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.
From November 17 to 23, we recognize Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in the TDSB and remember the impact that bullying can have on a school community.
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.
Prevention
As a system, we focus efforts on prevention efforts and creating a welcoming school community. Staff and students are engaged through events, activities and prevention programming and encouraged to take on leadership roles to enhance the school community.
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 student 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 student want to be.
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.
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: