WHY THE FIGHT AGAINST CYBERBULLYING NEEDS TO BE STRONGER THAN EVER
Canadian kids endure online abuse at shocking rates
It’s been nearly six years since 15-yearold Amanda Todd took her own life.
Before her death, the Vancouver-area teen posted a video to YouTube detailing the agonizing harassment she’d endured at the hands of an online predator. Her sense of isolation and depression was amplified when she also became the target of extreme bullying by various teens both online and off.
The heartbreaking video went viral, amassing tens of millions of views following her death. But Todd’s message also did something unexpected: It woke Canadians up to an unhealthy by-product of today’s digitally connected culture and put a face to the dangers of what is now recognized as cyberbullying.
Sadly, the problem hasn’t gone away in the years since Todd’s death — it’s gotten worse.
In the last month alone, one million Canadian kids have been cyberbullied. Online abuse takes various forms — from sending nasty, hurtful messages or encouraging another kid to harm him or herself, to sharing inappropriate photos or pretending to be someone else by hacking their account.
Another 60 per cent of kids report having witnessed others being bullied online, while 15 per cent admit to cyberbullying others (a figure that jumps to 32 per cent among those who’ve been bullied and go on to torment others).
It’s no coincidence that this generation of young Canadians is also the most digitally connected to date. Teenagers are among the largest group of wireless phone users in the country, with 90 per cent of 16- to 17-year-olds equipped with their own mobile device. When it comes to youth, an estimated 25 per cent of nine- to 10-year-olds have their own cell phone.
For parents, a mobile device is a convenient way to stay in touch with their children. For kids, it’s a lifeline to modern social interaction, used to play games, chat and share photos and videos with friends over text and social media apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Kik, Musical.ly, Ask.fm and more.
It’s easy. It’s fun. Best of all, it can be hidden from parents and teachers.
And that’s exactly where the problems can start. All that power to connect any time, anywhere, can be a breeding ground for negative and cruel behaviour.
Just ask 16-year-old Meaghan Landry of Whitby, Ontario.
“It’s the easiest thing and you don’t have to see their face,” says Landry of the dangers of cyberbullying.
During a particularly difficult period of her life, an angry young Landry used her mobile device to send abusive emails to a friend.
“I called her an idiot. I told her she had no friends,” she recalls. “Deep down I knew it was wrong, but telling her she wasn’t good enough made me feel better about myself for a short period of time.”
Landry’s experience with online abuse was brief, but made a lasting impression on her life. She now volunteers with the non-profit group Girls Inc. to inspire and empower young women.
Studies indicate that one third of all kids who are victims of cyber abuse suffer from depression. Feelings of isolation, fear, anxiety, anger and embarrassment are also reported by those who are bullied. In some cases, like that of Amanda Todd, taking one’s own life is the result.
“The kids know all about digital technology, but they don’t know how to protect themselves very well,” says Carol Todd, Amanda’s mother and now a prominent anti-cyberbullying advocate.
The good news: kids are listening, and they want to help. A recent survey by MediaSmarts and PREVNet found more than 70 per cent of young people say they are willing to intervene when they see someone being cyberbullied.
Too often, though, they don’t know where to turn. The secret — often anonymous — nature of cyber abuse makes it much harder to stop than other forms of bullying. As one report noted, “How do you report an attack that leaves no physical scars and is committed by a nameless attacker?”
TELUS is stepping up to provide young Canadians with the resources they need. Through TELUS Wise, the company has made it a priority to educate and empower children and teens as they navigate the digital world. Taking on cyberbullying is a central part of the efforts. The company recently launched a nationwide #EndBullying campaign to help combat cyberbullying and is encouraging all Canadians to take an active role in making the internet safer for everyone.
“TELUS is committed to making the digital world a friendlier place. This is why I am inviting all Canadians to stand with us and take the TELUS Wise Digital Pledge,” says Darren Entwistle, president and CEO of TELUS.
Canadians can take the TELUS Wise Digital Pledge at telus.com/endbullying. For every pledge made, TELUS will contribute $1 to support anti-bullying programs for youth in Canada, with the goal of achieving one-million pledges.
“We know that a single person alone cannot end cyberbullying,” says Entwistle. “But millions can.”