Bullying in schools is a very worrisome problem that can have a major impact on students and their families. The school, parents, and the community have a role to play in tackling the problem, in supporting students, and in preventing bullying.

The national day against bullying, taking place on February 26 this year, is part of a national movement addressing the bullying that can happen in our schools.

The Conseil scolaire francophone de la C.-B. adopted a policy on this in January 2012 -- Policy F-600-4, “La violence, l’intimidation et la possession d’armes” (“Violence, bullying, and possession of weapons”). The CSF considers any act of violence or bullying by anyone, within school property, or during school events, or during busing to or from school, as being a serious threat to students and staff. CSF schools have also implemented a project specifically to prevent bullying.

Where can I find more information? 

“E.R.A.S.E. Bullying BC” is a website supported by the BC Ministry of Education that contains information and resources for both students and parents. It conveys the message that the school should be a place where young people feel safe and are treated with respect. (The information provided on the website is mainly in English.) 

On this website, parents will learn how to recognize signs that their child is being bullied, or that their child is guilty of acts of bullying. Parents will also find possible strategies to remedy such situations, including cyberbullying.

More information can be found on the Psychoeducation.info web portal. Among other things, the web portal presents two questionnaires made to help assess a bullying situation or an event related to bullying. (This website is available only in French.)

Where do I report bullying?

The school’s principal is responsible for ensuring that the school provides an environment free from physical threats or psychological injury, where students are able to learn and progress. It is therefore up to the principal to impose appropriate and immediate disciplinary measures for bullying cases.

The “E.R.A.S.E. Bullying BC” website also includes an online reporting tool, available in French and English. This tool allows a victim or witness to report a bullying incident anonymously.