When Catherine finally admitted to me she was being bullied at school, I learned some mean kids had been tormenting her for months. I didn't know what to do to help her, or where to turn to get expert advice. I felt completely helpless. When I discovered BullyingCanada, it was a game-changer for both of us.
I phoned BullyingCanada and was connected with a volunteer named Jake. He asked that Catherine also get on the line, so he could hear directly from her what was going on. Catherine then shared with him facts she didn't have the courage to share with me.
Because Catherine's bullying had occurred over a long period and the circumstances were complicated, Jake worked with Catherine and staff at her school for four months, providing the support and guidance needed to catch and discipline the bullies.
Because he was there for us whenever we needed to supply him with updates or ask more questions, I saw Catherine slowly regain her confidence.
She started sleeping and eating better, and Catherine's grades – which had dipped over the past few months – improved. She began to like going to school again, and deepened her love for learning.
Not only did her school principal discipline the bullies, they were coached by the guidance counsellor. And Jake taught the school's staff how they could more effectively implement the school's bullying policy – making the school safer for all their students.
As a parent, I'm so grateful for the help and guidance we received from BullyingCanada and Jake. They really went above and beyond to help us and ensure Catherine was safe and happy again.
Through this experience, I learned that almost half of Canadian parents report having kids that have been bullied. BullyingCanada is critically needed for their expertise in bullying intervention, and will go the extra mile to help kids who are victims of bullies.
If you or someone you know is dealing with bullying, I highly recommend reaching out to BullyingCanada for help. The support and guidance you receive can make all the difference in the world to kids you care about.
Bullying is a repeated behaviour that is intended to hurt, harm, or intimidate another person. This can be done in a variety of ways, including physical aggression, verbal abuse, exclusion, or online harassment. Bullying often involves a power imbalance, with one person or group exerting their power over another person who may be weaker, more vulnerable, or simply different due to their gender identification, the colour of their skin or hair, or because they have a disability.
Bullying can occur anywhere including at school, online, in sports teams, and in social situations. It can have serious and long-lasting effects on the youth being bullied, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and physical health problems. Children who are bullied may struggle in school and may have difficulty forming positive relationships with others.
What's most concerning that extreme or long-lasting bullying can push kids beyond their capacity to cope, driving kids to self-harming behaviours, or even considering taking their own life to end their pain.
It's also important to understand that by the time a child reaches out to a someone for help, they've probably endured being bullied for a long time.
As parents, it's important to talk to your children about bullying – whether you think your child is being bullied, has been a witness to bullying incidents, or being a bully to others. Make sure they know that it's not okay to be bullied, to hurt others or to stand by and watch it happen. Encourage them to speak up if they or someone they know is being bullied, and teach them to be kind and respectful to others. If your child is being bullied, it's important to take action by talking to their teacher, school counsellor, or another appropriate authority figure. And that BullyingCanada is here to help your bullied kids 24/7.
Remember, bullying is never acceptable, and everyone has a right to feel safe and respected.
Bullying can have significant and long-lasting effects on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of children and young people. Some of the long-term effects of bullying can include:
It's important for parents to take bullying seriously and take steps to prevent it from happening to their children. If your child is being bullied, it's important to seek help from their teachers, counsellor, a doctor, or from BullyingCanada. By addressing bullying early, parents can help their children overcome the long-term effects of bullying and allow their kids to look towards a brighter future.
As a parent, it's important to be aware of the signs that your child may be experiencing bullying. Some signs include:
If you notice any of these signs in your child, it's important to talk to them and find out what's going on. Let your child know that you are there to support them, and take steps to address the situation, such as talking to their teacher or school counsellor, and reporting the bullying to the appropriate authorities. Also, BullyingCanada is here to help your child, when you're unsure how to help!
Remember, bullying is never acceptable, and every child deserves to feel safe and respected.
If you suspect that your child is being bullied, it's important to talk to them about it in a supportive and non-judgmental way. Here are some tips:
Most importantly, show your child that you care and that you are there to support them. By talking openly and honestly about bullying, you can help your child feel more empowered and less alone, and help them find the resources they need to overcome this challenging situation.
If your child is being bullied, there are several ways you can support them and help them cope with the situation. Here are some tips:
Remember, bullying is never acceptable, and every child deserves to feel safe and respected at school. By providing your child with the support they need, you can help them overcome this challenging situation and build a brighter future.
In addition to our 24/7/365 Lifeline: Bullied Youth Support Network, we have a variety of other programs available. If you feel you need something not currently available, please let us know and we'll do our best to support you.
BullyingCanada is a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to those affected by bullying. If your child is being bullied, BullyingCanada can help, free of charge, in the following ways:
If your child is being bullied, reaching out to BullyingCanada can provide them with the support and resources they need to cope with the situation. Remember, no one deserves to be bullied, and there is help available. By working together with organizations like BullyingCanada, you can help your child overcome bullying and build a brighter future.
BullyingCanada is focused solely on providing support and resources to children and youth who have experienced bullying.
While we realize that bullying impacts people from all walks of life, we do not have the capacity to assist adults. That said, adults seeking help with bullying can contact their local mental health services or a therapist who specializes in working with adults who have experienced bullying.
There may also be support groups in your area that can provide a safe and supportive space for adults who have experienced bullying.
In addition, there are also online support groups and forums where individuals can connect with others who have experienced bullying and receive support and advice.
It's important to know that you are not alone and that help is available. While BullyingCanada may not be able to assist adults directly, we hope the information we provide is valuable to you and that you find the support you need to cope with bullying.