The Nova Scotia government has announced new resources for parents and students dealing with bullying, cyberbullying and sexual violence.

The province is launching an online system to report bullying. The system comes as the province’s first anti-bullying conference gets underway in Halifax.

“Today I’m excited to launch this brand new reference for parents and guardians entitled “Bullying and Cyberbullying – What we Need to Know,” said Education Minister Ramona Jennex at the conference on Friday.

Anti-bullying spokesperson Alisha Virmani has travelled from Fredericton for the Speak Up! Anti-bullying Conference and is one of the guest speakers.

“In middle school I got bullied when a girl created a website just completely bashing me, saying things like ‘go back to your home country, go to the slums you Paki, no one wants to see you here.’”

Thenew website will be launched in September allowing parents and students to submit anonymous reports about bullying.

The information gathered through the website will be passed on to the principal of the school attended by the alleged bully.

“One of the things that’s definitely going to be important is how much information is shared with us in that reporting tool,” says high school principal Chuck Boudreau.

“If they give us enough information where we can investigate, give us enough information so we at least know where to turn.”

The province is also introducing a guide for students dealing with sexual abuse.

"We have heard from more than 150 people and groups over the past four months through the Action Team." said Marilyn More, lead Minister for the Action Team on Sexual Violence and Bullying .

"They have told us there is a need for information for victims of sexual violence. We listened and developed this guide." 

The government is also offering incentives for students who promote a positive environment in their schools and communities.

The Respectful Citizenship Award will be given to students who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their schools and communities and a commitment to fostering inclusive environments.

Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant announced details of the award Friday at an anti-bullying conference in Halifax.

The government says each school board will be able to hand out one award to an individual and another to a team.

Nomination forms will be circulated in schools, and recipients will be chosen by an independent committee.

Grant will present the first award next Feb. 27 on National Anti-Bullying Day.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Suzette Belliveau and The Canadian Press