Bullying in Canada Schools: Stats, Reporting & Help

Every school day, thousands of Canadian children walk into hallways where bullying is more common than many parents realize. Public Safety Canada reports that 8% of students aged 12 to 19 are victims of bullying each week, yet most incidents go unreported. This guide unpacks the data, explains your legal options, and shows you exactly where to turn for help — whether through school authorities, police, or resources at SafeCanada.ca.

Bullying perpetrators (weekly): 6% of students aged 12–19 · Bullying victims (weekly): 8% of students aged 12–19 · Children ever victimized: 1 in 7 (approx. 14%) · Students who witnessed cyberbullying: 20% (1 in 5)

The table below shows the scope of the problem and the available recourse.

Is bullying a problem in Canadian schools?

How prevalent is bullying in Canadian schools?

• 6% of students aged 12–19 report bullying others weekly (Public Safety Canada)
• 8% report being victims weekly (Public Safety Canada)
• 1 in 7 children have been victims of bullying (PREVNet)
• 1 in 5 students have witnessed cyberbullying (PREVNet)

The pattern: bullying is pervasive but still underreported. Parents often assume their child would tell them, but research from the Canadian Psychological Association shows that 36% of youth in grades 6–10 were involved in bullying in 2018, with 20% bullied only and 6% bullying others only.

The implication: the data gap between weekly rates and lifetime exposure means many students cycle in and out of victimization without a single clear report.

Where to report bullying in Canada?

Reporting to police

• If the incident involves a criminal offence (assault, threats, harassment), contact your local police detachment (RCMP)
• Keep evidence of threats or physical harm; police can initiate an investigation

Reporting cyberbullying to social media platforms

• Most platforms have reporting tools for harassment and abusive content — report directly through the app or site
• Take screenshots and preserve evidence before reporting

Reporting online offences to Cybertip.ca

• Cybertip.ca is Canada’s national tipline for reporting online sexual exploitation and other cyber offences
• Can be used for severe cyberbullying involving threats, extortion, or child exploitation

School reporting

• Report bullying incidents to school authorities (teacher, principal, or school board) (Government of Canada)
• Schools are required by provincial policy to investigate and respond

The catch: reporting alone does not guarantee action. Parents must follow up and escalate if the school response is inadequate.

Is bullying a crime in Canada?

When does bullying become a criminal offence?

• Bullying itself is not a separate crime in the Criminal Code (Government of Canada)
• Some forms — assault, threats, criminal harassment — are criminal offences (Department of Justice)
• Cyberbullying may fall under uttering threats or criminal harassment (RCMP)

The trade-off: the Criminal Code protects against the most harmful behaviours, but many forms of bullying (verbal, social exclusion) remain in a legal grey area that schools must handle through their own codes of conduct.

What to do if your child is being bullied and the school does nothing?

Filing a complaint with the school board

• If the principal fails to act, escalate to the school board’s superintendent or student services department
• Each province has a formal complaint process — check your local board’s website

Contacting the provincial ministry of education

• The provincial ministry oversees school boards and can intervene when a board is not meeting its obligations
• Bullying prevention is a standard part of provincial education policies across Canada

Seeking support from BullyingCanada

• BullyingCanada offers one-on-one mental health support for bullied youth and works with parents and schools to find solutions
• They provide wrap-around services including counselling, advocacy, and referrals

The pattern: when schools are unresponsive, external support and escalation are the only way to break the cycle. BullyingCanada’s free 24/7 helpline can be a lifeline (BullyingCanada).

How can I help my child if they are being bullied?

Open communication with your child

• Create a safe space to talk about their day; ask open-ended questions
• Validate their feelings — being believed is the first step to healing

Encouraging resilience and self-confidence

• Encourage extracurricular activities that build friendships and self-esteem
• Teach assertive responses (not aggressive) and when to walk away

Seeking professional support

• BullyingCanada provides counselling for bullied youth and families
• Public health resources at Canada.ca offer guidance on mental health and parenting
• Emotional support from family is critical; professional counselling may be needed for trauma or anxiety

Why this matters: children who are bullied without support are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, and even suicide (PREVNet). Active parental involvement can mitigate these long-term effects.

A step-by-step plan for parents to address bullying

1. Listen and document. Record every incident: dates, times, what was said or done, and witnesses.
2. Contact the school. Request a meeting with the teacher and principal. Present your documentation.
3. If no action, escalate. File a formal complaint with the school board or provincial ministry of education.
4. Report criminal behaviour. Contact local police if the incident involves assault, threats, or harassment (RCMP).
5. Seek external support. Call BullyingCanada for counselling and advocacy.
6. Monitor your child’s wellbeing. Watch for signs of depression, anxiety, or withdrawal and get professional help if needed.

Clarity: what we know and what’s still unclear

Expert perspectives on bullying

In a classroom of 35 students, 12 to 13 children may be experiencing and/or using bullying behaviour.

PREVNet — Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network

Bullying was involved in 36% of a large representative sample of Canadian youth in grades 6 through 10 in 2018.

Canadian Psychological Association

For Canadian parents, the implication is clear: take action early by reporting bullying and accessing support through SafeCanada.ca, or risk long-term emotional harm for your child. The data shows one in seven children experiences bullying — your child could be that one.

For those looking to participate in broader anti-bullying efforts, Pink Shirt Day 2025 offers a global movement that started in Canada and continues to grow.

Frequently asked questions

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