Page 6 - Professsional Advisory: Responding to the Bullying of Students

From the Accepting Schools Act, for example, schools and school boards are legally obligated to address bullying in all forms, including cyberbullying, by taking preventive measures, following progressive discipline protocols, supporting students and promoting under- standing and respect for all.
The Ministry of Education provides direction on bullying prevention and intervention and suggests that a whole-school approach is needed to bring about systematic change. A positive school climate exists when all members of
the school community feel safe, included, and accepted. Vulnerable students – for example, those marginalized by racism, sexism, homo- phobia, ableism and classism – are at a higher risk of becoming targets of bullying.
Learning environments that actively promote positive behaviours and interactions can effectively reduce the incidents and mitigate the effects of bullying. The Ministry reminds school board employees that they “must take seriously all allegations of bullying behaviour and act in a timely, sensitive, and supportive manner when responding to students who disclose or report bullying incidents”.10
Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession
The College’s Ethical Standards for the Teaching Profession and the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession provide the moral and practical groundwork for this advice. Developed by College members and members of the public to guide and inform
Ontario Certified Teachers, the standards – reflected in this advice and found on the College’s website – support professional judgment.
In their position of trust, members demon- strate responsibility in their relationships with students. They express their commitment to students’ well-being and learning through positive influence, professional judgment and empathy in practice. These commitments and values of care, trust, respect and integrity
are integral to member efforts to effectively address bullying among students.
Members work to ensure all their students feel respected, valued, and safe, and that their students treat others with respect, courtesy, and consideration.
Legal and Disciplinary Considerations
Under the Education Act, all members have
an obligation to maintain order and discipline in the classroom and on school grounds.11 Additionally, teachers and all board employees are required to report to their principal any serious incidents or behaviour for which a suspension must be considered. This includes bullying.12
Principals have an obligation to investigate
all reported bullying incidents and follow
all additional and required protocols when dealing with these incidents.13 This can include speaking with the parents of involved students, implementing progressive discipline measures from verbal warnings to possible suspension, or involving the police when required.
10 Ontario Ministry of Education, Policy/Program Memorandum No. 144, “Bullying Prevention and Intervention” (5 December 2012) 7. 11 RSO 1990, c E.2, s.264.(1)(e)
12 s. 300.2
13 s. 300.2(3)
4 PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY: RESPONDING TO THE BULLYING OF STUDENTS