June 18, 2021
MISSISSAUGA – Today the Ontario government marks, for the first time, June 18 as Stop Cyberbullying in Ontario Day. This important and timely recognition stems from the work of Kaleed Rasheed, Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga East-Cooksville, who championed Bill 154, the Stop Cyberbullying in Ontario Day Act, 2019. Going forward, the third Friday in June of each year will now be recognized as Stop Cyberbullying in Ontario Day, which aligns the province with the internationally recognized date to stop cyberbullying. “Cyberbullying is one of those unexpected things that can occur right under our noses. Taking the time to set aside a day to bring the very real challenge of cyberbullying into the spotlight will help raise awareness that resources exist to assist those struggling with it,” said MPP Rasheed. “I hope that the ongoing conversation to Stop Cyberbullying in Ontario starts today and continues in households and workplaces until we put an end to this horrible practice.” Cyberbullying can have significant and lifelong physical and mental health effects on children and adults, as well as many other personal and social consequences for both victims and perpetrators. In extreme circumstances, the effects of cyberbullying can cost a life. Stop Cyberbullying in Ontario Day aims to raise awareness and encourage discussion in schools and workplaces which will provide individuals of any age with the tools they need to protect themselves from cyberbullying.
Quick Facts
Cyberbullying consists of electronic communication that, directly or indirectly, causes or is likely to cause harm to another individual’s physical and mental health or wellbeing.
It can include intimidation, threats and harassment and can have significant and lifelong negative effects on children and adults, as well as many other personal and social consequences for both victims and perpetrators. In extreme circumstances, the effects of cyberbullying can cost a life.
Ontario has seen an increase in cases of cyberbullying. Stop Cyberbullying Day in Ontario raises awareness of the problem of cyberbullying and will help lead to its prevention.
Info Sheet: Cyberbullying from Public Safety Canada: “[studies] found that victimization rates ranged from 2.3% to 72%, with the average being 21%. Among the studies that included offending behaviours, 1.2% to 44% of teens reported cyberbullying others, an average of 15%. Overall, approximately one out of every five teenagers has been the target of cyberbullying, and one out of every six has been a cyberbully at some point in their lifetimes.”
Insights on Canadian Society: Cyberbullying and cyberstalking among Internet users aged 15 to 29 in Canada, Statistics Canada, released on December 19, 2016. indicates that: “In 2014, about 17% of the population aged 15 to 29 (representing about 1.1 million people) that accessed the Internet at some point between 2009 and 2014 reported they had experienced cyberbullying or cyberstalking.”
Ontario’s Ministry of Education Online Resource on Bullying: Bullying – we can all help stop it
How to Stay Safe from Cyberbullying – KidsHelpPhone: https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/cyberbullying-how-stay-safe/