The Waterloo Region District School Board has created an additional avenue for students to report bullying.
The newly created Anonymous Bullying Reporting Tool allows students to report safety concerns related to bullying for themselves or on behalf of another student.
It’s part of the public board’s continued effort to create safe spaces for everyone.
“Student safety is paramount,” a WRDSB spokesperson told CambridgeToday.
“We want to provide students with the tools and resources available to report these types of situations. Students who feel welcomed, supported and represented are students who will have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The board reiterates that the tool is not meant to replace existing measures as students are still encouraged to report any situation to their guidance counsellor, coach, principal, vice-principal or any other trusted adult in the school for help.
In order to maximize the effectiveness of the anonymous tool, students who use it are asked to report as much information as possible so an investigation can take place, the board says.
Information obtained through the tool is forwarded to the school administrator for awareness and appropriate follow-up.
When comparing WRDSB year to date data, elementary school suspensions decreased by 124 from Dec. 2022 compared to 2021, dropping from 462 to 338. Secondary school suspensions increased by 30 in the same time frame, going from 655 to 685.
“All reports of bullying incidents will be reviewed with appropriate action taken, regardless of the method of reporting,” the board said.
“The purpose of the Anonymous Bullying Reporting Tool is to provide another pathway for students to report safety concerns related to bullying for themselves or on behalf of another student. Understanding interpersonal dynamics assists in creating lasting changes in behaviour.”
For more information and to access the Anonymous Bullying Reporting Tool visit wrdsb.ca.
