Bullying at school

Bullying affects both sexes and has negative impacts on the victim as well as the bully. An estimated 12 to 18 per cent of boys and girls reported being bullied and bullying others, according to research from PREVnet, a Canadian authority on bullying prevention. School strategies need to address both victims and bullies across school demographics. Learn more about the facts and myths of bullying.

Strategies focused on building self-esteem, developing respectful relationships and providing clear but respectful communication tend to be the most successful. Children who are bullied need to be empowered and supported in developing healthy relationships. Bullies on the other hand, need to learn social responsibility, empathy, right from wrong and remedial actions such as rebuilding relationships and apologizing. There is emerging evidence from PREVnet that children who bully risk a lifetime of difficult relationships with others, including being bullied themselves.