- Definition
Assault means purposely touching someone without their permission, or even just trying to or threatening to do so.
Intentionally shoving another player to the ground after the whistle has blown in a basketball game is an example of assault.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Assault is like playing a contact sport, but someone intentionally breaks the rules to hurt you, not just to play the game.
Ask your child: In a game, where is the line between fair play and hurting someone on purpose?
Common mix-up: In everyday language, assault means intentionally threatening or using unwanted force. Legal definitions can be more specific. If someone is hurt, threatened, or unsafe, get help from a trusted adult or emergency services.
Examples
- Threatening to punch someone in the locker room, even if you don't actually do it.
- Purposely tripping someone with your foot during a soccer drill.
- Grabbing someone's arm to stop them from walking away when they don't want you to.
assault is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
