Students Propose Solutions to Make Toronto a Better City

As part of an initiative to gather ideas for improving Toronto, local students from Harbord Collegiate Institute and Ryerson Community School shared their perspectives on the city’s challenges and potential solutions. Their proposals address pressing issues such as cyberbullying, inadequate education governance, public library accessibility, and the need for better mental health support in the community.

Cyberbullying Awareness Initiatives

Emma Dong, a Grade 12 student at Harbord Collegiate Institute, highlighted the rising issue of cyberbullying within Toronto schools. She emphasized the necessity for increased peer-to-peer campaigns to tackle this problem. “What we found was that a lot of students were a lot more responsive to having a message from other students,” Dong stated, referencing the Anti-Bullying Roadshow initiative she participates in alongside classmates like Evan Rosen and Aroush Akram.

The program aims to mentor middle-school students on bullying awareness and prevention. Dong argued that current discussions surrounding bullying often lack depth when led by adults, leaving students feeling disconnected from the message. By implementing more school-led initiatives, she believes Toronto can create safer, bully-free environments. Recognizing that many students may not be aware of their actions as bullying, Dong advocates for educational approaches that foster understanding and empathy among peers.

Educational Governance and Resource Accessibility

Another concern raised by students at Harbord Collegiate is the Ontario government’s recent expansion of its control over school boards through Bill 33. Evan Rosen, a Grade 11 student, argued for a reversal of this decision, which he believes undermines the authority of local trustees, including student representatives. “I think it’s important that with this new bill we’re focusing on student leadership and student advocacy in our schools,” Rosen emphasized, underlining the importance of student involvement in decision-making processes.

Grade 10 student Aroush Akram further addressed the impact of budget cuts on school libraries, asserting that these cuts hinder access to vital resources for students. “It’s a little bit of a disappointment that they’re cutting down school funds,” Akram remarked, reflecting a broader concern about the quality of education amidst financial constraints.

Improving Community Spaces and Public Transport

Students from Ryerson Community School also shared their insights, particularly regarding the need for safe spaces in the community. Molly M., a Grade 8 student, pointed out the growing visibility of individuals facing mental health challenges in parks near the school. She suggested that dedicated spaces for these individuals would foster a more comfortable environment for students. “If we found safer places for them to be, and safer places for us to be, it would make everything more balanced,” Molly expressed.

Classmate Wildan A. echoed her sentiments, noting the changes he has observed in his neighborhood. “Some of them would come towards you, which doesn’t make me feel comfortable,” he said, highlighting the need for solutions that address both community safety and mental health support.

Additionally, Kason H., another Grade 8 student at Ryerson, called for improved public transportation services in less populated areas. He pointed out that his sister, a student at York University, often faces delays and unreliable bus services that affect her studies. “Even though not as many people might be there, it’s still important to make sure everything is equal,” Kason remarked, advocating for equitable transit access across all neighborhoods.

The students’ ideas reflect a deep engagement with the challenges facing Toronto. By championing initiatives that address bullying, advocate for educational resources, enhance community safety, and improve public transport, they hope to contribute to a better, more inclusive city for everyone.