Survey shows one-third of students in Ontario are bullied

Topics: National, Violence, Bullying and Abuse Prevention
August 07, 2012

Survey shows one-third of students in Ontario are bullied

A team of researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) conducted a survey of students in Grades 7 through 12 and discovered that about 29 per cent of kids are bullied at school. While this isn't a significant change in numbers from the past, the ways in which students are being intimidated have evolved.

According to the CAMH, one in five kids in the middle and high school age range are affected by cyber bullying, in which harassment occurs online through social media networks, email or instant chat.

Moreover, the survey revealed that girls are twice as likely as boys to experience this type of technology-dependent intimidation. In fact, females were bullied more than boys even in the classroom, with 31 per cent of girls reporting harassment at school, compared to 26 per cent of boys.

“The impact of bullying can have serious consequences and last a lifetime,” says Judi Fairholm, Canadian Red Cross National Director of Respect Education :  Violence and Abuse Prevention.  “Every week day, in schools across the country, we are working with teachers and youth leaders to create opportunities for students to talk about bullying and help them to develop safety plans.”

Parents, students and school administrators can find tips and resources through the Canadian Red Cross on preventing and coping with bullying in school. Doing so may give kids the peace of mind to concentrate and excel in the classroom.
 

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