Students to Discuss Bullying and Personal Rights

High school students will discuss bullying and personal student rights at a series of meetings across Nova Scotia later this month.

"Bullying is an issue that many students encounter at some point in their school life," said Kelsey Tonner, president of the Provincial Student Education Council. "The negative effects of bullying mean we all need to be informed and prepared to take action."

The council has organized six meetings for students in grades 10 to 12 to share ideas and opinions on bullying. In June, Education Minister Jane Purves requested that the council bring forth recommendations to help address school bullying.

"We want students to come to these sessions knowing that they'll be sharing their thoughts in a comfortable environment and with students only," said Mr. Tonner. "Since bullying and students' rights can be personal issues, all personal discussions will be kept between the individuals in group meetings."

Personal student rights refers to issues such as the use of security cameras in schools and implementation of dress codes. The council will submit a report on the discussions to Ms. Purves later this fall.

The council was formed last year to give high school students a direct way to share with government their concerns and ideas about public education. It is run by students and receives support from the Nova Scotia Youth Secretariat and the Department of Education.

Students are invited to attend any of the following sessions:

• Oct. 25, Liverpool Regional High School
• Oct. 26, Amherst High School
• Oct. 26, Strait Area Education and Recreation Centre, Port Hawkesbury
• Oct. 26, Central Kings Rural High School, Cambridge
• Oct. 26, Malcolm Munroe Memorial Junior High School, Sydney
• Oct. 26, Millwood High School, Lower Sackville

All sessions are held between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Requests for more information can be sent to ashleysmith@eastlink.ca .