The Pledge to End Bullying was loudly recited as dozens of Londoners marked the kick-off of the annual campaign.
The province-wide initiative that promotes a bullying-free community was launched at the Covent Garden Market on Thursday. This year the campaign offers a new theme every month, focusing on actions people can take to end bullying and promote positive behaviours. Among the themes are promoting positive relationships and gender identity inclusion.
"Students are the ones that are often times experts on these conversations. They have the life experience of going to school everyday. They know what needs to be done to make things better for everybody," says Campaign Co-Chair Matthew Sereda. "We're really inspired to listen to what the students have to tell us and learn from them. Pay attention to what they are saying because at the end of the day, students are the most important part of our schools."
London Mayor Matt Brown was among several members of city council to attend the kickoff. He says Londoners should be proud that the campaign originated in this city.
"It is tough to be an up-stander. We need to encourage our young people that if they see behaviours that they don't find appropriate they need to stand up and speak out," says Brown.
The Pledge to End Bullying Campaign was created by the Thames Valley District School Board under former Director of Education Bill Tucker. The campaign coincides with Bullying Prevention Month.
Over 226,000 people across the province have already signed the online pledge to eradicate bullying.
To learn more or to take the pledge go to www.thepledgetoendbullying.ca.