Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1484703
Parents' Handbook 2022– 2023 37 - the nature of any disciplinary measures taken in response to the activity; and, - the supports that will be provided to the student in response to their engagement in the activity. In some serious incidents, such as incidents of criminal activity, TFS may be required to immediately contact police. When notifying parents of these incidents, the leadership team member must invite parents to have a discussion with the student about the supports that will be provided for their child. What are the consequences for a student-bully? Once the investigation has concluded, and facts have been established and witness statements recorded, as possible, TFS may impose disciplinary measures based on the severity and frequency of the situation, in compliance with the TFS Code of Conduct and Progressive Discipline policy. In cooperation with the perpetrator's parents, TFS will generally make recommendations and provide supports aimed at helping the student to understand that the actions were not acceptable, and to develop appropriate social and personal behaviours. These recommendations, supports, and the timing of their implementation may be reviewed and adjusted according to the student's age, attitude, receptiveness to the interventions, and the degree of cooperation and behaviours exhibited throughout the restorative process. If, at any point, improvement of behaviour is deemed insufficient, other measures, i.e., a request to the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) for outside counselling, will be implemented by TFS. How does a parent/a legal guardian know if their child is a target of bullying? Your child may tell you that inappropriate behaviour including bullying is occurring. Try to determine if you are dealing with either an issue of bullying or with an isolated incident of aggressive and/or confrontational behaviour. Both situations need to be addressed, but in different ways. In either case, please make sure that a member of the leadership team is made aware of any serious incident right away. Often students worry that reporting bullying can make the situation worse. Victims of bullying may feel ashamed and afraid to come forward, even to their parents/legal guardians. Students who are bullied may refuse to go to school, may be overly emotional, and/or fall sick on school days. They may suddenly begin to "lose" personal items, come home with broken possessions, and/ or offer illogical explanations for being late or absent from classes. How can a parent/legal guardian support their child after having been bullied? TFS is a partner at all stages of the process with the student and parents/guardians in supporting the student in the development of appropriate behaviour. Taking action reduces the feelings of helplessness and builds strength in the individual who has been the target of bullying. - Listen to your child and explain that they are not to be blamed for the incident and another student's behaviour. - Clarify the facts as much as possible and record comments and observations about the events that have been described. - Reassure your child that there is a difference between "tattling" or "snitching" and "reporting an incident"; that is, reporting is not done to cause trouble to another student, but rather to protect all students. - Schedule an appointment to discuss your child's feelings and behaviour with a member of TFS' staff. It is important to support the student in regaining self-confidence.