Want to help stop bullying? Engage students and give them a say in bullying prevention efforts.

Twelve students from around B.C. will be selected to provide advice and insight to Premier Christy Clark and Education Minister Peter Fassbender on the provincial ERASE Bullying strategy.

The students also will act as ambassadors of change for their regional schools and districts to ensure safe learning environments. They will gather the views of students and act as representatives in their role as liaisons to the government.

The ERASE Student Advisory's first task will be to develop social media guidelines for school districts. These will provide direction for students, parents and educators on how to use social media ethically and responsibly. Two adult subject-matter experts will be available to support the students in developing the guidelines.

Students for the advisory will be selected based on the applications they submit to their school district. Interested students should contact their district safe school co-ordinator to learn how to apply. School principals and administrative staff will have the information on how to contact safe school co-ordinators. The deadline to apply is Feb. 10, 2014.

In June 2012, Premier Christy Clark launched ERASE Bullying (Expect Respect And a Safe Education) to help prevent, identify and stop harmful behaviours by children and adults - whether online, at school or in the community.

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark -

"As a parent, I want every child to feel safe at school and safe from bullies. That's why I made addressing bullying a priority. One of the best places to start is hearing from and learning how students want to see bullying addressed and stopped. Standing up together sends a strong message - bullying is wrong, and we will not be intimidated."

Minister of Education Peter Fassbender -

"We are constantly looking for new ideas on how to change the culture of bullying, so we're creating the ERASE Student Advisory because we need input and feedback on how to erase bullying on all fronts - and what better place to look than the voices and ideas of B.C. students."

Quick Facts:

The ERASE Student Advisory will have two adult subject-matter experts to advise and guide them:

• Theresa Campbell is the president of Safer Schools Together and the lead trainer for ERASE Bullying. She is an international expert on student safety and improving school climate and culture.
• Jesse Miller is a respected international authority on social media safety issues.

Learn More:

BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca

ERASE Bullying: http://www.erasebullying.ca/

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963