Every Ontario student has the right to feel safe and be safe when they go to school.

As part of its efforts to make schools even safer, Ontario is today introducing new legislation that would require school staff to report serious student incidents, such as bullying, to the principal. It would also require that principals contact the parents of the victims.

If passed, Ontario would be the first province in Canada with legislation of this kind; making schools even safer and leading the way for its students to succeed.

If passed, this legislation would also:

• Address reporting gaps between principals, teachers and parents about serious student incidents that could lead to suspension or expulsion.
• Ensure parents are kept informed and principals are aware of serious incidents in the school so they can respond appropriately.
• Require school staff to intervene and address inappropriate, disrespectful behaviour among students.

This builds on Ontario’s safe schools strategy and is part of a comprehensive response to the recent Safe Schools Action Team report. The report calls for action to address serious issues like gender-based violence, homophobia, sexual harassment and inappropriate sexual behaviour among students.

The Education Act explains when suspension and expulsion must be considered. If passed, the legislation would require school staff to report these activities to the principal.

Read the Safe School Action Team’s latest report: Shaping a Culture of Respect in Our Schools: Promoting Safe and Healthy Relationships.

Find out what else Ontario is doing to help make schools safer.