Providing safe, inclusive and positive spaces accepting of all students is a priority in the TDSB. Our schools should be communities where all students are respected, welcomed, nurtured, engaged and encouraged.

This week is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week – another opportunity remember the impact bullying can have on a school community and that we should all stand up to bullying and say, No!

The 2017 TDSB Student Census results provided detailed bullying-related data. Grades 4-6 students experienced the highest proportion of students reporting physical bullying at 19%. About a 1/3 of students from Grades 4-8 reporting being verbally bullied and about 27% reported being socially bullied (i.e. being excluded). Cyber bullying was highest for students in Grades 7-12 impacting 10% of students.

Bullying prevention and intervention is about more than just eliminating bullying; it’s about promoting healthy relationships and positive school climates. When students have healthy relationships in their lives and feel connected to their school community, they are less likely to bully others and are more likely to support students who are bullied. Promoting healthy relationships is a key way to prevent bullying and create a safe and accepting school climate.

The TDSB is committed to working to strengthen relationships between students and school adults and improving overall school climate to create inviting and engaging learning spaces where student want to be.

Learn more about the bullying prevention programs that we offer, and the TDSB Caring and Safe Schools Policy and the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Procedure.