Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week: November 22-26
Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week is an opportunity for students, staff, families, and community members to come together in solidarity against bullying in all forms, and say unequivocally that "Bullying is not okay."
More than ever, it is important for you to use your voice to stop bullying from happening. You can make a difference by speaking to your teacher, school staff, your principal or another trusted adult.
How to Use Your Voice
Hear Something - See Something - Do Something
If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, there are many ways you can use your voice to help stop the situation.
- Notify your Teacher, school staff or your Principal
- Speak to your school's Guidance Counsellor, Psychologist, Support Counsellor
- Talk to a trusted adult or family and caregivers
- Use the TVDSB Cares Anonymous Reporting Form
| Conflict vs. Bullying | ||||
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Conflict and bullying are different, but can be experienced at the same time. It is important to understand the difference because conflict between students does not always involve bullying. Conflict occurs between people who have a disagreement, a difference of opinion, or varying views. When there is conflict, each person feels comfortable expressing their view to come to a resolution. On the other hand, bullying is aggressive behaviour that is often repeated over time and happens when there is a real or perceived power imbalance. It is meant to cause harm, fear, distress, or create a negative environment for another person. There can be a progression from conflict to bullying. Consider:
Understanding Conflict vs. Bullying Interested in helping your child understand the difference between conflict, rude and mean behaviours, or bullying? Check out and refer to this quick reference guide to support a conversation with your child. View the "Is It Bullying?" Quick Reference Guide
Understanding Teasing vs. Bullying Problem-Solving Conflict 'Universal Way of Addressing Concern' - Stop It - Name It - Explain It - Ask for Change View the "Speak Up: The Universal Way of Addressing Concern" Guide
Additional Resources About Bullying: |
| Common Myths About Bullying |
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Myth: Students must learn to stand up for themselves Myth: Students should hit back - only harder Myth: Bullying builds character Myth: Words can never hurt you Myth: That's not bullying, it's just teasing Myth: There have always been, and will be, bullies Myth: Kids will be kids |
| Crisis Support Lines |
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Vanier Children’s Mental Health: Tandem (Formerly Crisis Intake Team – CIT) (519) 433-0334 (London/Middlesex), www.vanier.com/programs-services/community-services/crisis-intake-team/ Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Services (519)433-2023 or 1-866-933-2023, www.reachout247.ca for web chat access
Kids Help Phone If there is a safety emergency, or bullying or harassment of student(s) is happening in the community outside of school hours, please reach out to your local police services for assistance.
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| Non-Crisis Support Lines |
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Black Youth Helpline: Tandem (formerly CIT/Crisis & Intake): Hope For Wellness (24/7 Indigenous Helpline): Naseeha: YouthLine: |
| Important Information for Staff: CULTURAL SAFETY |
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It is important to create a learning environment that is respectful and that makes students feel safe and comfortable not only physically, socially, and emotionally, but also in terms of their cultural heritage. A culturally safe learning environment is one in which students feel comfortable about expressing their ideas, opinions, and needs and about responding authentically to topics that may be culturally sensitive. Staff should be aware that some students may experience emotional reactions when learning about issues that have affected their own lives, their family, and/or their community. Before addressing such topics in the classroom, teachers need to consider how to prepare and debrief students, and they need to ensure that resources are available to support students both inside and outside the classroom. Students can also experience strong emotional reactions when learning about the adversity and challenges faced by others. There may be students who express the wish or need to opt out of the learning. If students are demonstrating a negative reaction to classroom content, staff are encouraged to:
Important Reminder For Staff Before Discussing Student Identity: CALLING SOMEONE IN
How it might sound: “Hey, can we chat about what happened during the presentation? It’s about…”
CALLING SOMEONE OUT
How it might sound: “There will be no Islamophobic remarks here!”
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People Who Used Their Voice to Create Change
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Greta ThunbergGreta Thunberg is a young climate activist who used her voice to help amplify the urgency of the global climate crisis. She has spoken at climate rallies worldwide and in 2019 gave a speech to the United Nations about the need for decision-makers around the world to commit to meaningful climate change action plans. Greta continues to advocate for the climate movement, but has also recently spoken about the need for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines across the world. |
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MalalaYousafzaiMalala Yousafzai was only 15 years old when she was shot by the Taliban for speaking out against a ban on education for girls. She survived the attack and has since become a role model for women across the globe. Malala has devoted her life to being a strong voice in the fight to ensure equitable access to education for all. |
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Bilqis Abdul-QaadirFrom a young age, Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir knew she wanted basketball to be a part of her life. After first picking up a ball at the age of four at a local YMCA, Bilqis’ love for the game began. Living in a practicing Muslim household, Bilqis was to follow her religious beliefs as she grew older. She began wearing a hijab, a traditional head covering for Muslim women, and practiced modesty on the court by covering all skin except her hands. Her goal was to continue playing professionally in Europe, but quickly ended due to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rule prohibiting head gear larger than five inches. Unwilling to stray in her beliefs, Bilqis chose faith over basketball and advocated for Muslim women and girls in sport. After earning her master’s degree in May 2015 at Indiana State, Bilqis sought to inspire young Muslim women through sport as an instructor and motivational speaker. In May 2017, FIBA overturned the hijab ban. Bilqis continues to use her voice for equality and acceptance in sport. |
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Sophie CruzSophie Cruz may be one of the youngest people to use their voice to stand up against injustice in the world. At the age of five, she wrote a letter to the Pope because she was worried about being separated from her parents - undocumented migrants living in the USA. Sophie begged the Pope not to forget “about us the children, or about those who suffer because they’re not with their parents because of war, because of violence, because of hunger.” She has since been invited to speak at the Washington Women’s March and delivered a speech to thousands of people in Spanish and English. She continues to inspire people around the world and educate them about immigration. |
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream that all men and woman could be viewed as equals, regardless of the colour of their skin. He used his voice so effectively, that he quickly attracted national attention during a protest in Alabama in 1955. Over the next decade, Dr. King organized and spoke at non-violent protests and demonstrations to draw attention to racial discrimination and call for civil rights legislation. In 19963 during a demonstration in Washington, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have A Dream” speech to over 250,000 people. The movement that he created was so powerful that in 1964, the United States Congress enacted the Civil Rights Act. Dr. King was honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize and posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. |
#YourSchoolYourVoice
Let us help elevate and amplify the special moments happening in your class or school! You can share highlights of student work, bulletin board displays, staff engaging in anti-bullying activities, etc. Connect with us using #YourSchoolYourVoice.
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