File an Anti-Bullying Complaint in London, Ontario

Education Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

Parents in London, Ontario who suspect their child is being bullied have several official pathways to report incidents, seek remedies and request review. Start locally at your child's school and escalate to the school board's Safe Schools office or police for criminal matters. This guide explains practical steps to file complaints, what school boards and provincial policy may require, who enforces responses, and how to follow up to protect your child.

How to start a complaint

Begin by documenting the incident: date, time, location, people involved, witnesses and any digital evidence (screenshots, messages). Then follow these steps at the school level, which is the usual first responder:

  • Contact the classroom teacher or staff member immediately and request a meeting.
  • If unresolved, contact the school principal and ask for the school's written incident report and next steps.
  • If you need direct board-level support, contact your school board's Safe Schools or Student Services office TVDSB[1] or LDCSB[2].
  • For behaviour that may be criminal (threats, assault, hate-motivated conduct), contact London Police Service and file a report.
Document dates, witnesses and copies of messages before meetings.

Penalties & Enforcement

School discipline in Ontario uses progressive-discipline approaches and the principal/school board leads enforcement. Specific monetary fines are not part of school disciplinary processes; financial penalties are not specified on the cited policy pages. Remedies typically include interventions, behaviour plans, warnings, removal from class activities, suspension and, in severe cases, expulsion. For criminal conduct, police may pursue charges under the Criminal Code.

  • Typical school responses: interventions, counselling, written warnings, suspension, expulsion (where permitted by provincial rules).
  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited education policy pages.
  • Enforcers: school principal, superintendent, school board Safe Schools office, and police for criminal matters.
  • Escalation: progressive discipline for first and repeat incidents; exact escalation timelines and ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Appeals/reviews: follow board appeal processes or contact the school board office; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
School discipline focuses on progressive interventions rather than fines.

Applications & Forms

Many schools accept a written incident report from parents; some boards provide online incident-reporting forms. No fees are required for filing a complaint with a school or board. See your board's Safe Schools reporting page for the official form or contact details.[1][2]

Action steps for parents

  • Record the incident promptly with dates, times and witnesses.
  • Request a meeting with the teacher and principal within 5–10 school days.
  • Submit any school or board incident form and keep copies of all communications.
  • If unresolved, escalate to the superintendent or Safe Schools office and ask about formal review or appeal steps.
  • For threats or violence, report to London Police Service and preserve evidence for investigators.
If you fear immediate harm, call emergency services before filing a school complaint.

FAQ

Who investigates bullying complaints at school?
Typically the school principal opens an investigation and the school board's Safe Schools or Student Services staff provide oversight and supports.
Can I file anonymously?
Boards may accept anonymous tips but effective investigations usually require contact details; check your board's reporting page for options.
Will there be a fee to file a complaint?
No fee is normally required to file a complaint with a school or school board.
What if the school doesn't act?
Escalate to the superintendent or the board's Safe Schools office, and consider contacting police if conduct is criminal.

How-To

  1. Document the incident with dates, times, witnesses and any evidence.
  2. Contact the classroom teacher and request a meeting to discuss concerns.
  3. If unresolved, meet with the school principal and request a written incident report and plan.
  4. If the response is inadequate, contact the board's Safe Schools office or superintendent and submit the board incident form.[1]
  5. If the conduct is criminal or dangerous, file a police report with London Police Service immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Start at the school: teachers and principals are the first point of contact.
  • Keep detailed records and copies of all reports and communications.
  • Escalate to the school board's Safe Schools office or police for serious incidents.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Thames Valley District School Board - official site
  2. [2] London District Catholic School Board - official site
  3. [3] Ontario Ministry of Education - Bullying prevention and intervention

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