Canada is one of the worst offenders when it comes to bullying in schools
Canada is one of the developed world’s worst offenders when it comes to bullying, according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) survey on Health Behaviours of School-Aged Children. The survey, which is based on children’s reports of bullying and victimization, ranked Canada 36th worst out of 40 developed countries for bullying.
During Bullying Awareness Week (November 16-21, 2009), PREVNet (Promoting Relationships Eliminating Violence Network), a world leader in research about bullying, and an authority on healthy relationships, will continue to bring awareness to this important issue. A unique collaboration led by Scientific Co-Directors Drs. Debra Pepler and Wendy Craig, PREVNet brings together an unparalleled network of resources from Canada and abroad: more than 60 researchers, 70 graduate students, 20 universities and 50 national partner organizations.
In Canadian schools bullying happens every 7.5 minutes in the playground and every 25 minutes in the classroom (Craig and Pepler, 1997). “The human impact of bullying and interpersonal violence is heartbreaking. Children who are victimized can be emotionally scarred for life,” says Wendy Craig, Psychology Professor at Queen’s University.
Research also shows that the personal, economic, and societal costs of interpersonal violence and mental health problems including bullying are long lasting and far reaching, extending well beyond childhood into the workplace. The WHO estimates the economic costs of interpersonal violence for Canada at $9 billion annually.
“The long term consequences for children who bully are also troubling. Canadian research shows a strong link between bullying and relationship problems such as dating aggression and sexual harassment,” says Dr. Debra Pepler, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at York University.
PREVNet’s vision is to ensure that one day every Canadian will live, learn, play and work in safe and healthy relationships. It is urging Canadians to stand up to bullying.
READ THE LATEST FREE ISSUE OF MUCHMOR CANADA MAGAZINE
NEED A CANADIAN JOB? CLICK HERE TO ACCESS 1000′S OF OPPORTUNITIES
THE BEGINNERS GUIDES TO CANADIAN IMMIGRATION
SUBSCRIBE TO MUCHMOR CANADA MAGAZINE RSS FEEDS
PDF 
