Canadian schools are required by provincial rules to prevent, investigate and respond to bullying and discrimination, and parents are kept informed.
- Ontario requirements: Every school and board must have policies to prevent and address bullying, a prevention and intervention plan, and policies on progressive discipline, equity and inclusive education.
- British Columbia requirements: Boards must establish codes of conduct that reference the prohibited grounds of discrimination in the B.C. Human Rights Code. The province's erase program supports safe, caring and inclusive schools.
- Reporting: Ontario schools must offer a way to report bullying with minimal risk of retaliation, including anonymously. Principals must respond to cyberbullying and off-campus behaviour that harms the school climate.
- Parents are told: Ontario principals must contact the parents of the student who was bullied, explain what happened and describe the steps taken and supports offered.
- Serious cases: In Ontario, bullying can lead to suspension, and bias- or hate-motivated activity is among the grounds for which expulsion is considered.
Please note: Each province sets its own rules; ask the school for its code of conduct and its bullying prevention plan.
Official sources: Ontario: Bullying, we can all help stop it · Government of B.C.: Safe and caring school communities policy · Ontario: School suspensions and expulsions
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