P.E.I. minister of education commits to new anti-bullying program in all Island schools

P.E.I. Minister of Education and Early Years Robin Croucher committed to implementing a new reporting program for bullying in all Island schools at the provincial legislature on Thursday. 

Croucher's commitment came in response to questions from Green MLA Karla Bernard, who worked in Island schools as a teacher for 13 years and a counsellor for two years. 

"Back when I was a teacher, it was never clear what to do if a student comes to you to disclose bullying, and from what I'm being told, that is very much still the case today," Bernard said. 

"Teachers need to be given clear direction on how to deal with bullying, and allotted the time and support to communicate with parents on both sides." 

Bernard asked Croucher what action the Department of Education is taking to ensure that every Island school has a consistent and proactive approach to bullying prevention, and that teachers and staff have resources and time to deal with it. 

Croucher said there are policies and procedures in place to address incidents of bullying. 

Commitments

Part of the problem when it comes to addressing bullying in schools is the lack of reporting mechanisms, Bernard said. 

She asked Croucher if he would commit to consulting with teachers to implement consistent reporting mechanisms for bullying in all Island schools. 

"Absolutely," he said. "I will have staff consult with educators in our schools so that they do have the tools that they need to address these issues."

Croucher added that the department is currently working on a youth cyberviolence strategy that he hopes will address some concerns and provide tools to educators, students and family members. 

Bernard said she appreciates the commitment, and asked Croucher if he would also commit to reviewing and strengthening current bullying prevention policies to ensure consistent enforcement, better support for those affected, and clear guidance and training for school staff. 

Croucher said he would do so. 

'We have to acknowledge that bullying is a problem'

After question period, Bernard told CBC News she felt very strongly about bringing the issue of school bullying to the legislature. 

She said she was motivated in part by a recent meeting at Somerset Consolidated School in Kinkora that stemmed from bullying incidents some parents felt were not addressed properly. 

Bullying has lifetime negative consequences on people through to their adulthood.— MLA Karla Bernard

"We have to acknowledge that bullying is a problem in our schools and that by not highlighting it, we're not doing it any justice," Bernard said. 

There is currently no reporting mechanism in Island schools that would allow for patterns of behaviour to be documented and recognized, Bernard said, noting that Croucher committed to implementing such a mechanism. 

Bernard said her caucus has been calling for years for full-time counsellor and behaviour resource support positions to be added to every Island school.

"Bullying has lifetime negative consequences on people through to their adulthood," she said. "How do we work together as the adults to ensure the protection of the children in our care?"