E.R.A.S.E Bullying

Approaching the conversation can be difficult. Here are some steps to consider:

• Identify the nature of the incident with your child and openly discuss it with them so you fully understand what has been happening, and who has been involved. Write down what happened and how your child felt.
• Set up a meeting with your child’s teacher, principal or school counsellor and give them the details of the incident. Use your detailed report as a guide to your conversation. Ask them what their policies are for dealing with bullying and inappropriate behaviour and find out how they are going to address the incident and when. Here are some questions:
  • How can we work together to stop my child from being bullied?
  • What steps will you take to investigate the bullying?
  • What type of disciplinary action would you consider appropriate?
  • What can I expect in terms of follow up and resolution?
  • What policies do you have in place that support children like mine, and discourage bullying and other violent behaviour?
• Allow the school to investigate the incident and notify the parents of the students involved, if this hasn’t already been done. The school will determine appropriate disciplinary action, if required, and will come up with an intervention plan to support the children or youth involved.
• Parents should stay connected and check to see if the situation has improved. As a parent, you can expect action and support from your school. Ask to be kept in the loop on progress and action, and involved in conversations about support for your child.
• If you don’t feel the school is taking your report of bullying seriously, you can report it to school district staff (e.g. Safe School Coordinators, Assistant Superintendents, Superintendents) or board of education.