Toronto high school pioneers successful anti-bullying program

A Toronto high school has taken an unconventional approach to handling its bullying problem, and as the Toronto Star reports, the tactic appears to be working.

Since Weston Collegiate Institute adopted "restorative conferences" — whereby students in conflict discuss their actions, its consequences, and draft a penance solution together in face-to-face meetings — the school's suspension rate, once among the worst in the city, has effectively dropped in half.

And in the four years since the school introduced its "Weston Restores" program, staff members have gone from breaking up fights every day to reporting four brawls since September.

But beyond the physical expressions of aggression, the program appears to be shifting the way students relate to one another — and to staff.

The Star notes that the traffic outside the principal's office, once backed up like Toronto's Don Valley Parkway by misbehaving students, has effectively slowed down to a trickle. The teens report an improved relationship with their teachers, too.

"The language and the tone of the school have changed. We've changed how we speak and relate to one another," principal Deborah Blair told the paper. "The key message is treat everyone with dignity and respect."

The idea behind restorative circles can be found in numerous cultures throughout history. Within our own heritage, Aboriginal healing circles involve an elder-led gathering to work out any issues or conflicts between two or more parties.

In a similar vein, ancient Hawaiian tradition of ho'oponopono counted on this process to bring individuals or families in conflict to a point of healing and forgiveness. The elders believed that holding onto anger and resentment could physically and spiritually poison both the individual and the community, and they would remain in dialogue, no matter how many hours or days it took, until a resolution was reached.

Though Weston Collegiate is considered the first to formally adopt this practice, the program has started popping up in schools across the province.

Three years ago, Blair sent her staff and a group of student volunteers to be trained in as facilitators by the International Institute for Restorative Practices, due in large measure to the "non-stop" bullying she was witnessing in all schools, particularly among female students.

And it's students who appear to be taking the lead, putting up posters, leading most of the restorative conferences, and facilitating a drop-box where students can submit complaint and reports about bullying behaviour.

The method has also found its way into the classroom. Students in many classes now face each other so that every voice can be heard.

Students in Toronto have taken an active interest in stopping bullying in schools before. This video was taken at a rally held by Toronto students, encouraging others to commit to stop bullying in their schools: