Most schools across the region will be staging special events this week to mark Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Canada.
At Goderich Public School, the student representatives on the safe school committee have organized Operation Rainbow. They have assigned each grade a rainbow colour. On Tuesday, all of the students will be arranged into a full rainbow. It's to demonstrate that individually they are great - but together they make something even better.
At Stratford Northwestern, Me 2 We and the 7-8 Student Council with the help of the 9-12 Student Council will be hosting a Pink Day on Wednesday in support of Bullying Awareness.
The students will also be handing out "Random Acts of Kindness" cards all week to encourage students to stand up to bullying and continue to show positive behaviours.
The Upper Grand District School Board will mark Bullying prevention and Awareness Week with speakers, posters, pink apparel, and flash mobs. Schools are planning age-appropriate activities in class, and will spread the message with the help of victims, parents and a concert.
The board's on line" report bullying" tool allows students to easily report bullying. Board Chair Mark Bailey says they have to address bullying on social media, and elsewhere. He says it's about ensuring everyone feels safe, cared for and included at school.
"There’s lots of talk about the effects of social media on the bullying landscape, but we can’t forget that it goes on in other arenas, too," says Mark Bailey. "It’s about inclusion of everyone, feeling and being safe and cared for at school. No one is immune to bullying behavior."
**with files from John Chippa