What is bullying?
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Bullying happens when there is an imbalance of power; where someone purposely and repeatedly says or does hurtful things to someone else.
Types of Bullying
Bullying can occur one on one or in a group(s) of people. There are many different forms of bullying:
Bullying can occur one on one or in a group(s) of people. There are many different forms of bullying:
- Physical bullying (using your body or objects to cause harm): includes hitting, punching, kicking, spitting or breaking someone else's belongings.
- Verbal bullying (using words to hurt someone): includes name calling, put-downs, threats and teasing.
- Social bullying (using your friends and relationships to hurt someone): includes spreading rumours, gossiping, excluding others from a group or making others look foolish or unintelligent. This form of bullying is most common among girls (Canadian Children's Rights Council).
- Cyber Bullying (using technology to hurt someone by spreading gossip and/or rumours, harassing)
Bullying in its most basic form is often social bullying in school. It involves making up nicknames, name-calling, excluding, and spreading fake rumors. As our lives have become so entwined with cyberspace and social media so too has the potential for cyberbullying. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and many other social media platforms are all places where cyberbullying thrives.
Many bullying victims are targeted on social media exclusively. Or these platforms make up part of the social bullying tactics of bullies in school where the victim is then targeted in the classroom. In boys more than girls, bullying can be physical and includes actual physical harm by kicking, hitting, and punching.
Many bullying victims are targeted on social media exclusively. Or these platforms make up part of the social bullying tactics of bullies in school where the victim is then targeted in the classroom. In boys more than girls, bullying can be physical and includes actual physical harm by kicking, hitting, and punching.
Who gets bullied? - bullying and autism spectrum
Today, bullying is a national epidemic causing significant concern for parents and caregivers. Approximately one in three kids are bullied in hallways, classrooms and during school related activities each year. Media reports show widespread examples of victimization suffered by kids of all ages and ability levels. More troubling – students living with autism spectrum disorder are 63 percent more likely to be recipients of bullying behavior than typically developing peers. All children, regardless of ability, deserve to learn in a safe and nurturing environment where positive relationships are cultivated. Kids have a right to feel cared for and protected in school.
PREVNet is a national research and knowledge mobilization hub that brings together researchers and national organizations to build research capacity, assess youth relationship problems including bullying and dating violence, and promote evidence-based programs and effective policies across Canada to address and reduce youth interpersonal violence and promote healthy relationships.
Bullying and Child Rights
The Severity of the Problem - the numbers say it all
According to information published on the Our Family World website:
- 1 in 7 kids in school in Canada have been a victim of bullying in school this year
- 1 in 5 kids in school in Canada have witnessed cyberbullying against their friends and peers
- Between 10%-15% of students in high school are being bullied today
- 11% of high school students have bullied younger kids this year
- 64% of students in Canada feel that bullying is normal and common place in their classrooms
- 40% of students have tried to intervene when they witnessed bullying
- Up to 33% of students believe that bullying can be okay sometimes
- 2 in every 5 parents report that their child has been a victim of cyberbullying
- 38% of those bullied online are girls with only 26% being boys.
- The most common form of bullying is now cyberbullying
- Canada has been found to be 9th out of 35 countries in bullying in 13 year olds
- 47% of Canadian parents report that their child has been a victim of bullying
- 40% of those employed in Canada report they are bullied on a weekly basis.
- Bullying peaks for boys in or around 9th grade, but for girls that peaks in 6th grade
from according to the Public Safety Canada website
- 47% of Canadian parents have at least one child that has been a victim of bullying
- Around one-third of the population has experienced bullying as a child.
- Around one-third of teenagers have been bullied recently
It Took a Senseless Murder to Get The Ministry of Education's Attention to the Problem of Bullying
Devan Bracci-Selvey
The Ontario Minister of Education Stephen Lecce said that the tragic story of Devan Bracci-Selvey is one that has motivated the government to take action.
"I want parents who have faced this sense of darkness in their life to know that we are absolutely determined to learn from these examples," Lecce said.
"It can be tough, and for a lot of kids the sense of being alone or apart can wear down on you, but what I want them to know is this: that you are not alone and you don't deserve to be bullied. There are people out there that love you and care about you, just the way you are and one day you're going to see that your differences are a source of pride in this country."
As part of the provincial government's plan, educators will learn anti-bullying and de-escalation techniques, which Lecce said will help to reduce instances of bullying and support victims. The government will also be reviewing the definition of bullying in its policies to ensure it captures all forms, including cyberbullying, and school boards will be asked to review their practices around the reporting of bullying incidents. The new initiatives are part of the $3.18 million the government has put toward promoting a positive school climate and addressing bullying and cyberbullying.
Shari-Ann Selvey says she's glad the province is taking steps to fight bullying in schools — she just wishes her son didn't need to die for the government to take the problem seriously. She hopes to help make a difference and has started Devan's Legacy so that another innocent child will not be lost.
"I want parents who have faced this sense of darkness in their life to know that we are absolutely determined to learn from these examples," Lecce said.
"It can be tough, and for a lot of kids the sense of being alone or apart can wear down on you, but what I want them to know is this: that you are not alone and you don't deserve to be bullied. There are people out there that love you and care about you, just the way you are and one day you're going to see that your differences are a source of pride in this country."
As part of the provincial government's plan, educators will learn anti-bullying and de-escalation techniques, which Lecce said will help to reduce instances of bullying and support victims. The government will also be reviewing the definition of bullying in its policies to ensure it captures all forms, including cyberbullying, and school boards will be asked to review their practices around the reporting of bullying incidents. The new initiatives are part of the $3.18 million the government has put toward promoting a positive school climate and addressing bullying and cyberbullying.
Shari-Ann Selvey says she's glad the province is taking steps to fight bullying in schools — she just wishes her son didn't need to die for the government to take the problem seriously. She hopes to help make a difference and has started Devan's Legacy so that another innocent child will not be lost.
Not Just a Day but Let's Make it a Way
Select one or as many posters below and explain what the message/meaning might be. Remember to use examples to support your thinking.
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