Reminder: Keep replica weapons at home, and how to report if any weapon is brought to school
The PSST website (psst-bc.ca) provides an anonymous platform for anyone to report if a weapon -- whether real or fake -- is brought to school.
With the new school year underway, the district is reminding students, parents and staff that weapons, whether real or fake, are strictly prohibited on school property.
Student and staff safety continues to be a top priority in our school district. Weapons such as airsoft guns, BB guns, fake butterfly knives, crossbows and explosives, among others, are not allowed at our schools, including in classrooms, on playing fields or in lockers.
If a student brings a weapon to school, they risk having it confiscated. Staff are also instructed to notify the RCMP when weapons are found on school property.
What defines a weapon?
A weapon is anything used, designed to be used or intended for use in causing death or injury to any person, or for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person, and includes any firearm or any device prohibited or restricted under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Examples include but are not limited to:
- hand guns;
- shotguns, rifles and air rifles;
- knives and daggers;
- tasers;
- laser pointers;
- crossbows;
- explosives;
- tear gas, mace, pepper spray and any liquid, spray or powder capable of injuring, immobilizing or otherwise incapacitating any person.
Note: The kerpan, worn as a religious symbol by baptized Sikhs, is not considered a weapon as long as it remains sheathed and concealed.
Schools, parents and other community members should be aware of the potential danger of toy and replica guns.
Airsoft guns – which shoot non-metallic spherical projectiles, typically plastic or resin – are particularly dangerous and should never be brought to school as they are hard to distinguish from real firearms and can severely hurt or even kill others, depending on what area of the body is shot.
Gel guns (also known as Orbeez guns or water pellet guns) are also dangerous and can cause serious injury if a pellet or bead, commonly referred to as Orbeez, strikes someone at high speed or in a sensitive area, such as the eyes. While some gel guns look more like toys, others closely resemble more realistic firearms.
How can I report a weapon on school property?
If you see someone with a weapon – even if it’s a replica – you can report it anonymously through PSST (Protecting Surrey Schools Together), a district resource where school safety concerns can be reported confidentially by anyone in our school communities.
The 'Report it' button allows students to express their concerns confidentially and securely. Students do not need to provide their name unless they want to, and the matter will be forwarded to the right adult to resolve the situation, or the RCMP, if necessary.
If you prefer to speak to someone directly, you can enter your contact information here and someone will connect with you shortly.
PSST can also be used to report issues with bullying, harassment, discrimination, self-harm, online safety, abuse, gangs and relationships. The website has links to an array of relevant information for youth about other health and safety issues.
A translation feature (icon at upper right of the main page) permits easy translation to Punjabi, Chinese (traditional and simplified), Spanish and Arabic.
For more information or to report an issue, visit psst-bc.ca
Schools will continue to have discussions with students about safety and the district encourages parents and guardians to continue these conversations at home.
