Québec adopts legislation to prevent and stop bullying and violence in schools

From now on, school boards are legally required to see to it that their schools provide an environment that allows students to develop their full potential, free from any form of bullying or violence. The school boards will be responsible for the commitments made in that regard. Public and private educational institutions must adopt and implement an anti-bullying and anti-violence plan and designate a person to implement it.

The text of the legislation places great emphasis on prevention. Each institution’s plan must include prevention measures and the actions to be taken when an act of bullying or violence is observed. Assistance must be provided to the victim and further acts of bullying or violence must be prevented. Although perpetrators must be penalized, professional support must be offered to them and their families to ensure that they do not repeat that behaviour and victimize others.

Press release

Bill 56