Half of all Canadians are Bullied as a Child or Teen

Mentors seen as effective force against bullying: survey

Half of all Canadians adults were bullied as a child or teenager according to a new survey. Moreover, an overwhelming majority of Canadians (85 per cent) believe that providing children and teenagers who bully others with a volunteer mentor is an effective way to reduce bullying.

Conducted by Harris/Decima for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC), the poll examined attitudes about bullying. The survey also studied the value of mentoring as a way to prevent abusive behaviours and help those who are bullied to rebuild their confidence and self-esteem.

The Harris/Decima survey shows clearly that the frequency of bullying is widespread and that Canadians are both deeply concerned about bullying and ready to act against this damaging form of abuse.

Key findings:

• 95 per cent Canadian adults surveyed believe people have a responsibility to take action to stop bullies.
• 89 per cent believe bullying poses a serious threat to the long-term well-being of children and teenagers.
• 50 per cent of Canadian adults surveyed were bullied as a child or teenager.
• 62 per cent of those who were bullied believe they would have benefited from having a volunteer adult mentor to help them cope.
• Nearly a third (30 per cent) think the abuse they suffered had a lasting harmful effect.
• 87 per cent of adults surveyed agree that action to reduce bullying strengthens communities over time.

BBBSC commissioned the survey to mobilize Canadians to take action to reduce bullying in their communities. From February through April, Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across Canada will be holding Bowl for Kids Sake fundraising events that offer people a powerful way to reduce bullying and its hurtful effects in their communities.

This unique fundraising campaign challenges individuals and businesses to "step up to strike out" bullying in Canada by supporting the work of volunteer Big Brothers and Big Sisters. To find out more, go to www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca and find out how you can step up to strike out bullying in your community.