Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week: November 17-23, 2024
Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week is an annual event that raises awareness among students and staff about bullying and its impact on individuals and the broader learning environment. While CDSBEO schools engage in bullying awareness and prevention throughout the year, this week serves as a valuable opportunity to emphasize the importance of creating a safer learning space for all students.
Daily Activities
During Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, students participate in various activities designed to foster understanding, respect, and empathy:
- Each day begins with prayers focusing on all aspects of bullying, promoting a reflective and inclusive environment.
- Resources provided by ECNO cover topics like cyber security, privacy, cyber respect, online kindness, and cyber safety, tailored for different grade levels.
- TVO Kids offers three engaging videos to help children understand and respond to bullying effectively.
Focus on T.H.I.N.K.
This year’s program emphasizes the T.H.I.N.K. acronym, encouraging students to consider:
- True – Is it true?
- Helpful – Is it helpful?
- Inclusive – Is it inclusive?
- Necessary – Is it necessary?
- Kind – Is it kind?
Elementary and Secondary Resources
For elementary students, storybooks and videos will focus on themes of kindness, acceptance, and how to respond to bullying. Media Smarts provides a range of resources and interactive activities on cyberbullying and cybersafety, with special lessons targeting Grades 5-12.
Mental Health Support
The CDSBEO’s Mental Health Team will support students through various activities aimed at raising anti-bullying awareness and promoting positive relationships. These activities are designed according to developmental levels to ensure they are age-appropriate and impactful.
Providing caring, safe, and supportive learning environments is at the heart of all the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario’s efforts to promote student achievement, well-being, and success.