First violence and bullying prevention week kicks off in Quebec schools

As concerns over bullying in Quebec classrooms persist, Monday marked the start of the first-ever province-wide Violence and Bullying Prevention Week in schools.

The Quebec Education Ministry says their theme is “Strengthening Respect and Citizenship in Our Schools” and that it’s vital to open a dialogue on various forms of violence.

“We need to talk about it. I think we need to have partners around the table. And I think the parents are a key stakeholder in this entire conversation,” said Katherine Korakakis, president of the English Parents’ Committee Association.

“Our society in Quebec is hurting. It’s very evident to me that what you see in schools is a reflection of what’s going on societally.”

RELATED: Bullying and school violence prevention week set to take place next month in Quebec

The week starts with an awareness video being shown in schools to show young people the impact of their actions.

Montreal parents Korakakis and Svetlana Chernienko say having these conversations is crucial.

“When our children are bullied, they are affected severely. My children were affected very severely to the point of having to go through therapy. This does create PTSD,” said Chernienko, who is a human rights advocate.

Korakakis adds, “It’s very important that parents take this opportunity. It’s going to be discussed in school, but to bring it at home and talk about ‘What does kindness look like? What does empathy look like? What does inclusion look like?’”

Varying from school to school, workshops, educational podcasts, and information sessions will take place around bullying and violence.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to have these workshops because they’ll be able to learn. They’ll be able to get educated by people who are professionals, when it comes to being bullied or being a bully. I think this is a time for kids to be able to get together and learn things and even bring it home to their parents and show what they’ve learned and what they’ve discussed,” said Chernienko.

In the National Student Ombudsman’s first annual report, over 20 per cent of complaints in school relate to violence or intimidation.

In Oct. 2023, a School Violence and Bullying Prevention Plan was launched by the Minister of Education. That plan has already seen several updates including training for staff and students, and intervention teams.

The English Parents’ Committee Association says they welcome “the implementation of new protective measures, including the obligation for school boards to adopt a code of ethics, enhanced screening for individuals working with students, and the introduction of a standardized anti-bullying and violence prevention plan.”

“These are children, these are people that are going to be scarred or that are going to have an experience and perhaps it’s going to let them get them to leave school. Education is a right and it should be a place that you go to and feel safe in,” said Korakakis.

“As parents, we must take an active role in fostering a culture of respect and inclusion within our schools and communities. This week provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations with our children about kindness, empathy, and standing up against bullying. We encourage parents to explore the resources available and to engage in discussions that promote positive behaviours both in and out of school.”

Chernienko says her and her children’s experience with bullying have resulted in lasting impacts, and that efforts like this should be made in every school across Canada.

“The fact that now they’re finally starting to see the effects of bullying is equaling such severe violence and they’re taking it very seriously. I think that this is an amazing step forward,” said Chernienko.