Ontario is introducing new initiatives to combat bullying in schools following the stabbing of a Hamilton student.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the new measures include more training for teachers and a review of how incidents are reported.

He says the death of 14-year-old Devan Bracci-Selvey, who was fatally stabbed outside Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School, is part of what motivated the province to take action.

“We are taking action to root out bullying in our schools with one aim – keeping Ontario’s students safe,” said Minister Lecce in a news release. “We are working to change the culture to one where everyone sees the inherent dignity and the value of a person, irrespective of their faith, heritage or orientation or race or their income, to build a more accepting and inclusive province.”

The initiatives include training for educators in anti-bullying and de-escalation techniques, and a province-wide survey to better understand students’ experiences with bullying.

The government will also be reviewing the school reporting practices on bullying and the definition of bullying in ministry policies to ensure it reflects the realities of today.

Christina Mitas, who is a former teacher and currently serves as MPP for Scarborough Centre, has also been tasked with advising Lecce on education matters with a focus on bullying prevention.

“I am thrilled to be assigned to this new role and to work on such an important issue,” said MPP Mitas in a news release. “We want kids impacted by bullying to reach out and for them to know they are not alone. We all have an obligation to make sure that our schools are safe and inclusive places that foster learning while keeping the nurturing of the whole child in mind.”