We ask for your support on the following topic of Bullying and Violence at the Elementary School levels. This is deeply concerning as these children have not even reached high school, where it is too late for re-correction.

The violence we see directly in our communities with troubled teenagers is a direct reflection of what is NOT being properly addressed at the Elementary School level. This is the root and where we need change.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT & FOR OUR VOICES TO BE HEARD

By signing this petition you are helping children who are victims of bullying and violence in the Elementary school system. You are also supporting our suggestions and required response to a solution to help rehabilitate those children who are the cause and their families.

Our future and our children's future depends on it.

I share my personal story in the letter below. Which will be sent to everyone from our School Principal to our Education Minister and EVERYONE in between, until we hear a response and solution that makes sense. Along with supporting letters from other parents and offered solutions that we believe can make a change.

 

Please share this petition with anyone you know who will support our children and cause. We thank you. Please see the letter below....

 

BULLYING & VIOLENCE PARENT LETTER OF CONCERN

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to state my concerns of safety for my children and other children at the Elementary School level. And the lack of consequences for children who bully and cause violence. 

I am not writing a complaint in regards to our Principal. Nor is she part of this letter. I am happy with our school and the efforts she makes to resolve situations. At the same time, I do have a HUGE problem with the consequences received for those children who bully and bring violence into the school. From my observation and understanding, the Principal can only provide consequences within the limits of the Toronto District School Board rules and regulations.

I have talked with our Principal many times over numerous matters and I trust she is doing her best. But I continually hear a recurring message, “my hands are tied” to many situations I personally had to face with my children being victims of bullying and violence. And so I am taking it upon myself to raise concern to you and every person I possibly can until I receive a valid reason and solution that makes sense.

After a recent incident at our school which resulted in physical assault I cannot keep my voice quiet any longer. I have full support from the parents regarding this recent incident as I write this to you. Please see Supporting Parent Letter Below.

There has been one child who has bullied my children for 5 years (on and off) causing emotional stress and fear of being attacked. Due to the lack of consequences, this child continues to terrorize other children, which resulted in the recent physical attack on another child.

I am absolutely disgusted by the lack of consequences children receive in regards to bullying and bringing weapons into the Elementary school system, which I will address later in this letter.

Both my Son and Daughter have been victims of bullying by this child for years. These instances have happened while in school and extend outside of school on social media. Each time this child gets a day or two suspension and then she is back in class to continue the terrorizing.

Both my children have called me scared, asking me to pick them up because this child threatens to bring her siblings after school to fight my children and others. My daughter has called me (more than once) faking sick at school because of the bullying from this child.

Bullying extends outside of school hours into social media, which SHOULD be accounted for within the school system. Regardless if it is after school hours. Numerous fake accounts have been made in my child's name, body shaming, terrorizing, condemning and creating lies.

And my child is NOT the only victim with this particular bully at their school. Please see Supporting Parent Letter Below.

Nothing has been done about it and the school says their hands are tied. So I am writing to you in hopes that you will awaken to what is really happening. With the intention to have change to correct this incredibly wrong behavior that is destroying children mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Don’t you want that too? How does it stop when there is absolutely ZERO remorse because there are ZERO consequences. Or the consequences are so weak that the child just laughs about it.

Do you hear what I’m saying? These children who are bullies, don’t care because there are no consequences. Only a slap on the wrist and they are sent back to class. They think it’s a joke and continue to terrorize other children. And they post it boastfully on social media with ZERO remorse.

If you are not hearing me, PLEASE HEAR THIS in regards to my son...

This school year, my son was threatened by 2 boys at school. One had a knife and the other had the sharp part of a protractor as a weapon. These kids believed they were in a gang (DOC and DOAC), which they learned from UK drill music. They called my son their opposition, they tried to lure him to the baseball diamond after school, and one of the children stabbed my son with the protractor.

I’m not sure if you are truly understanding the pain a Mother feels, helpless over their child at school. Unable to sleep at night knowing that the TDSB is NOT doing enough to correct this problem.

The boys were suspended for 5 days? On the day they come back into class, my son heard them say “There’s that nigger snitch”. That is a DIRECT sign that there is no remorse and an opportunity for retaliation. That terrifies me as a mother and that is deeply concerning.

When I ask the Principle, “why only a one week suspension?” I am told, “my hands are tied, the TDSB School Board wants them back in class.”

When I asked to speak with the other parents, I was told that cannot happen. I was literally told that I cannot receive any information because it is confidential?

So let me get this straight. A child brings a weapon to school, threatens my son, then actually stabs my son and they get a 5 day suspension because the children need an education?

I agree all children need an education. One major question to you is, why is the Toronto District School Board not utilizing the Online Schooling that has been tried and tested since Covid to keep troubled children educated. To prevent them from causing harm to other children who are contributing in a positive way to their school and peers. While you actually help these children AND their parents to be better and do better?

Please do not turn a blind eye to this matter.

It’s deeply concerning. When I ask our Principle if she checks the children’s bags for weapons when they return to school and she tells me, “I can’t”.

So I will ask you, just as I asked our Principal…

My son who has his head straight, respectful, honorable, a leader with goals and vision might be fully stabbed one day. With a possibility of ending his life all because there are weak consequences, no rehabilitation, no bag checks after being physically caught with a knife. What will you tell me then?

The point is, why are these children getting a slap on the wrist and sent back to school to terrorize other children who ARE striving to be the best they can be?

Why does my child have to fear going to school? Why do parents have to feel overwhelmed, uneasy and terrified sending their children to school? What are you going to do to correct this problem?

Are you not concerned with the amount of children selling drugs and getting involved with guns on our streets? Do you understand that it’s too late in highschool to correct this problem? There needs to be correction at the Elementary level. Please see Supporting Parent Letter Below.

Do you think wearing a Pink t-shirt is going to solve the problem? No disrespect, but it extends beyond the symbolism of the Pink t-shirt. Especially when there are not strong enough consequences or direct help for these children and families. It’s a contradiction.

There should be more extensive educational programs in place to help troubled children AND their parents because behavior stems from within the home. That is the truth.

Myself and the supporting parents would be interested to meet in person to talk further on this matter and discuss how to create progressive solutions to correct this deeply concerning matter.

We look forward to hear back from you,

With great concern,

Tracy Leila

 

SUPPORTING PARENTS & PERSONAL LETTERS BELOW

. . .

On April 12th, 2024; my 12 year old son came home in tears because a fellow student in his class physically assaulted him in front of his peers. The grade seven/eight class were playing a game initiated by the aggressor and when the results did not please her, she resorted to physical abuse and continued to provoke my son as he declined the invitation to fight. Even though the student was suspended from school, she proceeded to go online and brag about the assault she committed. The lack of empathy displayed and continued violence online was very disturbing. I asked for a meeting with the student and the parent upon the return to school from suspension. The invitation was declined by the parent and no communication has taken place as parents. When the student returned back to school, she gave an insincere apology and continued with her uncooperative behavior. During this time, I have heard many incidents involving this particular student which lead me to ask the questions “why does she continue to break the rules with no effective consequences, where are her parents to answer to the families the student continues to torment, what are the core issues the student is dealing with?”

I am writing in support of children who have been or are currently being bullied; for the staff who need support from the board and for the frustrated parents. Body shaming, isolating students, issuing threats online and in person and violence, have been some of her behaviors. My grievance is the perpetual behavior without effective consequence. She continues to re-offend because she knows there will be no correction. The fact that I could not voice my thoughts to her as a student or to her parents is frustrating. The fact that she is allowed to continue to disturb the peace in the class and distract the teachers from doing their job is ridiculous. I am not just complaining but would like to offer solutions for resolve around an issue that is greater than the student. The price we pay as a community is too high if we continue to ignore the deep rooted issues in our families. Violence, jail, death, lost opportunity, broken leaders are just a few unfortunate outcomes. As the Toronto District School Board states, its mission is to “ enable all students to reach high levels of achievement and to acquire the knowledge, skills and values they need to become responsible members of a democratic society.” Please help us (parents)  see this vision come to fruition. Every child deserves this opportunity. How do we incorporate all students in order for everyone to feel safe and heard? As a parent, I seek to influence change on a system that may need to be re-evaluated as times change, the needs of our families change as well.

Sincerely, Supporting Parent

 

. . .

I am writing this letter to address the issue of bullying affecting children in elementary schools, sharing insights through a personal anecdote, and proposing potential support and resolution strategies for this ongoing concern.

The current disciplinary measures in place for addressing bullying in schools are not always effective in deterring such behavior. It is concerning that children who engage in bullying often face minimal consequences, such as suspension, leading to a cycle of behavior that can escalate over time. This lack of intervention can ultimately harm both the individuals involved and the broader school environment. This pattern may lead to continued incidents of bullying and potentially set these children up for challenges in the future, such as facing expulsion in high school due to zero-tolerance policies.

On a personal note, I tragically lost my son on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, in a situation unrelated to bullying but highlighting the grave consequences of unchecked behavior and disregard for the well-being of others. At 17 years old, my son confronted a group of individuals smoking and creating disturbances in our building. Despite his attempt to address the situation peacefully, it escalated into a violent altercation that resulted in his untimely death. This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of instilling values of respect, empathy, and accountability in our youth at a young age to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

I urge all stakeholders involved in addressing bullying in schools to consider implementing comprehensive strategies that not only address the immediate behaviors but also foster a culture of understanding, compassion, and responsibility among students. By working together, we can create safer and more inclusive environments for children to thrive and grow into responsible members of society.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely, Supporting Parent

 

. . .

I'm a single mother of two boys, aged thirteen and four years old. Both my children are enrolled in a French Immersion Program at a school under the Toronto District School Board. My eldest son has been attending the same school since junior kindergarten. He's smart, kind, giving, creative and well-liked by many students and staff. My son always looked forward to attending school, but his excitement changed when he began grade four.

When the pandemic occurred, my son was in grade four and that's when the name calling began. My son was shamed for the type of hair he had and the clothing he'd wear. Students made fun of how he talked because of his lisp, and he required speech therapy. He was called a loser and an orphan when students realized he had an absent father. The name calling affected him so much that he developed anxiety around reading out loud in class and doing presentations. This continued until grade 5. The bullying got worse when he started grade six and social media was a major factor. The name-calling continued at school and then online. The individuals bullying him would use vulgar language and call him "gay", "loser", "short s*it", "unwanted" and so much more. The students that bullied him started talking about his family members, his pictures were taken and reposted with vulgar words and music calling him "weak", "snitch" etc.

My son gained some weight over the years due to a medical condition. Unfortunately, he was body shamed daily,  and he was told that his body resembled some of the females in the school. Consequently, my son started to focus on his body more, he spoke negatively about himself, hid his weight by wearing bigger clothing, stopped participating in sports, and he became depressed / isolated. My son started seeing the school counselor as well as a counselor outside of the school for mental and emotional support. I had to intervene both in person and online with some of the interactions he had with students, but unfortunately the behavior continues. As a parent, it broke my heart seeing his self-esteem and self-love diminish. It was hard seeing a healthy and handsome young boy be embarrassed about his body and ashamed of unique differences. 

I brought my concerns to the school and have had numerous discussions with the principal and teachers. I was heard and given support along with resources to help, but I don't feel like the bullying issue has been completely addressed or fully resolved. I've seen students involved in bullying be suspended and return to school with no consequences. They were still able to attend school events, participate and join sports teams etc. which is unacceptable.

The TDSB needs more staff, mentors and role models present in the schools. Positive examples of individuals that the children can look up to and follow. There should be classes that focus on self-development, self-esteem, conflict resolution, socialization, respect, and proper use of social media. Children should look forward to attending school and feel safe doing so.

I'm writing this letter to advocate for changes to the curriculum and for more in person as well as hands on support when serious issues like this arise. If you have any questions or require additional information, please reach out to me directly. Thank you for your time. 

Regards, Supporting Parent

 

. . .

I am a mother of two. Both of my children have been victims of bullying on multiple occasions throughout the years. As parents, we have always assured school staff that we are there to not only support our children but also support their appreciated efforts. 

This being said, my children have followed the “chain of command” when it has come to any issues. First, you walk away from the bully. Second, you tell the person you don’t like what is happening. Third, you tell the teacher. Fourth, you go to the office. 

My oldest was in kindergarten and was coming home with bruises and not saying anything about them even when I asked. He came home one day with a bruised eye and scratches. Once returning to the school I was told that unfortunately all the school can do is talk to the student and the parents again. The same issues kept happening with the same “resolutions”, if they can be called that. The school year ended and nothing had changed. He then started to be bullied and body shamed for years by the same student. My oldest would call me saying he wasn’t well or that he got hurt just to come home. He wanted to come home everyday for lunch and not want to be out “in the wild” of recesses. Every single time something happened it was the same; “we will speak to ‘student’ again.” I was told that they tried talking to the parents and the child and there wasn't anymore they could do except continue on that path. 

Years passed and this same student was picking on my oldest and punched him 3 times. My son, to protect himself, punched the kid back once. I was called to the school and told what had happened. I was told that my son needed to have an in school suspension because it is a no tolerance environment. 

At what point is it no tolerance? When the victim of the bullying has no choice but to defend themselves because no one else at the school is willing or able to.  

A year or two ago my youngest started calling me a lot saying he wasn’t feeling well or that he had gotten hurt. I saw the patterns happening again. He confided in me that he was being bullied along with other children by a classmate. Chain of commands was followed again with no prevail. At one point the teacher started to get emotional because she didn’t know how else to prevent these ongoing issues. 

The bullying continued. My youngest came home with ripped clothing or wet shoes from the bully pulling them in the toilet. 

I went to the principals multiple times and she told me on many occasions that she has done all that she could do and that her hands were tied beyond what she had already done. 

I was waiting to drop my son off for the day and this child obviously didn’t realize I am his mother. Started to pick on him and call him names. 

Side note: There is a line from the movie, Enough, the quotes “You have a divine animal right to protect your own life and your offspring.” This quote came to mind.

I corrected the bullies' behavior. I later took myself to the office and told the principal myself that I had had a word with the bully. She informed me that it wasn’t proper procedure but was understanding. 

There are many other instances similar to this. I’m sure I could write a novel. 

The public school that my children attend/attended has a rotating door of principals. I believe one year we had at least 6 different principles. All saying the same thing about there is only so much they can do. 

I assure you that my children and myself, along with many others, do not have the confidence that the TDSB is willing to actually make a stand against bullying and protect the victims.

The no tolerance and pink shirt day is, quite frankly, a publicity stunt bandaid and a joke. I have observed some of the worst bullies wear the brightest pink shirts and make fun of others that aren’t up to their standards. 

Not being a bully is basic human decency. If they cannot act accordingly in class or during school hours then maybe it should be considered to continue their education asynchronously. If home life is the problem then where is the support for both parent and student?

I urge you to be honest. The no tolerance policy is only if the victim stands up for themselves. There is all the tolerance in the world for the perpetrator but none and no support for the victim. You won’t fail them so as to not hurt their confidence but what do you think dismissing their ill treatment does?

The TDSB needs a better way of supporting the teaching staff, administrative staff and principles. They are your front line workers and if their hands are tied then how do you expect them to help mold the future. 

It might do some good if the executives are the ones to teach in classrooms for a month to really experience the real world of our education system. 

I write this in hopes of working together to make bigger and better changes for the betterment of our children and education as a whole. 

Sincerely, 

A very concerned parent

 

 

WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR…

1) Stronger Consequences. Children who cause bullying and violence only receive a couple day suspension and then they are back in class. Repeating their behavior. How many times do you get a suspension before there is expulsion at the Elementary level? There is none. This is part of the problem.

We ask that you listen to the Principal and Teacher’s needs for the adequate time, programs and assistance they require to create resolution to bullying and violence in their schools. They are the ones who are in the trenches of daily life in TDSB schools. 

2) Specialized Online Learning & Rehabilitation Program for children who bully or cause violence in schools. To ensure troubled children continue to receive an education. Yet are away from the children who are victims and children who are NOT the cause.

3) A Mediated Community Circle for the Parents, Children and Principle affected and involved in bullying/violence situations at school. Nothing can be resolved if no one can have a voice. Through open and respectful communication and discussion we create opportunities for resolution.

4) A program designed to help children and their families together who are involved in bullying and violent acts at school. There is no progress in rehabilitating children if their home life is unhealthy. As we know children are very impressionable, to help the children we must also help the parents and/or parental figures in these children’s lives.

 

Please support our children and future by signing this petition.