Data released by the Greater Essex County District School Board finds its schools are generally viewed by students and their families as safe and welcoming places.
Students in grades 4 to 12 provided their opinions and their families were invited to participate in the GECDSB’s first board-wide School Climate Survey conducted in the Spring of 2013.
Schools in the province are required, by Safe Schools legislation, to conduct the surveys at least once every two years.
Information collected is intended to help administrators plan programs that promote safe, inclusive school communities.
The data goes onto to explain that when bullying occurs at school, it is often during less structured times, such as nutrition breaks and recess.
Also, it happens in areas that are not always monitored, like stairwells.
However, the study also shows that a great majority of students feel accepted at school and they understand there are adults they can turn to in times of need.
The survey reveals that the enjoyment students receive from school decreases as the move into high grades.
Participation in extra-curricular activities is also higher in the younger grades.
The higher the grade the less likely students are to eat from the four major food groups, feel healthy and lead a healthful life.
The full GECDSB report is available on the board’s website www.publicboard.ca under the School tab.
