Here+at+home

Saskatchewan Learning created this [|Anti Bullying Strategy] in March 2005. Although it is a good overview of bullying, it lacks an online, cyberbullying strategy. It highlights the need of community-wide response that engages all members of the community including youth, family, service providers and schools in shared responsibility. The policy states its first recommended action is to "Ensure that all schools and school divisions in the province have an anti-bullying policy in place and the capacity to take action in partnership with family and community." This should be amended into a cyber strategy that helps provide awareness education for families and students. School boards have began developing their own solutions by creating their own policies, But I think the need exists for an overarching vision and strategy from the provincial level as well.

As part of the Anti Bullying strategy Saskatchewan Learning has gone further with the development of [|Safe and Respectful schools Bullying Prevention Program]. It provide educators with policy and resources, but I feel as though there still needs to be a section on cyberbullying, consequences, resources for parents and teachers and ultimately a mandated educational program linked to current health curriculum as part of the social relationship strand that all students receive. I want to go further and approach our learning minister, Deb Higgins, with a proposal to include such a section within this policy.

Here is another link that is useful for teachers. Having a lawyer speak to the class helps to show some of the consequences that are involved with inappropriate behavior. [|Would you like a lawyer or judge to speak to your class?] - sign up with Public Legal Association of Saskatchewan

Even the [|Education Act 1995] lacks a direct reference to cyber bullying and the consequences that may occur legally. Sections 152, 153, 154 and 155 all deal with area of discipline, but lack protocol for online activities that are in direct conflict with the learning and safety of students and educators. The act should be amended to include a Cyber Education Program under section 4.