(Toronto) Elizabeth Witmer, PC Education Critic and former Minister of Education, has responded to the concerns of parents, students and educators about the incidences and impact of bullying, by introducing a Resolution to help make Ontario schools safer and more inclusive. Witmer’s Resolution calls on the Ontario Government to:
• Officially recognize the 3rd week of each November as “Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week,” in Ontario.
• Have every Safe School Team in the province direct the development of activities for their school during “Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week.”
Bullying, whether physical, verbal, social or “cyberbullying” remains a serious and frequent occurrence in schools. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, one in three students experiences bullying at school, and almost one in three students have bullied someone else. Moreover, between 2003 and 2007, the incidences of bullying have remained about the same.
“Based on these alarmingly high statistics on bullying, the first hand concerns and reports brought to my attention and the far-reaching consequences of this behaviour, a concerted effort must be made to stop bullying. This resolution is intended to do so,” said Witmer.
Research shows that those who are bullied may suffer anxiety, depression, substance abuse, low-self esteem and academic failure. Research also shows that those who bully learn to use aggression as a form of power and may become abusive adults or involved in violent crime.
“It is my belief that by raising awareness of bullying and embarking on efforts to prevent it, students will understand there is support for those who are bullied, that there are consequences for bullying and that bullying is never acceptable,” said Witmer.
Witmer’s Resolution is supported by teachers, trustees, parents and safe school activists.
QUOTES
“ETFO is pleased to lend support to (Witmer’s) proposal to have Ontario formally recognize Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week in an effort to focus greater attention on effective prevention strategies at the school level. Activities related to an annual focus on bullying awareness would naturally fit with the role of new Safe School Teams the Ministry of Education is requiring in each school.”
– Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) President, Sam Hammond
“Ontario Catholic school boards strive to create safe, inclusive and caring learning environments for all students. The idea of Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week is a tangible activity to make this ideal a reality in all our school communities.”
– Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) President, Paula Peroni
“Teachers in Ontario’s publicly funded Catholic schools know how important it is for our students to feel safe and secure. We continue to work with many educational partners to increase the public’s awareness of the harm caused by bullying. Formally recognizing the third week of November as Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week will help to raise public awareness of this important issue.”
– Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) President, James Ryan.
“OSSTF/FEESO and the 60,000 educational workers we represent strongly endorse positive measures aimed at reducing the incidents of bullying. Bullying behaviour must be addressed immediately and effectively. Failure to do so comes at a huge cost to society as those students who engage in bullying behaviour are more likely to grow into dominating, aggressive and violent adults. The prevention of bullying is key to ensuring that all students feel safe at school. The more trained adults working in the school setting, the more immediate is the assistance and support that can be provided to all students.”
– Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) President, Kenneth Coran.
“The devastating consequences of bullying and violence in Ontario’s schools are becoming increasingly clear, and will continue to negatively impact our society, and the very communities we all live in. Prevention and awareness is one of the key elements in slowing down the progression of pain that many Ontario families are living with. These families need a voice, and they need to know that the community they live in supports them. The York Region Anti-Bullying Coalition supports Mrs. Witmer’s resolution to bring forward a “Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week” in the Province that we call our home. What better way than to bring awareness of this issue to the forefront.”
– York Region Anti-Bullying Coalition, Karen Sebben
“As both a victim of bullying and an advocate for those who aren’t always heard, I know how harsh the effects of bullying can be. With Resolutions like Mrs. Witmer’s, we can reduce the rates of bullying and ensure the safety of students. It’s crucial now more than ever to take action.”
– Bullying Canada.ca, Katie Neu
“As someone whose family has lived through this nightmare, I whole heartedly support Mrs. Witmer’s Resolution to make the third week of November Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week.”
– benchboy productions, Sunnie McFadden-Curtis
“Bluewater Citizens for Education support all initiatives that would ensure schools are places where children are safe to learn. Awareness is a first step toward ensuring this vision for safe schools. Children cannot learn if they do not feel safe. Therefore, Bluewater Citizens for Education supports Witmer’s resolution.”
– Bluewater Citizens for Education, Lesa McDougall
“We support Mrs. Witmer in her efforts to bring this issue to the forefront as a major concern for our communities. We appreciate her efforts to amplify the voice of parents, seek sensible solutions, and to bring awareness to the extent of this issue and its impact on the victim and their family.”
– London Anti-Bullying Coalition, Corina Morrison
FACTS
• According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH):
o Roughly 315,000 students (Grades 7 – 12) reported being bullied in 2007.
o Between 2003 – 2007, the incidences of bullying that took place in schools remained about the same (Grades 7 – 12).
o In 2007, roughly 90,000 students (Grades 7 – 12) reported being bullied on a daily basis.
o A third of students experience bullying at school, and almost a third of students have bullied someone else.
o A 2008 study by CAMH found that bullying and harassment can lead to depression, substance abuse, anxiety and academic failure.
• According to the Ministry of Education:
o Bullying is typically 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.
o Research indicates that a clearly articulated school-wide bullying prevention policy is the foundation of effective bullying prevention programming.
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For more information contact:
Elizabeth Witmer, MPP
(416) 325-1306