Ministry of Education taking aim at bullying

The Ministry of Education has announced it is taking new steps to combat bullying in Ontario schools.

Christina Mitas, MPP for Scarborough Centre and a former teacher, has been assigned to advise Education Minister Stephen Lecce on education matters with a focus on bullying prevention.

As part of Mitas’ new position, she will engage with students, parents, educators and experts to provide both short-term and long-term strategies.

“I am thrilled to be assigned to this new role and to work on such an important issue,” said  Mitas. “We want kids impacted by bullying to reach out and for them to know they are not alone. We all have an obligation to make sure that our schools are safe and inclusive places that foster learning while keeping the nurturing of the whole child in mind.”

The province is also rolling out a survey aimed at better understanding students’ experience with bullying, training for educators in anti-bullying and deescalation techniques.

There will also be a review of school reporting practices and a review of the ministry’s definition of bullying to ensure it reflects today’s realities.

“We are taking action to root out bullying in our schools with one aim – keeping Ontario’s students safe,” said Minister Lecce. “We are working to change the culture to one where everyone sees the inherent dignity and the value of a person, irrespective of their faith, heritage or orientation, race or income, to build a more accepting and inclusive province.”