Introduction

“…Four claims were filed in Ontario Superior Court against Bluewater District School Board involving three schools, five teachers, three principals, and one vice-principal. All are for gross negligence---the failure to protect students from bullies,” (Findlay, 2011) a statement made in a Maclean’s article in September 2011. The topic of bullying in schools has been around since the beginning of time. However, the issue of schools being held accountable for excessive bullying, leading to suicide or other mental health illness such as depression and anxiety, has become a risk factor in our communities.

“If bullying cannot be controlled in school — if we can’t stop the bully — then…civil charges can be filed against the bully” (Dragan, 2013) a statement made by Doctor Edward Dragan on October 24th, 2013. Is putting all of the blame on the bully the right thing to do? Should the bully be the only one accused? When schools are being an enabler or allowing the bullying to occur, they should be held accountable for when their students commit suicide. When the schools are inhibiting or stopping the bullying from happening, it can decrease the risk of future student suicide attempts.