," said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Gerry Lynch. "The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is happy to be part of the youth violence prevention campaign. We are committed to promoting non-violent schools in order to achieve safe and healthy communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," said RNC Chief Joe Browne. To support the school community in dealing with bullying, the Provincial Government released a Safe and Caring Schools Policy in September 2006. Since that time, schools have introduced a wide range of activities to support and complement the policy, and to get students involved in making their schools safe learning environments. "Classrooms can only operate in a safe and respectful way when expectations for behaviour are stated up front and are consistently taught to students. There must also be consequences for inappropriate behaviour. The Safe and Caring Schools Policy outlines these expectations and consequences," said Minister Burke. Budget 2007 has allocated an additional $398,000 to the Violence Prevention Initiative. As well, the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment received $120,000, under the Poverty Reduction Strategy, to increase access to employment supports for victims of violence. To find out more about the Violence Prevention Initiative or to view the television advertisements for the prevention campaign, visit outrageNL.ca. "Youth under the age of 18 make up 61 per cent of the victims of sexual assault in this country and children who witness family violence are at a higher risk of being violent in adult relationships," said Minister Burke. "By community groups and the Provincial Government working together to raise awareness, we can begin to combat violence in Newfoundland and Labrador." -30- Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard
BACKGROUNDER
The Department of Education has introduced a wide range of activities to support and complement the Safe and Caring School Policy, and to get students involved in making their schools safe learning environments. Provincial Advisory Committee Co-chaired by the Department of Education and the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers� Association, and with representatives from all school districts, this committee supports the safe and caring schools teams in all school districts to implement the Safe and Caring Schools Policy. District Safe and Caring Schools Teams Teams have been established in all districts to take a lead role in supporting the school boards� safe and caring schools strategic plans. The teams promote the importance of positive behaviour supports, and assist school-based safe and caring schools teams. School-Based Safe and Caring Schools Teams These teams identify needs and challenges in the school, designs action plans to address these needs, and evaluate the effectiveness of these plans. Additional Personnel Teachers and safe and caring schools teams are supported through additional district personnel. Itinerant teachers for safe and caring schools and inclusive education and behaviour support specialists help teachers, guidance counsellors and administrators in dealing with behaviour disorders, and promote the sharing of best practices through the district. Parent Brochure Recognizing that parents play a critical role in ensuring good behaviour in their children, a brochure has been developed for parents with school-aged children. The brochure outlines what they can do to make schools safe, secure learning environments, and explains the code of conduct which is an important piece of the Safe and Caring Schools Policy. Scholarships The Department of Education has established a scholarship program in support of the Safe and Caring Schools Policy. Schools can nominate a graduating student who has made significant contributions to establishing a safe and caring environment in their school or community. A total of 11 monetary awards are available for these students for post-secondary education. Support for School-Based Projects The Department has established a $15,000 fund to support special projects aimed at promoting safe and caring schools. This is the inaugural year for this program. If parents have concerns regarding safety in their children�s school, the first point of contact should be the teacher and/or school administration. There are also resources at the board level to assist with problem solving. 2007 09 07 10:05 a.m.
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