In an Ontario school, 14-year-old Devan Bracci-Selvey was bullied continually. His mother alerted the school board and staff, yet the harassment continued, culminating in Devan being stabbed to death right in front of his mother on October 7th of this year.
Two days later, Mrs. Selvey spoke in Hamilton to reporters. It was heartbreaking to listen to a woman who had lost her only son in such a pointless, unprovoked attack. She raised the issue we've all heard before: bullying that is reported too seldom sees proactivity on the part of school staff.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/devan-bracci-selvey-bullying-shari-1.5315029
So now, finally, our province is making changes.
The Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, said new measures will include more training for teachers and a review of how incidents are reported. As well, local MPP Christina Mitas is being assigned to report to the Minister on all matters regarding bullying prevention in schools.
There will be:
a province-wide survey to understand students’ experiences with bullying
training for educators in anti-bullying and de-escalation techniques
support for victims
a review of school reporting practices on bullying and cyberbullying; and
a re-definition of the term "bullying" in ministry policies to ensure it reflects more up-to-date realities
Christina Mitas will work with educators, students, parents and experts to finalize policies to combat bullying and to provide students with appropriate tools and supports. She said: “We all have an obligation to make sure that our schools are safe and inclusive places that foster learning while keeping the nurturing of the whole child in mind.”
Yes, I agree. I also know (we all do) that these actions should have been implemented way sooner than this! Bullying and its consequences have been long known, and it's a shame it takes the murder of a boy, Devan Bracci-Selvey, to finally instigate action.
I will also say that, initiating policies is all very nice, but we also need regulation and accountability. There are many teachers who do nothing when made aware of abuse. It's too easy to turn away, and this is can be laziness, apathy, fear of bullies' parents...or all three. But sometimes, there are real reasons:
https://www.verywellfamily.com/reasons-bullying-is-downplayed-by-educators-4121156
The link above is a good article on why teachers don't act.
What Education Ministers and other government departments must realize is that sometimes those on the front lines; i.e., teachers, perhaps wish to intercede, but are swamped with large classes and so on. Supports must be put into place so that educators can help bullied children. This could be by way of referral services, the provision of onsite counsellors, police support and more.
In Ontario, we have a useful phone number and website for young people:
Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 is a 24/7 crisis line for children and teenagers, manned by counsellors trained especially in bullying of all kinds.
Below is the link: