The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Manitoba Education Minister Nancy Allan has introduced a new province-wide anti-bullying action plan designed to protect students and create a safe, inclusive environment. The strategy includes help for teachers, including expanded training supports, workshops and other professional learning opportunities. 'We all share a responsibility to work together to provide safe schools where all students feel respected and can reach their full potential,' said Allan. 'Our anti-bullying plan will further protect students and provide a safe environment while fostering understanding and inclusion.' The new strategy also includes help for parents, including new online information and resources on how to recognize, deal with and report bullying. Students will receive help such as strengthened anti-bullying legislation and the 'Tell Them From Me Survey' to allow schools to hear directly from students about bullying. As announced earlier this year, the province is also supporting Respect in School, an online program that supports adults working with students in a school environment to better understand and respond to incidents of bullying, abuse, harassment and neglect. Participants receive a certificate upon completion of the program and users can continue to access the application to review course content, including curriculum updates, for up to five years. Allan also said the province will move forward with strong legislation to support students, broaden reporting of bullying and respect diversity. 'New legislation will also address the role of social media in bullying,' she said, 'and allow student-supported initiatives at schools aimed at promoting an inclusive environment such as clubs and activities that promote gender equity and respect for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, anti-racism and respect for people who are disabled by barriers.' Allan said that in the months ahead she will meet with schools, students, teachers, parents and principals across the province to discuss further bullying prevention measures and the creation of safer environments for students in and out of school. _ Compiled from a Government of Manitoba news release.
