Safe and Accepting Schools

The Ontario government is committed to a safe and inclusive school environment because we believe that safe schools are needed for student success and academic achievement. We are committed to providing all students with the supports they need to learn, grow and achieve.

See what people are saying about Ontario's anti-bullying plan

Accepting Schools

On November 30, 2011, the Ontario government introduced the Accepting Schools Act, which, if passed, will require all school boards to take preventative measures against bullying, consider tougher consequences for bullying, and support students who want to promote understanding and respect for all. The proposed legislation builds upon our Equity and Inclusive Education and Safe Schools Strategies that allow our children to learn in a safe and inclusive environment.

The proposed legislation is part of a comprehensive action plan to make our schools safer, more accepting places to learn. The plan also calls for:

• Bringing mental health support workers into schools — as part of Ontario's 10-year mental health and addictions strategy — and continued support for Kids Help Phone.
• The creation of an Accepting Schools Expert Panel to identify and help the ministry develop evidence-based resources/practices that focus on a whole school approach including prevention and early intervention.
• Direction to Ontario's Curriculum Council to report in 2012 on strengthening equity and inclusive education principles, and bullying prevention strategies across the curriculum and suggesting ways to support this learning in Ontario schools.
• A public awareness campaign, which will stress that all Ontarians have a role in preventing and ending bullying.

• Giving Bullied Students Hope
• Keeping Our Kids Safe at School Act (February 1, 2010)
• Ontario's Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy (2009)
• Making Ontario schools safer. Safe Schools Amendments (January 30, 2008)

Information for Parents on Safe Schools

There is a wide range of materials developed specifically for parents, including an overview of Ontario's approach to discipline, information on bullying prevention and new requirements for responding and reporting. Learn more.

Premier's Safe Schools Awards

Congratulations to the 2010/11 Premier's Safe Schools Awards recipients. This award recognizes exceptional and innovative work done by the safe schools teams to create a safe and inclusive school environment.

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week

Learn more about Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week