On Feb. 26, Albertans will wear pink shirts in support of those affected by bullying. But after years of awareness campaigns, why hasn’t bullying stopped?
The Pembina Hills School Division has introduced initiatives to help students speak up, seek help, and reduce exposure to bullying.
“Every school has done a number of different things. The Virtues Program and Buddy Benches were part of their anti-bullying programs,” said Brett Cooper, Superintendent for the Pembina Hills School Division. “It’s more embedded now through the health curriculums.”
Yet bullying remains a widespread issue. Statistics Canada reports that as of 2019, seven in 10 youths between the ages of 12 and 17 experience some form of bullying. This includes name-calling, spreading rumours, social exclusion, and more aggressive actions such as hitting or pushing.
Cyberbullying has also increased, with one in four teens experiencing online harassment. The frequency of cyberbullying rises with age and is often linked to cellphone and social media use.
Bullying can have serious consequences on mental and physical health, causing sleep loss, headaches, stomach aches, back pain, and emotional distress. It can begin as early as four years old, according to Canada’s Public Health Services.
The RCMP warns that bullying behaviours can be a precursor to criminal activity. Some acts, such as assault, harassment, and cyberbullying, are criminal offences that may lead to fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. Sharing intimate images without consent is another crime that carries serious legal penalties.
Public health officials say victims must speak up to get support and stop the actions. Witnesses also play a key role—staying silent can imply acceptance.
For parents, one of the hardest things to hear is that their child might be bullying others. A common reaction is denial, but open conversations about the seriousness of bullying can have a lasting impact on a child’s behaviour into adulthood.
Bullying can be a learned behaviour, often influenced by trauma. The International Bullying Prevention Association states that if a child is conditioned to constant threats, they may develop aggressive habits or become isolated, leading to patterns of bullying or victimization. They also learn behaviours by observing others. If those behaviours are challenged, children are more likely to adjust.
Unaddressed bullying only fuels ongoing harm. Physical bullying can involve hitting, pushing, or stealing. Verbal bullying includes insults, name-calling, and threats. Social bullying involves gossiping, spreading rumours, and excluding others to assert power.
Resources are available for those affected. The Kids Help Phone (kidshelpphone.ca) provides guidance, while the Alberta Bullying Helpline can be reached at 310-1818. Seniors facing bullying can call 1-855-443-5722. If immediate danger is present, call 911.
Bullying isn’t limited to schools. It happens in workplaces and senior communities as well. While Pink Shirt Day raises awareness, real change requires ongoing action from individuals, communities, and institutions.
