Bullying and cyberbullying

Violence prevention

At school or at home, young people are not always safe from bullying or cyberbullying. How can we recognize and stop it?

What is bullying?

Actions that may sometimes seem trivial can actually be considered bullying. Consulting the law can help you better understand what defines bullying. 

“Any behavior, word, act, or deliberate or non-deliberate gesture, repetitive in nature, expressed directly or indirectly, including in cyberspace, in a context characterized by an imbalance of power between the individuals involved, that results in distress and causes harm, injury, oppression, or exclusion.” 

Bullying can take many forms: 

  • The victim may be verbally or physically attacked. They may be pushed, hit, etc. 
  • The victim may be ignored or rejected by the group. False rumors may be spread about them, or they may be ridiculed. 
  • Extortion: Someone uses force or threats to take someone else’s belongings. 
  • Cyberbullying. 

What is cyberbullying?

According to the law, cyberbullying is the act of harassing a person or making threatening, hateful, or degrading statements about them. These statements can be written or illustrated. 

Cyberbullying is an increasing phenomenon, mainly affecting young people between 13 and 17 years old. It often takes the form of a photo, video, text message, or email circulating on the Web that harms a person’s dignity. 

Many victims of cyberbullying remain silent, hoping the situation will improve on its own. Unfortunately, without proper intervention, bullying often continues. It is important to talk about it: 

  • To a trusted person 
  • To specialized support resources 

Do not hesitate to contact support services for the help you need. 

Prevention and intervention tips

Are you a victim of bullying?

Bullying is never acceptable. Talk to a trusted person—you don’t have to go through this alone. Specialized resources are also available below. 

Is your child experiencing bullying? 

If you notice signs of bullying in your child: 

  • Open a dialogue with kindness. 
  • Show them your support. Isolation makes the situation worse. 
  • Consult the support resources below to learn how to act. 

Is your child engaging in bullying behavior?

Solutions exist. Several organizations offer free support to parents and tools to help understand and modify these behaviors. 

Messages shared on social media

Messages posted on social media should not be taken lightly. Insults, hate speech, and threats can be punishable under the Criminal Code. To better understand what constitutes an offense, here are some definitions:

Anyone who knowingly makes, transmits, or causes someone to receive a threat: 

a) To cause death or bodily harm to someone 
b) To burn, destroy, or damage movable or immovable property 
c) To kill, poison, or harm an animal or bird owned by someone else 

Anyone who commits offense (a) is guilty of: 

  • Either an indictable offense and liable to imprisonment for up to 5 years 
  • Or a summary conviction offense and liable to imprisonment for up to 18 months 

Anyone who commits offenses (b) and (c) is guilty of: 

  • Either an indictable offense and liable to imprisonment for up to 2 years 
  • Or a summary conviction offense 

Anyone who, through communication of statements in a public place, incites hatred against an identifiable group, when such incitement is likely to result in a breach of peace, is guilty of: 

  • Either an indictable offense and liable to imprisonment for up to 2 years 
  • Or a summary conviction offense 

Before writing a comment on social media, take a moment to think about the possible impact of your message: 

  • Would I say these words if I were face-to-face with this person? 
  • Am I making a direct or indirect threat, or a defamatory statement? 
  • What would my close circle think about this comment? 

Available Resources

For information or support, here are some resources: 

An emergency ?

Call 911