“Be Bold About Being Kind” theme leads provincial anti-bullying initiative
This week, schools across Ontario are observing Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, a vital initiative aimed at promoting safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environments for students of all ages.
Running until Sunday, the week offers students, families, and school staff an opportunity to deepen their understanding of bullying, its effects on mental health and academic success, and the collective steps communities can take to prevent it.
This year’s theme, “Be Bold About Being Kind,” emphasizes the power of kindness in creating meaningful connections, fostering a sense of safety, and encouraging students to take positive action when they see bullying occur.
The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) has joined the provincial initiative with an online video highlighting the challenges of cyberbullying.
The board reminds students that electronic communication can be misused to harm, intimidate, or coerce others.
Through tools like the #EC4L (Every Child Connected for Learning), students can feel safe and supported by their teachers, peers, and school community while engaging in healthy online and in-person interactions.
The TVDSB video encourages students to be proactive in addressing bullying and to seek help when they need it, reinforcing the message that kindness and respect are essential both on and offline.
Ontario has officially designated the third week of November as Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, creating a province-wide platform to highlight bullying-related issues and promote solutions.
Since 2004, the Ontario government has invested in numerous Safe Schools initiatives, including:
The establishment of Safe Schools Teams in every Ontario school to monitor and respond to bullying incidents.
Parents, students, and educators are encouraged to get involved in Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week by participating in school events, sharing kindness initiatives online, and using resources provided by their school boards. Together, Ontario communities can make a tangible difference in preventing bullying and ensuring all students thrive in safe and inclusive learning environments.
For more information, visit the Thames Valley District School Board website or follow #TVDSBKindOnline and #EC4L on social media for updates, tips, and educational resources.
