Ontario school board surveys families after student death

The Limestone District School Board is launching a comprehensive review of school safety measures, prompted by the recent death of a student at Bath Public School. This review includes an anonymous survey for families to share their experiences with bullying and school climate.

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We’re trying to capture information directly from students to make sure we’re doing the best we can… to mitigate or minimize any kinds of bullying situations in schools.

Krishna Burra, the board's director of education, emphasized the survey's goal: to gather direct input from students and families to "make sure we're doing the best we can… to mitigate or minimize any kinds of bullying situations in schools." Burra acknowledged the review's timing but stressed that bullying is a pervasive issue extending beyond any single incident.

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This has been a very challenging spring for us. We can always try to do better in terms of making sure that students are feeling safe in the schools that they’re attending.

Dr. Wendy Craig, a psychology professor at Queen's University leading the review, noted that while cyberbullying is increasing, the fundamental behaviors driving bullying remain consistent. She explained that online harassment can be particularly damaging due to its 24/7 nature. The review process will involve analyzing years of school climate data, new feedback, and existing policies and supports. Educators, staff, and families will have further opportunities to provide input before recommendations are finalized in the fall.

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Cyberbullying is on the increase, physical bullying is on decrease. ... a constant repeated experience