Bullying

Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and included—every day. This section is here to help students, families, and staff understand what bullying is, how to recognize it, and what to do when it happens.

We’re committed to creating learning environments where kindness is the norm and where concerns are taken seriously. If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, you’re not alone—and support is available.

Reporting Bullying

Please tell your child’s teacher, vice-principal or principal immediately. If reporting bullying to staff is uncomfortable, students can use the free and anonymous HWDSB Helps service to share a tip about bullying, mental health, substance use and more. Tips are sent to school staff. This is not a crisis line or counselling service. Click here to learn more.

  • Text 905-963-0066. Standard rates apply.
  • Download the HWDSB Helps app for iOS and Android.
  • Web chat

 

Responding to Allegations of Bullying

Step 1: Allegations of Bullying Behaviour Come Forward

  • Once allegations are made, principals will log the information before conducting a preliminary
  • Principals will contact the impacted student and/or family to learn more information. Here are examples of questions that might be asked:
    • Has your child mentioned anything about another student bothering them in recent weeks?
    • Has your child been hesitant to attend school?
    • Have you noticed a change from the way your child normally interacts with you?
    • Have you had any other concerns that have raised an awareness that something might be happening in your child’s daily interactions and life?
  • Principals will then outline what their investigation plan will be. This will include a plan for communication throughout the investigation process.

Step 2: Preliminary Investigation Outcomes

  • The incident requires further investigation, as it could lead to suspension or
  • The incident does not meet the threshold to be considered bullying, but could lead to:
    • Discussing with staff, students and families on possible strategies to support positive
    • Contacting all families involved to share outcomes of investigation and that while this does not yet meet the threshold for bullying behaviour, it is being addressed proactively and will be logged.
    • Contacting families to discuss classroom and school supports
  • That the incident does meet the threshold to be considered bullying, leading to further investigation

Step 3: Principal Investigation

  • Principal will investigate using information collected in the preliminary
  • This process will include interviewing anyone with knowledge of the situation, including the impacted student(s), student(s) of concern, witness(es), friend(s), staff member(s), and
  • Additional information, documents, items, or other evidence might also be collected at this time.

Step 4: After the Investigation

  • Principals will contact families of the impacted student and student of concern to share:
    • What happened and what harm was done to the
    • What steps were taken to protect the student’s safety, including any disciplinary measures taken in response to the incident.
  • What supports will be provided for the student in response to the incident.