A Wake-Up Call for Canada’s Youth

As Canadian students gear up for another school year, a startling new report reveals that bullying, poverty, and mental health issues are skyrocketing among the nation’s youth. The 'Raising Canada' report underscores the urgent need for action from policymakers to safeguard the future of children across the country.

Staggering Bullying Statistics Unveiled

This eye-opening report reveals that over 70% of Canadian youth aged 12 to 17 have faced bullying within the past year. Even more alarming, 1 in 5 kids reported experiencing cyberbullying. Sara Austin, the CEO and founder of Children First Canada, which commissioned the report, emphasizes that these trends paint a picture of 'a generation at risk.'

The Digital Age: A Double-Edged Sword

Austin points to the rise of technology, including social media and artificial intelligence, as catalysts for escalating harm to young people. She argues that these tools have a profound impact on their mental health, contributing to the relentless cycle of bullying.

Teacher-Student Disconnect: A Troubling Trend

While 71% of teachers are actively working to combat bullying, only 25% of students feel supported by school staff. "It's not that teachers don’t care; it’s just that the struggles kids are facing are deeper than we often comprehend," Austin noted. This gap calls for immediate attention.

Skyrocketing Childhood Poverty Levels

The report also highlights a sharp increase in childhood poverty, with around 1.4 million Canadian children expected to live in poverty by the end of 2024, marking the highest levels since 2017. Austin pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was some progress due to funding for low-income families, but as these supports dwindle, children are slipping back into dire circumstances.

A Call for Comprehensive Change

The advocacy group is urging the federal government to adopt a national strategy to enhance the lives of children, including appointing a commissioner to ensure accountability among Canada’s leaders. Austin remarked, "Kids make up nearly a quarter of our population and 100% of our future, but they lack equitable funding for their needs. That's unacceptable!"

Empowering Parents in The Conversation

Austin encourages parents to engage with their children about the real issues they are encountering—in the classroom and online. She advises against accepting simple responses like 'I’m okay’ or ‘everything’s fine.’ Instead, parents should delve deeper into their kids' experiences and concerns.”},{