In the wake of a number of high-profile incidents the provincial government has announced an action plan by the province to address bullying and cyberbullying.
The announcement was made Nov. 14 by Education Minister Don Morgan and Legislative Secretary Jennifer Campeau, who toured across the province, consulting on the bullying issue.
The consultation tour began in North Battleford in June and lasted for two weeks; online submissions were also accepted. Her full report can be found at www.education.gov.sk.ca/Anti-Bullying.
A number of recommendations came forward from those discussions, and the following measures were announced Thursday:
update policies and procedures in the education sector to ensure consistency in prevention, rapid response and intervention in bullying incidents;
develop an anonymous online tool for the reporting of bullying incidents;
assess the implications for Saskatchewan of upcoming federal cyberbullying legislation;
support students to develop appropriate and responsible online behavior;
provide a standalone website for antibullying tools and resources for students, families and educators;
engage youth in building solutions to address bullying.
The Canadian Red Cross is also partnering with the government and with community and education partners to address the bullying issue.
"We look forward to working together to build on the bullying prevention education that the Red Cross provides," Provincial Red Cross director Cindy Fuchs said.
Campeau thanked those who participated in the consultation process and said their input was carefully considered.
"A common theme we heard throughout the consultation process is that it takes a community to raise a child and support our youth," said Campeau in a statement. "We all have a role to play and this is evident within the recommendations put forward."
"No child should ever have to experience bullying," said Morgan in a statement.
"Unfortunately, that is the reality for a number of students across the country and right here in our own province. Ms. Campeau has done a tremendous job of engaging with our communities and their feedback helped to develop an action plan that will address bullying in Saskatchewan."
Other levels of government have also considered anti-bullying measures of their own. The federal justice ministry has announced intentions to address cyber bullying while North Battleford city council discussed the idea of an anti-bullying bylaw at a meeting earlier this fall.
The provincial announcement comes in advance of Bullying Awareness Week across Canada. A bullying-awareness event was scheduled for Nov. 17 at Don Ross Centre in North Battleford.
