A Document Analysis on Bullying Policies and Procedures at the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board

Abstract

This study examined bullying within schools and school bullying policies with a focus on the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB). Conducting a critical policy and document analysis of eight documents on the HWCDSB website, this study sought to answer the following research questions: How does HWCDSB board policy contribute to how bullying is understood and addressed in HWCDSB schools? How does HWCDSB’s bullying policy compare to the best practices identified in the literature? Working within the framework of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, four themes emerged. The themes were analyzed to explore how bullying policy acts as an intervention within schools. This MRP adds to the body of work surrounding critical policy and document analysis, and school bullying policy. Recommendations for improving HWCDSB policies and recommendations for future research were presented. This research can inspire and promote an ecological approach to policy implementation and management of bullying behaviour.