Education and Early Childhood Development
Executive Council
November 14, 2017

Provincial Government Recognizes National Bullying Awareness Week

The Provincial Government is recognizing National Bullying Awareness Week (November 12-18) to increase awareness and concern regarding the societal issues of bullying. The theme of this year’s National Bullying Awareness Week is “Stand Up to Bullying".

Bullying Awareness Week is an opportunity for students, educators and parents to get involved and work together on preventing bullying through education and awareness.

The Provincial Government supports a proactive approach to eliminating bullying. Each year the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development recognizes students and schools for their hard work in promoting safe, caring and inclusive school communities.

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

The Provincial Government also recognizes the last week in February as Violence Awareness Week, during which schools are encouraged to participate in activities such as Pink Shirt Day.

Quotes
“Bullying Awareness Week is an opportunity for students, educators, parents and members of our communities to discuss and learn about the roles that we can play in standing up 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 in all aspects of their lives regardless of appearance, gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity and beliefs.”
Honourable Dale Kirby
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

“We want the people of our province to live in safe, caring communities where there is respect for one another. Any type of violence, including bullying and cyber bullying, is unacceptable. It is only through raising awareness and changing attitudes that bullying can be stopped and prevented. I encourage all of us to no longer be by-standers; I encourage you and all people to identify and stop bullying in all its forms.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

Learn More
National Bullying Awareness Week - www.bullyingawarenessweek.org 

Safe and Caring Schools - www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/safeandcaring/index.html

Follow on Twitter: @GovNL  and @EDU_GovNL 

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Media contacts
Debbie Marnell
Education and Early Childhood Development
709-729-1906, 699-9048
debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca 

Chrysta Collins
Natural Resources
709-729-5777, 690-4436
chrystacollins@gov.nl.ca

2017 11 14                                                    4:45 p.m.