Parents Demand Action as B.C. Schools Struggle with Bullying

Parents in British Columbia are increasingly voicing concerns about the effectiveness of public schools in addressing bullying and supporting children with specific needs, particularly those diagnosed with ADHD. Many families, like that of Surrey resident Rachel Thexton, have witnessed firsthand the negative impact of bullying on their children’s mental health and overall well-being.

Thexton describes her eight-year-old son as “kind, bright, generous, and full of joy.” However, upon transitioning from a nurturing preschool in Burnaby to a public school, his experience changed dramatically. She reported a lack of adequate supervision during recess and lunch, which allowed bullying to flourish. Despite raising these concerns with school officials, she felt that both the school and the school board failed to take appropriate action, leading her to withdraw her son from school on multiple occasions.

In search of a better environment, Thexton and her family relocated to Surrey, where they enrolled their son in what they believed to be one of the best public schools in the province. The school promotes outdoor learning and flexibility, catering to diverse learning needs. Unfortunately, the challenges persisted. Thexton noted that her son faced bullying from peers, resulting in anxiety and a reluctance to eat his lunch at school.

In October, after ongoing bullying that affected his mental health, Thexton made the difficult decision to remove her son from the third-grade program. She emphasized that while the staff at the Surrey school were supportive, the broader system lacks the resources and processes needed to effectively support children with ADHD. According to a report by Raising Canada, a concerning 70 percent of Canadian youth aged 12 to 17 reported experiencing bullying in the past year, highlighting a growing crisis in youth mental health.

Thexton’s experience is not isolated. Numerous parents across the Greater Vancouver area have turned to homeschooling or alternative schooling options, often at great personal or financial cost. Many families are left without viable options, particularly those who cannot work from home or afford private schooling.

The ongoing mental health crisis among youth raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current educational strategies. As reported, the increasing number of neurodivergent children in B.C. schools necessitates a more comprehensive approach to education, one that includes individualized support and a commitment to eradicating bullying.

Thexton argues that schools must provide not only academic instruction but also a safe and inclusive environment. She believes that this is essential for the mental and emotional development of children. “We owe our children more than math and gym class,” she stated. “We owe them inclusion, individualized attention, and compassion.”

As parents like Thexton continue to advocate for change, the call for a zero-tolerance policy on bullying grows louder. The current approach to bullying in schools, according to Thexton, does not adequately address the severity of the issue. “My child deserves this as a part of his education, and so does yours,” she asserted, urging for a systemic shift in how schools handle bullying and support neurodiverse students.

The challenges faced by families in British Columbia reflect a broader issue within the educational system that requires urgent attention. Ensuring the safety and well-being of students should be a top priority, as the implications of inaction can have lasting effects on children’s lives.