Cyberbullying Task Force Releases Report

The province welcomes the report of the cyberbullying task force, released today, March 22, and will work with partners to identify first priorities to help keep kids safe.

Cyberbullying Task Force chair Wayne MacKay, professor at Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University, released the paper titled Respectful and Responsible Relationships: There's No App for That, The Report of the Nova Scotia Task Force on Bullying and Cyberbullying.

"Bullying is a major social issue throughout the world and is one of the symptoms of a deeper problem in our society -- the deterioration of respectful and responsible human relations," said Mr. MacKay. "The magnitude of the problem is daunting and there are no simple solutions on the horizon. There are, however, some effective strategies.

"The theme throughout the report is to expose bullying as a behaviour that, to use common parlance, is definitely not cool."

The 100-page report and its extensive appendices cover topics such as:

• the scope and consequences of bullying and cyberbullying
• partnering, networking and continued dialogue
• definitions
• law and policy
• interventions and proactive measures
• educating diverse audiences
• accountability and responsibility structures

"For too long, young people have been victims of bullying, and now cyberbullying," said Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "We heard from parents, students, teachers, and Nova Scotians who told us that this is a serious issue with serious consequences that must be dealt with. This government agrees, and we are committed to working with our partners to keep our kids safe.

"I would like to thank professor MacKay, the Cyberbullying Task Force and Working Group, and all of their partners for working hard to analyze the scope and prevalence of bullying and cyberbullying in our communities, and for offering possible solutions to keep our children safe from harm. I also want to thank everyone who participated in meetings, or provided input in other ways."

Acting on the issue of cyberbullying in partnership with the community, parents and students is part of Kids and Learning First. Kids and Learning First is the province's education plan to help every student succeed.

To view the report, visit cyberbullying.novascotia.ca . Nova Scotians are welcome to provide feedback by sending an e-mail to cyberbullying@gov.ns.ca .