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.
Bullying is aggressive behaviour that is typically repeated over time. It is meant to cause harm, fear or distress or create a negative environment at school for another person. Bullying can take on a number of different forms: physical, verbal, social or electronic, often called cyber-bullying. All forms of bullying are taken seriously in the TDSB.
Reporting
Whether the bullying happened at school, between students off school property or online, if it impacts student safety, the school must investigate and respond to any reports.
Be part of making our schools safer – report bullying.
- If you are a student who is being bullied, reach out
- If you are a parent/guardian and your child is being bullied, refer to "Steps to Address Questions and Concerns"
- If you want to make our schools safer, report bullying
- If you are a staff member, know what your responsibilities are with respect to addressing and preventing bullying
Prevention
We are committed to creating schools that are safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for all. Specifically, an important part of that commitment is ensuring prevention and intervention strategies are being implemented in every school to address the serious, and negative impact of bullying on students.
Starting in September, all school-based staff will participate in enhanced professional learning focused on deepening our understanding, identifying, and addressing bullying and supporting those impacted by it. This training will be included in the mandatory training for all school-based staff at the beginning of every school year. Students will be involved in the development and implementation of this training so it accurately captures their experiences with bullying.
Supporting a positive school climate is one of the most important ways we support students’ well-being. School Climate Surveys are conducted every few years which helps school staff identify areas for improvement and support.
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 among students is a key way to prevent bullying and create a safe and accepting school climate. And, the power of having an adult who students can connect with and feel comfortable talking to is critical. 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 students want to be.
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 students want to be.
Bullying prevention and intervention plans are developed from an anti-racist and anti-oppressive approach and we collaborate and consult with culturally-responsive community partners to address issues of racism, cultural bias and oppression arising in the bullying.
Learn more about the bullying prevention programs that we offer and the educational partners we work with to support anti-bullying initiatives in our schools and classrooms.
Learn more about cyberbullying and tips and resources to stop and prevent it.
System and Provincial Support
While much of the work happens at the local level, policies and procedures are in place at the both the system and provincial levels to support this work.
Caring and Safe Schools TDSB policies and procedures:
Safe and Accepting Schools provincial policies: