As Canadian children return to school, a concerning new report highlights that the nation’s youth are increasingly at risk, facing significant threats like bullying, poverty, and mental health challenges. The “Raising Canada” report, commissioned by Children First Canada, indicates that a staggering 71% of youth aged 12 to 17 have encountered some form of bullying over the past year. This persistent issue has raised alarms, as Sara Austin, the organization’s founder, warns that the deteriorating conditions for children could have dire long-term impacts on their development and well-being, as well as on the country’s overall future.
The report outlines the frequency and types of bullying that youth experience, revealing that 42% of victims were bullied monthly or more, while 58% reported it occurring several times a year. Cyberbullying, a growing concern, affects 25% of victims, with 16% receiving threats or insults online. Alisa Simon from Kids Help Phone emphasizes the omnipresence of cyberbullying, making it almost impossible for youth to find refuge, given that the harassment can extend late into the night. This situation leaves many young people feeling isolated and fearful of disclosing their experiences.
Moreover, as youth age, their likelihood of facing cyberbullying increases; the risk rises to 27% among 17-year-olds. The report also addresses a troubling aspect of this issue—cyber exploitation, highlighting the dangers present on popular online platforms like Roblox that predators may exploit. Austin notes that, despite teachers’ acknowledgment of the problem, support systems in schools remain inadequate. A significant gap exists in perception, with only 25% of teachers feeling they are truly supported in their anti-bullying efforts.
However, bullying is not the only concern highlighted in the report. The research shows alarming statistics about poverty, indicating that approximately 1.4 million children will be living below the poverty line by 2024. In addition, mental health issues plague many youth, with one in five Canadians expected to be diagnosed with a mental illness by age 25. This often manifests during adolescence, raising urgent questions about how societal factors, including the rise of social media, contribute to mental unrest among young people.
Some proactive measures have been taken to tackle mental health and bullying, including mobile phone restrictions in educational settings across six provinces. Yet, Children First Canada insists that the federal government must step up and prioritize youth issues as a broader national strategy. Austin advocates for comprehensive national reforms, urging that future budgets allocate funds specifically aimed at addressing the needs and challenges of the younger population.
Finally, the importance of community support is emphasized. Constantin, executive director of Dare to Care, underlines the need for individuals—fellow students and teachers alike—to be proactive in supporting victims of bullying. Building a culture of openness and acceptance is crucial for fostering an environment where children feel safe to speak up. At the same time, Austin stresses the role of parents in addressing mental health and social challenges, advising them to engage actively in their children’s lives to better understand their struggles. By acknowledging these issues, society can begin to make strides toward safeguarding the future of Canada’s youth.
