Bullying in Canada – What To Do As A Parent

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Bullying is a painful and widespread reality, affecting children across Canada (and of course other countries worldwide) in schools, on sports fields, and increasingly, behind screens. Whether it’s physical intimidation, exclusion, or cyberbullying, the effects can be long-lasting. As parents and caregivers, we play a vital role in recognising the signs of bullying in Canada and supporting our children to feel safe, empowered and heard.

The Effects of Bullying on Children

The impact of bullying goes well beyond the moment of conflict. Victims, bystanders and even bullies themselves may carry long-term consequences such as:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Behavioural challenges
  • Academic struggles
  • Withdrawal from social settings
  • An increased risk of substance abuse

Studies suggest that children who bully others were often once bullied themselves. This highlights how bullying can become a damaging, self-perpetuating cycle that affects both individuals and communities.

According to available data:

  • Nearly 1 in 3 Canadian students have reported being bullied 1
  • 71% of Canadian youth reported experiencing bullying in the preceding 12 months 2
  • Cyberbullying is on the rise, with girls more likely to be victims than boys 1
  • Only a third of students report bullying to an adult 1
  • Children who are bullied are more likely to miss school and suffer emotional distress

These figures make it clear: most Canadian children will encounter bullying in some form, and the need for awareness and action has never been more important. Bullying in Canada is not something that we, as parents, can afford to ignore. 

The Different Faces of Modern Bullying in Canada

It’s helpful to understand that bullying is not the same as fighting. Fighting happens between people with equal power, while bullying involves using power—whether physical, emotional, or social—to intimidate, humiliate or harm another person repeatedly.

Common types of bullying include:

  • Physical bullying: Hitting, shoving, spitting, tripping, or damaging belongings
  • Verbal bullying: Name-calling, threats, harassment or cruel teasing
  • Social bullying: Spreading rumours, excluding someone from a group, or manipulating friendships
  • Cyberbullying: Hurtful messages, fake profiles, threats, and public shaming via phones or social media

The reach of online bullying means children may experience constant harassment even at home – which was once a safe space.

Signs Your Child May Be Experiencing Bullying

As a parent, one of the greatest tools you have available to you is active listening. When children talk about their day or peers, listen attentively – these conversations often hold clues to underlying issues. This means cherishing the times that our children open up to us, by putting away distractions like phones and laptops.

Warning Signs of Bullying in Canada:

  • Emotional or behavioural changes: Mood swings, withdrawal, low self-esteem, sleep issues, appetite changes, emotional outbursts
  • Physical indicators: Unexplained injuries, lost or damaged possessions, frequent complaints of feeling ill
  • Academic shifts: Drop in grades, avoidance of school, loss of interest in schoolwork or extracurriculars
  • Social cues: Isolation, changes in friendships, aggressive behaviour at home, fear of social situations, or clinging to parents

If you’re concerned about how bullying is affecting your child’s self-worth, try our Self-Esteem Worksheet for Elementary Students or Self-Esteem Worksheet for Teens. These tools are designed to help your child rebuild confidence and develop a more resilient sense of self. You can also check out our article on helping your child with low self-esteem!

What to Do if Your Child Is Being Bullied

If your child opens up about bullying, remain calm and supportive. Many children hesitate to speak up because they fear adults will overreact and make things worse. Rather than reacting emotionally and setting a poor example, praise your child for doing the right thing by telling an adult. It’s a great idea to come up with potential solutions in collaboration with your child, to ensure that no unintended backlash is caused. 

If a matter is not serious, remind your child that bullies often seek a reaction, so it’s best to not give them one. For more serious cases, here are some useful steps to take: 

1. Gather Information

Document what’s happened: dates, places, people involved, what was said or done, and any evidence (texts, photos, emails, etc.).

2. Understand Your Child’s Rights and School Policies

Most school boards in Canada are required to have a safe schools policy. Ask for a copy of the school’s anti-bullying policy and review their code of conduct.

In Canada, bullying may be covered under various laws depending on the severity and nature of the incident, including:

  • The Education Act (provincial level): Requires schools to provide a safe learning environment 
  • The Youth Criminal Justice Act: Applies if criminal harassment, threats, or physical harm is involved 
  • Provincial human rights codes: Protect children from harassment and discrimination based on identity 
  • Cyberbullying laws: Under the Criminal Code, sharing intimate images or sending threatening content can be prosecuted 

For more on the legal implications of cyberbullying, you can review RCMP’s useful factsheet.  

3. Contact the School

Calmly report your concerns and refer to school policies. Work with the school to create an action plan and follow up until changes are made.

3.1 If Necessary, Contact the Police

If your child’s safety is at risk or the bullying occurs outside school grounds, report it to the police. Keep records and reference case numbers if needed.

4. Monitor Progress

Check-in regularly with your child to see if the bullying has stopped. You can also follow up with the school, as agreed deadlines are reached. 

5. Additional Actions for Cyberbullying

Be sure to capture and retain screenshots of all incidents and interactions. Offensive posts, comments and pictures should be reported to the relevant social media platform, if applicable. 

How To Prevent Bullying 

Even if your child is not currently being bullied, there are measures you can put in place as a family and a community to try to prevent incidents of bullying in Canada. The steps below can help to prevent bullying or can help you to spot it more quickly. 

1. Educate Your Children About Bullying

It’s important to discuss with your children what bullying looks like. This will allow them to more easily identify whether it is happening to them or someone else. 

2. Speak to Your Child Openly and Often

Foster an environment in which you and your child speak comfortably about difficult topics. This makes it more likely they will confide in you if they are faced with bullying or other challenges. To build this type of environment, check in with your children daily. Engage about their day at school and their online lives, discussing not only their classes and activities, but also their impressions and feelings. 

3. Encourage Your Child to be a Positive Roleplayer

In most bullying incidents there are three parties: the perpetrator, the victim and the bystander. Even if your child is not the victim of a bully, they can help to prevent bullying by being kind, respectful and inclusive of their peers. Encourage them to speak out against and about bullying behaviour that they witness or become aware of. 

4. Endeavour to Build Your Child’s Self Confidence

You can do this by encouraging them to participate in classes or activities that bring them joy in the community. This type of active participation can help build their confidence and broaden their social connections.  

5. Be a Role Model

By showing your child how to treat others with kindness and respect, you are entrenching a culture that does not leave room for bullying. This also means speaking up when you see injustice and talking to your child about it – whether you witness it in real life or see it depicted on television. Children look to the adults in their lives as examples of how they should behave. Don’t forget that they may also see your online behaviour and actions, so be sure to set a good example. Gone are the days of “do as I say, not as I do”.   

6. Include Yourself in Your Child’s Online Experience

It’s important to maintain openness with your child and navigate their online lives with them. You can do this by becoming familiar with which platforms your children use, as well as by explaining to them how the online and offline worlds are connected. It is also helpful to have frank (but age-appropriate) discussions with them about the variety of risks they may face online.  

Summing It Up: Bullying in Canada

Bullying leaves lasting scars, but it’s not something your child has to face alone. By staying engaged, listening with empathy, and taking thoughtful action, you can help break the cycle and ensure your child knows they are safe, valued, and strong.

Looking to support your child’s confidence and resilience in their academic life too? BrightSparkz offers compassionate, experienced tutors who focus on much more than marks – we help students rediscover their spark.

 

An adapted version of this article has been published on our sister site.

Helping Your Child With Low Self-Esteem: A Guide for Canadian Parents

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All children face challenges as they grow, but for those struggling with low self-esteem, even small setbacks can feel overwhelming. As a parent or caregiver, your role in helping your child develop healthy self-esteem is vital. Providing steady support, positive reinforcement, and practical tools can make all the difference in rebuilding their sense of self-worth.

In this guide, we’ll explore what self-esteem is, how to recognise when it’s low, and what you can do to help your child grow into a more confident and capable version of themselves.

Why Self-Esteem Matters

Psychologically, self-esteem refers to “the feeling of self-appreciation” – essentially, how we value and perceive ourselves. For children, developing a healthy sense of self-worth is crucial. It forms the foundation of emotional well-being, resilience, and the confidence to try, fail, and try again. When children believe in themselves, they are more likely to take on new challenges, bounce back from mistakes, and form strong, positive relationships.

Low self-esteem, on the other hand, can lead to anxiety, withdrawal, or harsh self-criticism. It may affect academic performance, social skills, and mental health over the long term. Recognising the signs early can make a world of difference.

Signs of Low Self-Esteem in Children

Low self-esteem can look different depending on your child’s age. Here are some common signs to watch for:

In younger children (ages 4–7):

  • Reluctance to try new things or participate in activities
  • Frequent crying or emotional outbursts
  • Saying things like “I’m no good” or “I can’t do it”
  • Clinginess or a need for constant reassurance
  • Avoiding eye contact or appearing overly shy

In older children and teens (ages 8+):

  • Withdrawing from friends or family
  • Harsh self-criticism or negative self-talk
  • Difficulty coping with mistakes or failure
  • Over-sensitivity to criticism or rejection
  • Risk-taking behaviour or changes in eating and sleeping patterns

Regardless of age, children with low self-esteem may avoid social settings or doubt their abilities. Early intervention offers the chance to build them up before these patterns become more deeply rooted.

Helping Your Child With Low Self-Esteem

Helping Your Child With Low Self-Esteem

If you’ve noticed signs of low self-esteem, here are practical and gentle ways to support your child:

  • Show love and warmth: Express your affection consistently. Remind them that they are loved and valued, no matter what. 
  • Speak kindly: Replace harsh criticism with constructive feedback that focuses on behaviour rather than personal flaws. 
  • Praise effort, not perfection: Recognise hard work and persistence, not just outcomes – and keep your praise sincere. 
  • Talk about feelings: Create a safe space for them to open up, and listen with empathy and without judgement. 
  • Highlight strengths: Help them recognise their abilities and create opportunities for success. 
  • Challenge negative self-talk: Gently reframe self-critical thoughts and encourage kinder inner dialogue. 
  • Normalise mistakes: Teach that getting things wrong is a natural part of learning and growing. 
  • Avoid comparisons: Emphasise individual growth over competition or comparison with others. 
  • Encourage acceptance of praise: Help them practise receiving compliments graciously. 
  • Focus on the present: Support them in learning from the past while keeping their focus on what they can do now. 
  • Try affirmations: Daily affirmations can slowly reshape how children view themselves. 
  • Support self-expression: Encourage your child to share their thoughts, opinions, and preferences. 
  • Teach new skills: Mastering something new can significantly boost confidence and independence. 
  • Support their goals: Help them set achievable goals and celebrate their progress. 
  • Have fun together: Shared laughter and joy strengthen relationships and lift mood. 
  • Promote movement: Physical activity is a powerful tool for improving mood and confidence. 
  • Seek professional help if needed: If concerns persist, consult your GP or a licensed mental health professional. 

For additional support, you can download our Self-Esteem Worksheet for Elementary Students and Self-Esteem Worksheet for Teens – both designed to encourage reflection and boost confidence in age-appropriate ways.

Tips for Raising Confident Children

Confidence allows children to trust in their abilities and handle life’s ups and downs. Here are a few simple strategies to nurture it:

  • Model calm confidence: Let your child see you tackle challenges with a positive outlook – even if you’re feeling unsure. 
  • Let them try – and fail: Resisting the urge to rescue them every time something goes wrong builds resilience. 
  • Encourage new experiences: Help them explore unfamiliar activities to build belief in their adaptability. 
  • Support their passions: Whether it’s music, science, or sports, nurturing interests fosters purpose and inner strength. 
  • Break goals into steps: Small, realistic milestones give children the satisfaction of steady progress. 
  • Include them at home: Age-appropriate responsibilities build a sense of belonging and capability. 
  • Talk about imperfection: Remind them that nobody is perfect – and that’s perfectly okay. 
  • Create small wins: Balance challenges with moments of guaranteed success to maintain motivation. 

Final Thoughts on Helping Your Child With Low Self-Esteem

Helping your child with low self-esteem doesn’t require grand solutions – just consistent care, encouragement, and the belief that they are enough, exactly as they are. By showing up and supporting their growth, you’re giving your child one of life’s most powerful gifts: the confidence to be themselves.

If you’re looking to build your child’s academic confidence, BrightSparkz offers experienced tutors ready to support your child’s unique learning journey.

An adapted version of this article has been published on our sister site.