Bullying Prevention
October 18, 2021
WSD has created a set of bullying prevention resources for schools that are available for students, parents and the community.
The Bullying Hurts Everyone series features three booklets, one targeted for parents of elementary school children, another for parents of teens and a booklet of information for parents on cyber bullying.
"These materials feature useful and accessible information for parents. The topic of bullying is defined and included are several concrete strategies that parents can access to address bullying," said Jón Olafson, Service Director for WSD’s Inclusion Support Services.
The information is adapted with permission from PREVNet (www.prevnet.ca ), a respected national network of researchers and organizations working together to stop bullying.
The series also features three posters aimed at students. Two posters address what to do if students see bullying. The posters suggest several different courses of action to students: speak out and tell the bully to stop; stand up and be a friend; walk away and don't join in the bullying; and go get help/tell an adult.
A third poster addresses cyber bullying, offering several courses of action to students: log off the site where the cyber bullying is happening; block messages or the person doing the bullying—do not engage them in any way; save evidence of the bullying; and talk to someone you trust about it.
"The messaging remains consistent in both the posters and booklets to provide really tangible strategies for students," Mr. Olafson said.
The materials are just one part of a divisional comprehensive positive behaviour/bullying prevention plan that has been in place for many years. WSD schools are engaging in preventative programming focusing on developing positive school climates and promoting pro-social behavior. Six high quality, comprehensive bully prevention programs are used in several of our schools, including: Beyond the Hurt (Grades 6 to 12); Cyber Bullying – Canadian Centre for Child Protection (Grades 7 to 10); Kids in the Know (Nursery to Grade 8); PBIS (Nursery to Grade 12); Roots of Empathy (Kindergarten to Grade 8); and Second Step (Nursery to Grade 8). The WSD also has a Code of Conduct, which addresses bullying and is reviewed and shared with students, staff and parents.
"When you consider WSD's mental health strategic plan, addressing bullying and harassment fits into that idea of wellness," Mr. Olafson said. "The booklets and poster campaign are just one part of bringing awareness to all of the wellness and social/emotional learning initiatives that are happening in WSD."
WSD’s bullying prevention booklets are available below.
