QUEEN'S PARK — The Ontario government has launched a new initiative to combat bullying in the province's schools.
The measures announced Wednesday include more training for teachers in anti-bullying and de-escalation techniques, and a review of how incidents are reported by schools.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce said the government's actions are motivated, in part, by the death of a 14-year-old student stabbed outside a Hamilton high school last month.
"We are working to change the culture to one where everyone sees the inherent dignity of a person, irrespective of their faith, heritage, orientation, race or income," Lecce said.
Progressive Conservative MPP Christina Mitas of Scarborough Centre, a former teacher, has been assigned to advise the minister on education matters with a focus on bullying prevention.
"We want kids impacted by bullying to reach out and for them to know they are not alone," Mitas said.
The government will conduct a review of the current definition of bullying in ministry policies, to ensure it accurately captures the various forms of bullying and cyberbullying faced by students today.
The plan also includes a province-wide survey to better understand students' experiences with bullying.
