Crackdown on bullying accelerates in new school year

New anti-bullying measures will come into effect at Ontario schools this fall.

The Accepting Schools Act will create legal obligations for school boards and schools to prevent bullying, issue tougher consequences for bullying and support students who want to promote understanding and respect for all.

The legislation will require boards and schools to:

• Develop a bullying prevention and intervention plan with the school community and make it available to the public

• Investigate any reported incident of bullying

• Provide supports for students who have been bullied, who have witnessed bullying and who have engaged in bullying

• Have a process in place to inform parents of school bullying incidents involving their children and to discuss the supports provided

• Support students who want to lead activities that promote understanding, acceptance and respect for all

• Issue tougher consequences for bullying and hate-motivated actions - up to, and including, expulsion.