1 in 5 youth in Canada face frequent bullying, UNICEF says
A recent global study conducted by UNICEF has shed light on the state of well-being among Canadian children, revealing that many are facing various challenges that are impacting their happiness. The study, which is the 19th report card on child well-being from UNICEF, highlights issues such as bullying, loneliness, and difficulty making friends as significant sources of distress for Canadian youth.
According to the report, one in five Canadian youth experience frequent bullying, one in five feel lonely, and one in four struggle to make friends. These troubling statistics have contributed to a decrease in life satisfaction among 15-year-olds, dropping three percentage points to 76 percent since 2018. This decline marks Canada’s largest decrease in well-being among the categories examined in the report, which compares the well-being of Canadian children to those in other affluent countries between 2018 and 2022.
Despite being one of the top 10 wealthiest countries included in the study, Canada ranked 19th out of 36 countries overall, placing towards the lower end for adolescent suicide, child mortality, and social skills. Dr. Mariana Brussoni, director of the Human Early Learning Partnership at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, expressed disappointment in the findings, emphasizing that Canada should have the resources to address youth struggles and the societal factors that contribute to them.
The companion report released alongside the global study focuses on Canadian findings and highlights bullying as a significant factor contributing to lower life satisfaction among Canadian youth. The report reveals that 22 percent of 15-year-olds in Canada reported being frequently bullied, ranking 26th out of 40 countries.
UNICEF Canada has called for a prioritization of children and youth in Canada, emphasizing the importance of addressing their health, safety, education, and happiness. Sevaun Palvetzian, president and CEO of UNICEF Canada, expressed disappointment in the declining life satisfaction of Canadian children and stressed the need for fundamental policy changes in education, funding, and healthcare to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
While the study notes that social skills remained relatively stable during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a continued need for vigilance to ensure that the right supports are available early in a child’s life. Despite a slight drop in overall life satisfaction, Canada maintained its ranking of 13th in the category, with improvements in rates of suicide and child mortality. However, challenges such as addressing overweight children and implementing measures to support First Nations children remain critical areas for improvement.
Stephanie Wellman, director of external affairs, programs, and operations at the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society in Ottawa, emphasized the importance of fully implementing Jordan’s Principle to ensure that First Nations children have equal access to government services. Wellman highlighted the need to address systemic disadvantages faced by First Nations children and called for measures to support them in accessing essential services and preserving their cultural identity.
Overall, the report underscores the need for comprehensive policy changes to support the well-being of Canadian children and youth. By prioritizing their health, safety, education, and happiness, Canada can work towards ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
