There is no 鈥榦ne size fits all鈥� way to deal with bullies, said 91原创 School District Superintendent Suzanne Hoffman on Tuesday night.

Hoffman addressed the issue of bullying in schools at the 91原创 Board of Education meeting because the 鈥減assing of Amanda Todd is so much on all of our minds,鈥� she said.

鈥淲e do have bullying in 91原创 schools. What has changed is the nature of the bullying. We saw bullying on our playgrounds, in our hallways.

鈥淣ow it is cyberbullying,鈥� said Hoffman.

She said the district has chosen not to take a zero tolerance approach to bullying but rather an age appropriate response and is case-by-case because each situation is unique, she said.

Hoffman recognized that some students are repeat offenders and for parents it can be a frustrating experience because the school district can鈥檛 discuss consequences it imposes on a bully because of privacy issues.

Hoffman said reacting and dealing with bullying happens at the teaching level, not through district management.

But the district has focused a lot of its efforts on creating awareness and education around bullying, including made-in 91原创 anti-harrassment curriculum for Grades 8 through 10. New teachers to the district received their training on Wednesday.

91原创 has also had a Restorative Action program going for many years. The program trains students to become mediators in bullying situtions.

But for it to work,  both the victim and bully have to want to participate in a mediation of sorts that sees parents, those teens involved and teachers talk about conflict resolution.

Hoffman believes bystanders have the biggest role to play in stopping bullying. Trustee Rod Ross jokingly remarked that the district should develop a new program for parents of bullies to attend.

鈥淥ne parent came to me saying she delivered her child to the 91原创 School District and three years later she got back a damaged child (from the impact of bullying),鈥� Ross pointed out. 鈥淲hat is one thing we can do to improve?鈥� he asked.

Hoffman replied that if anything, the district needs funding for more resources for students.

She encouraged parents and students to check out the plethora of resources linked on the district website sd35.bc.ca.

Walnut Grove Secondary鈥檚 Power To Stay Away club that promotes the way to stop bullying was featured on Breakfast Television recently for their positive work to make a difference by standing up and making a difference.

Cyberbullying workshop for parents

On Wednesday, Nov. 14, teacher, computer and cyberbully expert Sandra Averill will speak to 91原创 parents about online respect and responsibility and teaching children how to be positive digital citizens.

The program is open to all parents.

Presentation begins at 7 p.m. Wix Brown Elementary School is located at 23851 24 Ave. Or call 604-534-5633.