As part of our Youth Advisory meetings, our youth planned an event geared towards the social issue of cyberbullying.  Our youth recognized the devastating impact that cyberbullying has on their peers and chose to explore the topic and create an awareness to eradicate it from their community. 

WHAT IS CYBERBULLYING?

Cyberbullying is the negative interaction between children/teens over any form of digital technologies or mobile phone in the form of:

1. Torment
2. Threat
3. Harassment
4. Humiliation
5. Embarassment

WHY IS IT PREVALENT?

Cyberbullying is a growing pandemic where children/teens use social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to engage in bullying type behaviour, increasingly escalated with the rise of technological use in our daily lives.  Without intervention, cyberbullying has led to physical assault, self-inflicted harm, depression, and even suicide. 

HOW CAN WE HELP TO PREVENT CYBERBULLYING?

The role of the parent/caregiver becomes crucial in eliminating cyberbullying and minimizing the effects of it on their child.  Be involved with your child; ask questions, be comforting, and be supportive.  Do not overreact as the child/teen assumes that you will blow it out of proportion so ensure you listen to their feelings and take it seriously.  It is best to contact the guidance counselor of your child/teen's school and inform them of the events, where they can provide support at school, as well as be more aware of their interactions with the bullies on site. 

Schools have implemented workshops, classes, and presentations pertaining to the prevention and effects of cyberbullying in an attempt to stop the epidemic.  Unfortunately, schools have been facing a battle in terms of exacting disciplinary action to cyberbullies as it is argued that it is not within the school boards' authority.  Schools are now implementing a contractual obligation to students that prohibit them to engage in cyberbullying, giving schools the power to intervene as it is no longer a constitutional issue, but a contractual issue.  The NIC Youth team has done ample amounts of in-class workshops covering the cyberbullying issue aiding in the prevention of this growing social issue.  

If you need any more resources or help you can call us at 905-949-0049 or email: nicyouth@tcet.com and ask for a youth counsellor. 

If you are a low-resource immigrant entrepreneur, or a newcomer to Canada and you are starting or operating a business, you may qualify for FREE legal advice for you business. 

To be eligible for the Free Lawyer Matching Program, you must:

-be an immigrant who has been granted permission to remain in Canada

-be operating or launching a viable business

-be unable to afford legal service as determined by our economic guidelines

-complete an application and provide all required documentation

For more information visit one of our locations or email: nic@tcet.com

www.ImmigrationPeel.ca

www.settlement.org