Bullying is aggressive behaviour that is meant to cause harm, fear, distress or to create a negative or hostile environment for an individual. If not addressed, bullying (e.g. physical, verbal, social or online abuse) as well as violence can lead to serious negative physical and mental health outcomes including substance use, addiction, depression, anxiety or suicide. Schools have a responsibility to be a safe and welcoming environment for students to be able to learn, grow and develop to their full potential.
Using the Ministry of Education’s Foundations for a Healthy School framework, schools, school boards, parents and community partners can work together to develop healthy school environments that promote and support student well-being. The information below has been organized following this framework.
Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
Sexual Violence Prevention Education Resources (Grades 6 – 12)
Based on the Draw-The-Line campaign, these OPHEA resources are designed to increase educators’ understanding of sexual violence and harassment and equip educators with tools and knowledge to know what to say or do as bystanders. English and French versions available.
Cyberbullying by MediaSmart (Grades 5 – 12)
MediaSmarts has developed a series of lessons to give students a better understanding of the ethical and legal implications of cyberbullying and to promote positive Internet use. English and French versions available.
Confident Me (Grades 6 – 8)
Confident Me is designed to allow teachers and schools to run body confidence workshops for teachers and students to explore the impact the media has on young people’s self-esteem.
The Fourth R: Strategies for a Healthy Youth Relationship (Grades 7 – 12)
Fourth R initiatives use best practice approaches to prevent violence and bullying by providing opportunities to engage students in developing healthy relationships and decision-making.
The Third Path (Grades K – 12)
The Third Path bridges the gap between student achievement and well-being to address issues like mental and emotional health, cultural and gender identity, racism and violence prevention.
Roots of Empathy (Grades K – 8)
Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom program where infants are taken to visit elementary classrooms on a regular basis to allow students to observe the infants’ development and emotions. English and French versions available.
Kindness in the Classroom (Grades K – 12)
An evidence-based social emotional learning curriculum designed to create a culture of kindness within a school. Distance learning mini-lessons are also available.
School and Classroom Leadership
PPM No. 144 Bullying Prevention and Intervention
The purpose of this policy/program memorandum is to provide direction to school boards on their policies and guidelines concerning bullying prevention and intervention. Schools that have bullying prevention and intervention policies foster a positive environment that helps students reach their full potential.
Bullying Prevention: Facts & Tools for Schools
PREVNet has release a comprehensive resource for educators and school administrators to support your ongoing bullying prevention and safe and accepting school efforts at your school. English and French versions available.
Safe@Schools
The Safe@School website offers online Professional Learning Modules based on research and best practices for creating healthy and safe school environments. English and French versions available.
Student Engagement
Youth Engagement
PREVNet provides webinars, resources and a toolkit to help youth engage in your school to prevent bullying and build positive relationships. English and French versions available.
Safe@School provides an opportunity for senior level students to develop their leadership skills regarding equity and inclusion through participation in the Allies in Action for Students. English and French versions available.
School Wide Campaigns
- #SpreadKindness
- Pink Shirt Day (February)
- Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week (November)
Social and Physical Environments
Safe and Accepting Schools
Resources for schools, school boards and parents to help foster and maintain a positive school climate. English and French versions available.
Bullying Prevention: Facts & Tools for Schools
This resource provides school leaders with the tools to create a positive school climate. The document provides assessments tools to help you determine your strengths and opportunities to prevent bullying and promote healthy relationships. English and French versions available.
Home, School and Community Partnerships
Bullying – What We Know & What We Can Do
Information about what educators, parents, kids and teens need to know about bullying. English and French versions available.
Bullying: We can all help stop it. Parent Guide
This document created by the Ministry of Education to inform parents on what to watch for, what you can do, and where you can go to get help if you child is being bullied. The French version is available.
Additional Resources
- PREVNet – Canada’s Authority on Bullying (English and French versions available)
- Kids Help Phone Canada (English and French versions available)
- The Canadian Safe School Network
- Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services
- Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (English and French versions available)
