CBE review finds no bullying problem after student, 9, took her own life

The Calgary Board of Education says an independent review has determined bullying is rare at its schools and that its regulations and practices are sound.

The review was undertaken in May after a number of bullying incidents, including a nine-year-old refugee who took her own life after her mother said bullying at her daughter's school went unchecked for months.

While the review was launched two month's after the girl's death, the CBE hasn't explicitly said it was in response to that incident. The review does touch on processes related to suicide and supporting immigrant families.

Several parents shared disturbing stories of bullying at Calgary elementary schools with CBC News and what they saw as apathy and inaction by both the schools concerned and the school board.

At the time of the girl's death, the CBE said it had processes in place and that it found no evidence of bullying in that instance.

Now, the review has concluded that while it says bullying as currently defined is rare, there needs to be a common understanding of bullying developed for staff, students and parents. The review's author, Kent Donlevy, also recommended the CBE amend some policies and processes and offer additional training and support for staff.

Donlevy is an educational law expert from the University of Calgary.

"Teachers stated that they were provided with information on bullying at a staff meeting each year but they did not consider that session to constitute training, nor was the session sufficient, in their view, to clarify the definition of bullying or how to deal with the phenomenon in classrooms," the report reads.

The review heard from 150 CBE employees — including teachers, principals and learning specialists — but did not speak to students or parents. 

During focus group sessions, those staff members were asked about the nature, scope and frequency of bullying in schools and whether or not CBE policy was effective. 

Chief superintendent Christopher Usih said the CBE needs time now to determine next steps, which will be done through consultation with staff, students and parents.

"This report validates that we do have some processes in our schools. What I took away from this report is we have to do a better job to ensure we have a common understanding and clarity … even if its not a bullying situation where a child is hurt, we have a responsibility to address this."

The CBE's review can be read below.