WELLINGTON COUNTY – This week is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Ontario.
Running from Nov. 15 to 21 the idea is for Ontario students, staff and parents to learn more about bullying and its effects on students learning and well-being.
“Bullying is defined as a form of repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem or reputation,” the Ministry of Education website says.
“Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance.”
Upper Grand
As with other years, the Upper Grand District School Board is promoting this awareness week.
“This year, all UGDSB were provided with anti-bullying supports and resources, including activity ideas for engaging students, parents, staff and the whole school community,” said board spokesperson Heather Loney in an email response.
“Schools will decide which activities and resources are shared in their school.
“The week is one part of the work in the UGDSB to reduce and prevent bullying in schools.”
Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education said schools are encouraged to take this opportunity to explain the different types of bullying that can take place:
– physical: hitting, shoving, stealing or damaging property;
– verbal: name calling, mocking or making sexist, racist or homophobic comments;
– social: excluding other from a group or spreading gossip or rumours about them; and
– electronic (cyberbullying): spreading rumours and hurtful comments through the use of cellphones, email, text messaging and through social media.
The Wellington Catholic District School Board had not responded to an email request by press time but did tweet about Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week on Nov. 15.
