What is online bullying?
Online bullying can occur anywhere at any time.
Being connected online opens you up to many more people and situations than you would experience offline and also makes it easier for others to contact you. Sometimes these connections aren’t always positive and can descend into online bullying.
Online bullying can make you feel:
What is an internet crime?
Crimes can also happen on the internet and authorities may get involved if a crime occurs online, just as they would in real life.
Examples of internet crimes include:
- Theft, mischief, fraud, conspiracy: This can include stealing someone’s personal information, impersonating someone and logging into their accounts without permission.
- Hate crimes: Racist, sexist and hate-filled statements may be punishable by law as a hate crime in Canada.
- Sexual related offences: The distribution of sexual content featuring underaged individuals, as well as anything that has been sent without someone’s permission may lead to persecution by Canadian authorities.
"My friends and I are all really good with technology, so when someone hacked an account and started sending us messages, we thought we could figure it out and take care of it ourselves..."
"We tried to trace them and talk to them through our group, but nothing got better. We realized we needed to tell someone.
We ended up talking to the staff at school and even though the things online weren’t happening at school, they were able to help us."
How to make a difference?
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Digital Footprint
Your digital footprint is what's left behind from any online activity.
This includes text, pictures, and videos you post, like, and share – status updates, and more. What does your footprint say about you? Is this something you’ll want people to see from you in a year? In five years? Or is this something you’d want your family to see? Be aware that once you’ve posted something online, it can be very hard to remove and is easily copied by others who have already seen it.
Make your digital footprint one your proud of.
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Digital Citizenship
Just as you are a citizen of your school and local community, you’re also a member of the online community.
Behave online as you would in the real-world, and conduct yourself as you would at home or in school. If you see or hear something online that may be concerning or unsafe, let an adult know about it and considering reporting it. Be a citizen of your community both online and offline.
Want to know more?
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Cyber Tip
Canada’s national tipline for internet safety and reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.
cybertip.ca -
Common Sense Media
Helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology.
commonsensemedia.org -
Need Help Now
If you, or a friend, have been involved in a self/peer incident (known as sexting) this site guides you in steps to take.
needhelpnow.ca