School Health and Safety

Understanding childhood development is key to providing effective support for students. The Health Unit emphasizes the importance of age-appropriate learning, cognitive growth, and emotional development. By tailoring teaching methods to suit the unique needs of each stage of childhood, we ensure that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. 

For more information on Childhood Development visit our website information on: 

• Child Speech and Language 
• Child Hearing and Vision Screening 
• Dental Health for Children and Youth 0-17 

The Health Unit promotes healthy sexuality education that is inclusive, respectful, and non-judgmental covering topics such as consent, relationships, reproductive health, and sexual identity. By fostering open discussions and providing accurate information, we empower students to make responsible and informed choices about their sexual health. 

For more information on Healthy Sexuality visit: 

• Sexual Health 
• Intimate Partner Violence 

Every student deserves to feel safe and respected. Our zero-tolerance policy for violence and bullying ensures that schools is a welcoming environment for everyone. The Health Unit providers schools with anti-bullying workshops, conflict resolution training, and counseling services to empower students to stand up against bullying and contribute to a culture of kindness and empathy. 

If your child is being bullied:  

• Listen to them.  
• Provide comfort and support.  
• Get details.  
• Reassure that it is not their fault.  
• Report to the school/principal as soon as possible.  
• Ensure that there is follow-up and/or action is taken.  

If your child is bullying others:  

• Talk with them, explain that the behaviour is unacceptable.  
• Use their school for support.  
• Increase supervision, rules, curfews.  
• Give child effective, non-violent consequences as needed.  
• Your child needs to understand why their actions are damaging/hurtful.  

Resources:  

• PREVNet 
• Bullying:  What We Know & What We Can Do  
• Kids Help Phone  

Mental health is important for overall health. It involves how we think, feel, act, and interact with the world around us. Having positive mental health allows a person to cope with regular stress. 

No matter our age, we all experience stress which can affect our mental health. Positive coping skills help us to deal with stress and improve our mental health. Through positive coping skills, a person can build resilience. Resilience is an important tool to help with regular stress and difficult situations. 

It is important to get help early and speak to someone about mental health concerns when they happen. 

For mental health concerns, speak to a health care provider or click on the links below.  

If you (or a child) are experiencing thoughts of suicide or harming yourself, call 9-1-1. 

211 Ontario is a helpline that easily connects people to the social services, programs and community supports they need. 

Free 24/7 access to healthcare services information Mental Health & Addiction Treatment Services from Connex Ontario 

Child and Youth Mental Health from Canadian Mental Health Association 

Kids Help Phone 

Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line 

Indigenous Hope for Wellness Helpline 

A strong body is the foundation of a strong mind. The Health Unit emphasizes on physical health through engaging physical education classes, nutritious meals, and regular exercise. We encourage students to participate in a range of physical activities that cater to different interests and abilities, helping them develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. 

For more information on Physical Health, visit: 

• Eating and Nutrition 
• 24-hour Movement Guidelines 

To prevent the spread of illness, it is important to: 

• Stay home when sick  
• Cough into arm 
• Practice good handwashing  
• Access hand sanitizer/masks 
• Promote mask-friendly environments  
• Regularly clean high touch surfaces 
• Stay up to date with routine vaccinations  

For more information, see:

Cold, Cough and Flu from HKPR District Health Unit 

Hand-washing heroes from the Government of Canada  

The Health Unit promotes, and addresses substance use and its potential risks. We provide evidence-based education on the dangers of substance abuse and equip students with the tools they need to resist peer pressure. Additionally, we emphasize harm reduction strategies, ensuring that students have access to resources and support if they choose to seek help. 

For more information on Substance Use and Harm Reduction, visit: 

• Substance Use and Harm Reduction 
• Quit Smoking and Vaping 

The Health Unit promotes the importance of sun safety and the risks associated with excessive tanning. Through informative sessions and practical tips, we promote the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and other measures to prevent skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer. 

Tanning Beds 

The Ontario Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds) bans the use of tanning beds by youth under age 18. The law also protects youth from the proven dangers linked with exposure to UVR.  All tanning bed operators must follow this law and are regularly inspected if they offer ultraviolet tanning treatments.  

Sunless Tanning Products are a safe alternative to a tan. Sunless tanning products do not protect your skin from sun damage.  Remember to wear sunscreen (SPF 30+)!  

Resources  

• Be Sun Safe – Canadian Cancer Society  
• Sun Safety Myths – Melanoma Network of Canada  
• Sun Safety – Melanoma Network of Canada  
• Tanning is out – Canadian Cancer Society  
• Indoor Tanning is Out  (for Youth) – Canadian Dermatology Association