(1) Patchin, J. W. & S. Hinduja. (2012). “Cyberbullying: An Update and Synthesis of the Research,” In J. W. Patchin and S. Hinduja (Eds.), Cyberbullying Prevention and Response: Expert Perspectives, 13-35. New York: Routledge.

(2) Kessel Schneider, Shari, Lydia O’Donnell, Ann Stueve, and Robert W. S. Coulter “Cyberbullying, School Bullying, and Psychological Distress: A Regional Census of High School Students,” American Journal of Public Health (January 2012) 102:1, 171-177.  

(3) Craig, W. M. (2004). Bullying in Canada in the Canadian World Health Organization Report on the Health of youth in Canada. Health Canada.

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A sinister and often unseen threat to the mental health of young people today is in their hands nearly every waking moment. The more younger generations become attached to constant social media interaction, the more exposed they are to the negative effects of cyberbullying.

 

Roughly a quarter of young people report having been the target of cyberbullying(1)— and one-third of students who were bullied online report symptoms of depression(2). In additional to the emotional toll on the individual, these issues frequently come at a cost to healthcare and education. There is even research to indicate bullying affects crime statistics and the justice system.

 

Indeed, those consequences are trivial in comparison to the personal dangers to one’s wellbeing. Our film even looks at MRI data suggesting bullying can cause measureable brain trauma.

 

But Amanda Todd’s ordeal is an example of the worst possible outcome. 

 

Telling her story through the eyes of her mother becomes a cautionary tale and example of every parent’s worst nightmare.

 

Carol Todd addressing both our camera and crowds at public gatherings (Pink Shirt Day rallies, a law enforcement conference) helps educate the audience. Carol’s story also brings us to the doorstep of Tennille Boutilier.

Tennille and her daughter Brooke demonstrate there is light at the end of the tunnel. It’s possible to get through these challenges when parents are armed with the right tools to guide and protect kids – tools which

Tennille explicitly spells out for parents in the audience.

 

These tools are clearly needed as evidenced by Canada’s shamefully low World Health Organization ranking in bullying incidents: We’re 26th out of 35 countries(3).

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Insights and informational from some of Canada’s leading experts on the topic also help fill out and give context to the accounts of those who have experienced firsthand the impact of the 24-hour harassment, humiliation, and intimidation machine that is modern digital communication.

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