Cyberbullying
Together we can #EndBullying
Help TELUS ensure the digital space is a safe place by taking the TELUS Wise Digital Pledge. Users can take the Pledge on this page and learn more about…
Read articleNimmi Kanji
Director - Social Purpose Programs, For Good and TELUS Wise
Friday, June 18 is #StopCyberbullyingDay. Founded in 2012 and coordinated by the Cybersmile Foundation, the annual, global event encourages and empowers people around the world to show their commitment to a kinder, more inclusive and diverse internet.
According to the #StopCyberbullyingDay website, 59% of the world’s population uses the internet, and 60% of internet users have been exposed to bullying, abuse or harassment online.
MediaSmarts and PREVNet, in partnership with TELUS, surveyed more than 800 youth aged 12 – 18, and their findings show that 42% had experienced cyberbullying in the four weeks prior to the survey. Similarly, Comparitech, a pro-consumer website that researches and compares tech services, conducted a survey of 1,000 parents from 2018 to 2021. Sixty percent of parents with kids aged 14 to 18 reported their kids experienced online bullying.
While statistics may vary from source to source, one thing is clear - cyberbullying is particularly common among young people.
According to Public Safety Canada, cyberbullying happens when people use computers, cell phones or other devices to embarrass, humiliate, torment, threaten or harass someone.
Cyberbullying typically occurs continuously over a period of time, but the difference between bullying offline and bullying online is the reach. Because the bullying is happening digitally, it can reach the person/people being bullied wherever they are, at any time of day. Many people being bullied online feel like they have no escape.
The TELUS Wise guide, Helping our Kids Deal with Cyberbullying, lists some common examples of cyberbullying, including:
In 2012, 15-year old Amanda Todd from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, died by suicide after years of relentless cyberbullying. Her mother, Carol Todd, is now a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and legal reform. Carol recently told Amanda’s story in Dark Cloud, a TELUS documentary released on October 10, 2020, coinciding with the eight-year anniversary of Amanda’s passing and World Mental Health Day.
Amanda’s passing and the tragic loss of life of other young Canadians as a result of cyberbullying incited a growing call for legal reform. Cyberbullying is now a chargeable offence under both criminal and civil law.
On March 10, 2015, sharing intimate images without consent also became a punishable offence under Canada’s Criminal Code and those charged with and found guilty of this form of cyberbullying can face consequences including:
According to RCMP, there are several other Criminal Code offences that relate to cyberbullying. Depending on the situation, charges could be laid in the areas of:
There are several ways you can protect yourself if you experience cyberbullying first hand or help others if you’re a witness. The TELUS Wise guide mentioned above offers some helpful suggestions. Below are some additional considerations:
Not only is cyberbullying detrimental to people’s mental and physical wellbeing, it can be illegal as well. Make sure you do your part to create an inclusive and kind digital world and lend your voice to the global conversation on #StopCyberbullyingDay.
Help TELUS ensure the digital space is a safe place by taking the TELUS Wise Digital Pledge. Users can take the Pledge on this page and learn more about…
Read articleLearn about the importance of youth voices and online experiences, resilience and cyberbullying.
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