Youth

Stopping bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, relationship violence and abuse

Bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, relationship violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and physical abuse are serious problems faced by youth all over the world. There are steps you can take to prevent these forms of violence from happening.

There are also ways you can get help if you or a friend have gone through, or are going through, any of these types of violence.

You have the power to make positive changes in your school and community to make them safer places that are more respectful for everyone!

Respect

Participate in our #RedCrossRespect social media campaign by sharing tips that have been created by youth, for youth.

Bullying

Bullying is mean, cruel, hurtful behaviour. It involves using power in a negative way to hurt others. We all have the power to make a huge difference in stopping and preventing bullying.

Cyberbullying

Electronic or cyberbullying is using electronic media to threaten, embarrass, intimidate, exclude or damage someone’s reputation.

Harassment

Harassment and discrimination can begin and end with each of us. It is a matter of treating all people well, respecting each other’s differences, rights and abilities, and practicing that every day.

Healthy Relationship Tips

What a healthy relationship is and how to have one.

Relationship Violence Including Assault

The person you decide to date or become friends with should be supportive and encouraging—someone you have fun with and enjoy being around. Unfortunately, this is not always the reality. As many as 25% of Canadian youth experience some form of assault in a dating relationship.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is when an adult, adolescent or older child uses a younger child or youth for his or her own sexual pleasure. Sexual abuse can happen to both males and females, children and youth. It also includes “exploitation”—trafficking, prostitution and child sex abuse images (pornography).

Emotional and Physical Abuse and Neglect

What emotional and physical abuse and neglect are, and how to get help.

Stand up to bullying all year round!

Education is the key to prevent bullying behaviour. The Red Cross’ Beyond the Hurt program teaches youth and adults how to recognize, respond to and prevent bullying situations.

You Have Rights

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is in force around the world. It is designed to protect the lives and dignity of children (defined as those under age 18).

Take Action

Here are some activities that you can lead to raise awareness of abuse, bullying and harassment and help create healthy, safe environments in your school or community.

Get Help Now

You have the right to be protected—and to be safe from violence. No one has a right to harm you, to make you feel small or stupid, or to touch you how and where you don't want to be touched. Not even people close to you.