UCDSB marks bullying awareness and prevention week

The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) is promoting Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. The initiative runs until Saturday. The UCDSB says the goal is to help enhance school safety and encourage positive learning environments.   

School staff, students and parents are asked to learn more about bullying and its effects. 

Chair John McAllister says the importance of being kind and empathetic is embedded in the foundation of our schools, and it’s the premise of our Character Always initiative. 

He noted Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week is the perfect time to increase the focus on the harm bullying can cause, and reflect on ways to create a caring environment that advances student learning. 

The UCDSB says bullying is defined as a form of repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual intended to cause fear and distress or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem or reputation. Bullying can be physical, verbal, social or electronic.