Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I, too, rise to speak on bullying or, as Mr. Dolynny’s new word, bullyology. I would like to say a special welcome to all the students in the gallery here today. I just want to say that I, too, have a phrase or words as well. I like to call it Bully No More. This is the cry from this Legislature today and it’s supported by all our MLAs, Ministers, students and all our constituents.
I would agree that this is a people’s movement or constituents’ movement to have safe schools and safe students. As I speak to parents in my constituency of Fort Simpson and the small communities about bullying, they feel that nothing, or hardly anything is being done and there is no punishment for the offender.
For example, recently, within the past two days I was contacted by a parent who was very upset because there was a boy in her daughter’s class who poked her in the eye with a pencil. I’m so happy there was no physical damage done at all. The mother advised her daughter that the next time that happens to yell loudly, stop bullying, but her daughter said, but we’re not allowed to yell in school. The mother replied, I don’t mind you breaking a school rule as long as you stand up for yourself and stand up for other people. I’ll give you that permission, she said. This same boy bullies other girls in that school and only gets a few recesses taken away. Bullying has to be dealt with.
Also, some parents have advised me that they actually keep their kids at home for home schooling so that their children are safe. We need schools that are safe for our children to learn freely. We as MLAs have to come up with solutions by working to find ways to make sure that people are not allowed to hurt others in school. That is not acceptable to behave as a bully. Those days are long gone. I say, bully no more.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Nadli.
