A strong majority of Canadians (78 per cent) believe that not enough is being done to stop bullying in their communities, according to a new national survey commissioned by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC) and Invesco Canada Ltd.
Three quarters of Canadians polled (76 per cent) think stronger anti-bullying legislation and stricter enforcement of those laws would be an effective way to reduce bullying. Ninety-four per cent of respondents also think that teachers and school administrators share responsibility for the prevention of bullying.
Moreover, 87 per cent of Canadians think that providing children and teenagers who bully others with a volunteer mentor is an effective intervention.
A reason why Canadians feel so strongly against bullying is that 59 per cent of those surveyed report they were abused by bullies as a child or teenager and 45 per cent believe they suffered lasting harm.
The Ipsos Reid survey was designed to examine current attitudes about bullying. The research studied the incidence of different forms of bullying, long-term harmful effects and what Canadians perceive as the most effective ways to stop or reduce bullying.
Key Findings
• Among bullied Canadians, 72 per cent said they were teased in a manner designed to humiliate; 71 per cent experienced verbal abuse and taunting; 43 per cent were slapped, shoved, hit or beaten and five per cent experienced online ridicule and humiliation.
• 42 per cent of bullied Canadians believe they would have benefited from having a volunteer mentor, such as a Big Sister or Big Brother, to provide support.
• Among bullied Canadians who suffered lasting harm, injurious effects included lack of confidence (69 per cent); low self-esteem (53 per cent); depression (29 per cent); anger management issues (23 per cent) and poor academic achievement (20 per cent).
• School-based interventions to stop bullying are seen as an effective deterrent by 90 per cent of Canadians.
• 92 per cent of Canadians believe peer pressure by those who witness or hear about acts of bullying is an effective intervention.
• 90 per cent of respondents also believe that intervention by parents to protect their child or stop their child from abusing others is effective.
• Public awareness campaigns for children and teenagers to encourage them not to bully and to intervene when they see acts of bullying are viewed as an effective intervention by 84 per cent of Canadians.
• Internet campaigns to identify and discourage bullies were perceived as an effective deterrent to prevent or reduce bullying by 72 per cent of respondents.
BBBSC is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a year-long public education campaign to give Canadians fresh insights into the societal value of youth mentoring.
The various youth mentoring services provided by volunteer Big Brothers and Big Sisters have proven to be instrumental in reducing bullying and other related negative behaviours such as lack of interest in school; truancy; low self-esteem and drug and alcohol abuse.
The Ipsos Reid survey was commissioned by Big Brothers Big Sisters to mobilize Canadians against bullying in their communities. From February through April, Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across Canada will be challenging individuals and companies to “step up and strike out bullying” by participating in fundraising bowling events called Bowl for Kids Sake.
“Ninety-five per cent of Canadians agree that freedom from bullying is the right of every child and teenager,” Bruce MacDonald, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC) said.
“Clearly there is strong support for action to reduce bullying and its harmful effects on our communities. We invite Canadians to make a positive impact by participating or donating to the Bowl for Kids Sake event closest to them.”
Quesnel Big Brothers Big Sisters executive director Maggie Bello would love to see the lanes fill up at Rev Bowling Lanes for this annual event.
“Join us to strike out bullying and participate in the Bowl for Kids Sake. You can make up your own bowling team, sponsor a bowler, or be a lane or bowling shoe sponsor,” Bello said.
“Join us at Rev Bowling Lanes on April 28 and help celebrate our 100th birthday. The theme this year is “Let’s Party” so be creative with your costumes. For more information call us at 992-7257 or visit our website at bigbrothersbigsistersofquesnel.ca.”
People and businesses can donate to the Bowl for Kids Sake campaign or volunteer to fundraise by visiting www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca. Canadians who want to stop bullying can also contact their local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency for information.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada have added an interesting feature to the Internet.
The public is encouraged to visit thebigshoutout.ca where they can acknowlege the positive influence
someone has made in their lives. This is a chance to send a message to that special someone who at one point in their life has made a difference.
It may have been your teacher, coach, mom or dad, or even your brother or sister.