Verbal bullying includes name calling, insults, threats or slurs; disrespectful, demeaning or untrue statements about individuals, their friends or family; and spreading of rumours or personal information.
Bullying Prevention
We are committed to providing safe, caring and restorative schools to support student learning, achievement and wellbeing. Bullying is a serious issue and one that is never acceptable. At KPR, we actively promote the prevention of all forms of bullying.
Report Bullying
If you, your child or teen have been bullied, or have witnessed bullying, we want to know about it. Please report all incidents of bullying as soon as possible.
Contact your school principal or report the issue using KPR's online Report IT! tool. Please include as much detail as possible, so that we can respond as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. If you or your child or teen is in immediate danger, call 911.
What is Bullying?
- Bullying is a deliberate act.
- There is an intent to harm.
- It is persistent over time.
- There is an imbalance of power.
Where bullying is based on race, gender, creed, sexual orientation or other factors identified in the Ontario Human Rights Code, it is a form of discrimination.
“Bullying is typically a form of repeated, persistent, aggressive behaviour that is directed at an individual/s that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear, distress and/or harm to another person's body, feelings, self-esteem, or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context when there is real or perceived power imbalance.” – The Ontario Ministry of Education
Types of Bullying
Physical bullying includes pushing, tripping, restraining, spitting, hitting, blocking the path of another person, not allowing an individual to walk or sit in certain areas, and theft of money or possessions.
Social bullying involves excluding an individual from activities or information, or agreeing with others to shut out or alienate one individual. It often includes forms of verbal and physical bullying, in that it can involve spreading rumours to alienate the individual, or even threatening friends into ending the relationship - sometimes to the point of having them join in the bullying.
Cyber-bullying involves posting or sending harmful or cruel messages or images using the Internet, cell phones or other communications devices. It involves deliberate, repeated actions that are meant to harass, frighten, embarrass or harm someone. Examples of cyber-bullying include:
- Spreading rumours online
- Posting embarrassing or inappropriate photos online
- Sending offensive text messages
- Impersonating another person online and posting content as that person
- Communicating inappropriate material electronically to others
Prevention of Cyber-Bullying and How to Respond:
- Place computers with Internet access in a common space.
- Talk about all forms of bullying with your child (verbal, physical, social, cyber)
- Do not respond to bullying messages or images.
- Keep copies of the messages/images to help identify the bully and for evidence.
- Inform Internet Service Provider (ISP) or cell phone company of abuse.
- Get a new account or number and only give it out one person at a time to help determine who the bully is.
- Contact the school, if the bully is a schoolmate.
- Contact the police, if the bullying escalates.
To learn more about cyber-bullying and to access additional resources, visit cyberbullying.ca
Contact Us
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
1994 Fisher Drive
Peterborough, ON K9J 6X6
Phone: 705-742-9773
Toll Free: 1-877-741-4577
Fax: 705-742-7801
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