Bullying needs to end on P.E.I. Let’s pledge to build safe, welcoming environments where every child feels valued
No more excuses, no more bystanders! It’s time for Prince Edward Island to stop the bull and confront a hard truth: bullying remains a serious problem in our homes, neighbourhoods, and schools.
The latest COMPASS survey shows that 30% of PEI students report being bullied each year. This figure hasn’t budged over the last three years and sits 10-12% above the national average experienced by students elsewhere in Canada. Whether it’s verbal attacks, physical aggression, cyberbullying, or even sexual harassment, the reality is clear. Too many of our children still experience harm, exclusion, and intimidation in their daily lives.
Children’s well-being and ability to learn hinge or depend on decisions we make now.
MODEL RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOUR
The solution begins at home and continues in every classroom. As parents and caregivers, our responsibility is more than just reaction. We must model the respectful and kind behavior we wish to see in our children. We must foster open conversations about bullying and offer support when warning signs arise, like sudden anxiety, falling grades, missing clothes or reluctance to attend school.
Schools must also work at building resilience in our children, teaching them how to manage emotions and resolve conflict peacefully, inspired by proven approaches like those promoted by Brooks Gibbs. Supporting our kids to calmly stand up for themselves and their peers is not just a teaching strategy; it’s a future-building life skill we can all learn.
The P.E.I. Home and School Federation calls for ongoing vigilance and action from educators, staff, and families. Teachers should proactively recognize and address bullying, enforce anti-bullying policies, and partner with organizations like Bullying Canada for expert intervention and classroom guidance. Staff training and community workshops are crucial.
Let’s commit together not only to responding when bullying occurs but to creating safe, welcoming environments where every child feels valued and supported. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Our children’s well-being and mental health depend on the actions we take today. It is time for all of us to stop the bull once and for all.
HOME AND SCHOOL AGM
P.E.I.’s Home and School Federation’s April Annual General Meeting is dedicated to stopping the bull. We invite you to our general meeting: all parents, caregivers, teachers and staff at schools in the Public Schools Branch are members of the Home and School Federation. Let them know you want to attend our annual meeting. Each local may send up to five voting members but can sponsor as many as would like to attend.
If you want to learn more about ways to prevent bullying in your child’s school, start with the excellent resources on the websites of Brooks Gibbs or Bullying Canada and plan to attend the PEI Home and School Federation AGM in April.
The P.E.I. Home and School Federation is calling on all island school communities to spotlight excellence by nominating deserving staff for the Extra Mile Award 2026, recognizing outstanding commitment and contributions to students. The nomination deadline is Jan. 16.
Associations are also urged to submit resolutions for positive change in the P.E.I. school system ahead of the 2026 AGM & Convention, with resolutions due by Jan. 31. Key annual milestones include School Staff Appreciation Week (Feb. 8-14), where communities are encouraged to celebrate and thank school staff, and the submission of annual reports by association presidents by Feb. 28.
Additional reminders include key dates for Volunteer of the Year nominations (March 6), AGM registration (March 1), School Bus Driver of the Year nominations (May 8), and Parent Leadership Grant report deadlines (May 31), as well as the annual election of association officers in June.
December also marks International Volunteer Day on Dec. 5, acknowledging the vital role volunteers play in creating resilient and thriving communities locally and globally. Together we build better schools.
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David Schult, president of the P.E.I. Home and School Federation, lives in Charlottetown with his wife and two children, who attend UPEI and Colonel Gray High School.