If you are being bullied, contact organizations that can help you:
- Kids Help Phone: Free advice, information, referrals and support for young people. Text the word TALK to 686868, or call toll-free: 1-800-668-6868
- NeedHelpNow.ca: Helps young people remove sexual images and videos of themselves from the Internet.
What is bullying?
Bullying is aggressive, repetitive behaviour where a person uses their power to cause harm to another person, whether physically, verbally, socially, or online. Bullying can include acts such as persistently and deliberately mocking, threatening, excluding, harassing, or assaulting someone.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying, sometimes referred to as cyberstalking, is a form of bullying that occurs online. This type of bullying may include sending threatening, offensive, or embarrassing messages through social media, text messages, emails, or other online platforms. Cyberbullying can also involve spreading rumours, posting humiliating photos or videos, or creating fake profiles to harass or damage someone’s reputation. Victims of cyberbullying can experience serious emotional effects, including anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
What should I do if I am bullied?
- You have the right to feel safe at school, in your neighbourhood and online.
- Confide in someone you trust, such as a friend, teacher, coach, or counsellor. Adult intervention stops bullying.
- You don't have to deal with this situation alone. If you have trouble talking about it out loud, write a letter and give it to someone who can help you.
- Spend time with supportive friends, travel in groups, and try not to be alone.
- Participate in activities you enjoy and make you feel good, like sports or creative hobbies.
- If the bullying is severe, you can ask the police for help. The law protects you from threats, injury or harassment.
- In case of cyberbullying, don't respond, keep evidence of messages, block the person or account, and talk to a trusted adult.
What should I do if I see bullying?
- Tell someone you trust, such as a friend, teacher, coach, or counsellor. Adult intervention stops bullying.
- Talk to a trusted adult if you are concerned about safety or feel uncomfortable becoming directly involved.
- Being a spectator and laughing at the scene can make the situation worse. Don't be part of the problem! Invite the person being bullied to leave the abusive situation with you.
- Don't participate in sharing text messages, emails, photos, or rumours that could cause harm to someone.
- If cyberbullying occurs, don't encourage the situation by liking or sharing the messages, support the target, and talk to an adult.
What if I'm the one who bullies?
- Words can be as hurtful as physical abuse. Verbal bullying can cause just as much pain and humiliation.
- If you have hurt someone, take responsibility for your actions. If necessary, apologize in person or in writing and replace any damaged property if you can.
- Talk to a trusted adult or school counsellor if you have trouble controlling your anger or emotions. You may have experienced violence yourself, but talking can help.
- Surround yourself with positive young people who don't encourage you to bully others.
- Get involved in activities where you can help others and create positive change.
- Bullying can have serious consequences. You could be excluded from certain activities, suspended from school, and even charged with a crime. Bullies are also at risk of mental health issues. So, ask for help to change your behaviour as soon as possible.
For more information
- Bullying - From the Government of Canada.
- Cyberbullying - From the Government of Canada.
- Bullying - we can all help stop it - From the Government of Ontario.
- What teens need to know - Empowering teens to learn about and stand up against bullying. From PrevNet.