Striving towards a safer school Environment for the students Government debating amendment to Education Act to help deal with the issue of bullying in schools
Striving towards a safer school Environment for the students Government debating amendment to Education Act to help deal with the issue of bullying in schools
James Mallory
Northern Light Staff
The Bathurst co-founder of an anti-bullying website is hoping an amendment to the provincial Education Act will improve the lives of New Brunswick students who face bullying.
On March 25, members of the legislature debated a bill entitled An Act to Amend the Education Act which would see the following definitions of bullying added to the act: teasing, social exclusion, threats, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, theft, sexual or racial harassment, public humiliation, and destruction of property.
“As someone who was bullied for eleven and a half years, I feel that this would be a major milestone for all New Brunswick students to ensure their safety will be top priority, said Rob Frenette, co-founder of BullyingCanada.ca, the first youth-created anti-bullying website in Canada.
“It is my hope that if passed, this new amendment will ensure that no New Brunswick student will feel as if there is nowhere for them to turn if they are being bullied.”
The amendment was presented by Progressive Conservative leader David Alward, leader of the Official Opposition.
Following debate of the amendment, all Members of the Legislative Assembly voted unanimously to have the bill move to the Committee of the Whole.
“It’s now time for the Liberals to step up to the plate and decide when to bring it to the Committee of the Whole,” said Mr. Frenette, a 2008 graduate of Bathurst High School who is now studying journalism in Woodstock at the New Brunswick Community College.
Brian Kenny is the Liberal MLA for Bathurst and the Minister of State for Seniors. He said the Liberal government supports the bill in principle and will study the amendments with the Department of Education.
“There is a process that takes place that the bill and information that’s been presented to the legislature will go through a policy. The Department of Education will review it, the government will review it and we’re totally committed to doing that...and facing the issues of anti-bullying in our education system.”
MLA Kenny noted he has worked closely with Mr. Frenette on the anti-bullying issue and commends him for his work to improve the lives of students who may be victims of bullying.
“He’s made some real gains of bringing this issue to the media and to the limelight.”
Should the amendments be accepted, principals at individual schools will be responsible for enforcing the amendment by issuing suspensions to offending students. Offending students would have access to educational programs about the negative consequences of bullying.
