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.
All Saskatchewan schools will be required to have a comprehensive anti-bullying policy by the end of June, Learning Minister Andrew Thomson announced yesterday. It's part of an aggressive new anti-bullying strategy that builds on existing programs and will provide policy direction on school codes of conduct, policies and crisis response plans. "Bullying is not tolerated in Saskatchewan schools," said Thomson in a press statement. "We recognize that bullying ... is a community concern and a community responsibility. However, we want to do as much as possible to ensure the safety and well-being of our students." The new anti-bullying strategy consists of three key actions: New policy directives that require all school divisions to ensure that every school has a program in place to address bullying. This includes enhancing awareness regarding the anti-bullying initiatives and the roles and responsibilities of members of the school community; Seeking changes to the Criminal Code of Canada and the Youth Criminal Justice Act to specifically deal with systemic bullying; and Develop enhanced anti-bullying and suicide prevention and intervention services for Saskatchewan young people by working with mental health service providers. The provincial government will provide $250,000 in funding over three years for this initiative. "We need to act today to renew and strengthen our collective efforts to ensure our schools and our communities are safe and respectful places for young people," said Thomson in the statement. Ð J.N.3/2/05
