Minister of Education
Stephen Lecce
A Closer Look at The Education System's Policies and Procedures
related to bullying, safe schools, and violence
How a Tragic Death Impacted Ministry Policy and Procedures for Ontario School Boards
Devan Bracci-Selvey
The Ontario Minister of Education Stephen Lecce said that the tragic story of Devan Bracci-Selvey is one that has motivated the government to take action.
"I want parents who have faced this sense of darkness in their life to know that we are absolutely determined to learn from these examples," Lecce said.
"It can be tough, and for a lot of kids the sense of being alone or apart can wear down on you, but what I want them to know is this: that you are not alone and you don't deserve to be bullied. There are people out there that love you and care about you, just the way you are and one day you're going to see that your differences are a source of pride in this country."
As part of the provincial government's plan, educators will learn anti-bullying and de-escalation techniques, which Lecce said will help to reduce instances of bullying and support victims. The government will also be reviewing the definition of bullying in its policies to ensure it captures all forms, including cyberbullying, and school boards will be asked to review their practices around the reporting of bullying incidents. The new initiatives are part of the $3.18 million the government has put toward promoting a positive school climate and addressing bullying and cyberbullying.
Shari-Ann Selvey says she's glad the province is taking steps to fight bullying in schools — she just wishes her son didn't need to die for the government to take the problem seriously.
She hopes to help make a difference and has started Devan's Legacy so that another innocent child will not be gone forever except to be just one more statistic ...
"I want parents who have faced this sense of darkness in their life to know that we are absolutely determined to learn from these examples," Lecce said.
"It can be tough, and for a lot of kids the sense of being alone or apart can wear down on you, but what I want them to know is this: that you are not alone and you don't deserve to be bullied. There are people out there that love you and care about you, just the way you are and one day you're going to see that your differences are a source of pride in this country."
As part of the provincial government's plan, educators will learn anti-bullying and de-escalation techniques, which Lecce said will help to reduce instances of bullying and support victims. The government will also be reviewing the definition of bullying in its policies to ensure it captures all forms, including cyberbullying, and school boards will be asked to review their practices around the reporting of bullying incidents. The new initiatives are part of the $3.18 million the government has put toward promoting a positive school climate and addressing bullying and cyberbullying.
Shari-Ann Selvey says she's glad the province is taking steps to fight bullying in schools — she just wishes her son didn't need to die for the government to take the problem seriously.
She hopes to help make a difference and has started Devan's Legacy so that another innocent child will not be gone forever except to be just one more statistic ...
