During Pink Shirt Day 2020, School District 57 is reminding the public that a million dollars has been committed over the next three years to help address issues around bullying and mental health.
Cyber-bullying remains a major topic of conversation, with the BC government reporting that 14% of students in the province have experienced some form of online bullying.
“It can be very difficult: name-calling, racist comments, and people disrespecting people for their sexual orientation,” said Trustee Trent Derrick, Vice-Chair of the Board of Education
However, Derrick also acknowledged that some people may hold dismissive attitudes towards online bullying, saying: “don’t downplay other people’s feelings, just because something wouldn’t bother you doesn’t mean it won’t bother someone else.”
Derrick expressed concern that students may not be able to properly access help and receive support due to a combination of factors, including stigmatization and a lack of resources within public schools.
He hopes those concerns are addressed through ongoing projects, explaining that during the last budget over a million dollars was pledged over three years to develop supports throughout Prince George’s schools.
The Provincial Government offers online resources to minimize the impact of online bullying.
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