Canada’s Premiers are committed to a fair and inclusive society

Bullying and Cyber-bullying
Premiers condemn all forms of bullying. In particular, they are concerned about the impact that cyber-bullying is having on a generation of young people.

Premiers shared details on initiatives that all provinces and territories have undertaken to prevent bullying and cyber-bullying, strengthen mental health supports, provide support to victims and address gaps in our laws. Teachers, principals and school board officials have a critical role to play in helping children and youth understand the impact of their behaviors on others and empower young people to make good choices in all situations. Parents also play a pivotal role in enabling success at school by recognizing the warning signs of bullying, fostering resilience, and in teaching children good communication, social and coping skills at home.

Premiers are encouraged by the efforts of many young people, parents and educators across the country that are showing leadership by working hard to prevent bullying in their schools and communities. Premiers commend the work of Justice Ministers, Status of Women Ministers, and Education Ministers and educators across the country in their efforts to monitor the prevalence of bullying in schools, and in championing prevention and intervention efforts within school communities. They urged all partners to pursue collaborative relationships with the goal of learning from what is working well and where supports can be enhanced for educators, students, youth and their families.

The harm caused by the use of technology can be more pervasive than traditional forms of bullying. Cyber-bullying has far reaching implications for various areas of law including criminal, civil, constitutional and human rights. Premiers stand with Justice Ministers in their efforts to strengthen the Criminal Code by creating a new offence covering non-consensual distribution of intimate images and modernizing investigative powers for law enforcement. Premiers stressed the need for the speedy review of the recommendations in consultation with provinces and territories so they may be moved into legislation quickly.

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Premier’s Media Office
Government of Ontario
(416) 314-8975