The passage of the Accepting Schools Act will make every school safer while ensuring all students have the support they need to grow and reach their full potential.

The Act creates legal obligations for school boards and schools to prevent bullying, issue tougher consequences for bullying, and support students who want to promote understanding and respect for all. When it comes into effect this fall, it will require boards and schools to:

• Develop a bullying prevention and intervention plan with the school community and make it available to the public

• Investigate any reported incident of bullying 

• Provide supports for students who have been bullied, who have witnessed bullying and who have engaged in bullying

• Have a process in place to inform parents of school bullying incidents involving their children and to discuss the supports provided

• Support students who want to lead activities that promote understanding, acceptance and respect for all

• Issue tougher consequences for bullying and hate-motivated actions - up to, and including, expulsion.

The Accepting Schools Act is an important part of the McGuinty government's plan to help all students reach their full potential by providing safe, inclusive and accepting school environments.

• Find out how Ontario is making schools safer.
• Learn more about Ontario's comprehensive action plan for Accepting Schools.