Released on November 26, 2013
Government Moves on Recommendations in Saskatchewan’s Action Plan to Address Bullying and Cyberbullying
Today, Education Minister Don Morgan and Legislative Secretary Jennifer Campeau joined nearly 100 youth from across the province at the first annual Student First Anti-Bullying Forum. The purpose of the forum is to hear from students about some of the challenges they face and engage them in finding solutions to help ensure young people are acting appropriately and responsibly in our schools, communities and online.
“We know that young people are the most affected by bullying and we need their input as we work to address bullying,” Morgan said. “We take this issue very seriously.”
The forum is the first recommendation to be implemented from Saskatchewan’s Action Plan to Address Bullying and Cyberbullying released earlier this month. Youth were nominated by school divisions, Métis Nation - Saskatchewan, Avenue Community Centre in Saskatoon and Luther College High School to participate in the forum.
“We need to continue to engage young people in conversation and solution building to ensure the actions taken have a positive impact in their lives,” Campeau said. “The forum will provide youth with valuable leadership skills and experiences to become role models for their younger peers and will inspire confidence to make change in their local communities.”
Dr. Alec Couros from the University of Regina is facilitating the day, and will speak to youth about appropriate and responsible online behaviour to learn, collaborate and communicate. Kevan McBeth with Sasktel’s “I Am Stronger” campaign and Curtis “Unkle” Adams will also take part in the forum.
“It is, without any exaggeration, an honour to be chosen to participate in this public forum on the subject of bullying,” Vanier Collegiate in Moose Jaw Grade twelve student Ruben Deason said. “This opportunity to speak and share our views and opinions on such a vital topic is essential, and public forums like this one will lead the way to great strides forward.”
Student First Advisors Russ Mirasty and Patricia Prowse will also be attending the forum to hear about some of the challenges that youth face due to bullying and cyberbullying, as part of their work in consulting with students, teachers and parents on how the education system can be improved by putting the Student First.
For more information on anti-bullying and to view Saskatchewan’s Action Plan to Address Bullying and Cyberbullying visit www.education.gov.sk.ca/Anti-Bullying.
For more information on the “I Am Stronger Campaign” visit http://iamstronger.ca/.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-7506