What It Is, Why It’s Serious, and What You Can Do
January 12 2026
By: Black Sheep Whistleblower
💻 What Is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying happens when a child, preteen, or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed, or otherwise targeted by another minor using the Internet, digital platforms, interactive technologies, or mobile phones.
Once adults become involved, the behavior is no longer classified as cyberbullying—it becomes cyber-harassment or cyberstalking, which carries even more serious legal consequences.
Cyberbullying is not “kids being kids.”
It causes real psychological harm, long-term trauma, and in some cases, tragic outcomes.
⚖️ Cyberbullying Is a Crime
Some forms of online bullying are criminal offences in Canada.
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, it is a crime to:
- 🔁 Communicate repeatedly with someone in a way that causes them to fear for their safety or the safety of others
- 📰 Publish defamatory libel — writing something intended to insult someone or likely to harm their reputation by exposing them to hatred, contempt, or ridicule
A cyberbully may also be violating the Canadian Human Rights Act if they spread hate or discrimination based on:
- Race or ethnicity
- National origin
- Colour
- Religion
- Age
- Sex or sexual orientation
- Marital or family status
- Disability
This is not protected speech. It is illegal conduct.
🚨 How to Report Cyberbullying
🔴 Emergency Situations
- Call 9-1-1 immediately if:
- A crime is in progress
- There is a credible threat to life or safety
📞 Non-Emergency Reporting (Calgary)
If you or your child is a victim of online crime:
- Calgary Police Service (Non-Emergency): 403-266-1234
🧒 Online Sexual Exploitation of Children
This must be reported immediately:
- 9-1-1 for crimes in progress or life-threatening situations
- 403-266-1234 for Calgary Police Service non-emergency
- You may also report anonymously to:
- Canadian Centre for Child Protection
- Calgary Crime Stoppers
🧠 Cyberbullying Resources for Youth
- Kids Help Phone
📱 Available every day. Confidential support, information, and referrals for youth and parents across Canada. - Calgary Connecteen
🤝 A confidential peer support service for youth in Calgary and surrounding areas, provided by the Distress Centre.
👨👩👧 Cyberbullying Resources for Parents
- MediaSmarts
🎓 A Canadian not-for-profit promoting digital and media literacy. - Be Web Aware
🌐 A national, bilingual public-education program on internet safety, supported by MediaSmarts, Bell, and Microsoft Canada. - Cybertip.ca
🛡️ Canada’s tipline for reporting online sexual exploitation of children. - PREVNet
🔬 Canada’s healthy relationships hub, connecting research and practice from 130+ researchers across 30 academic institutions.
➕ Additional Cyberbullying Resources
🔍 Education & Awareness
- Public Safety Canada – Online safety and cybercrime education
- Government of Canada – Laws, reporting pathways, and victim supports
🧾 Evidence & Documentation
- 📸 Screenshot abusive messages, posts, usernames, and timestamps
- 💾 Save emails, DMs, and URLs
- 🗂️ Keep a log of incidents (dates, platforms, impact)
🧑⚖️ Legal & Advocacy Support
- ⚖️ Community legal clinics
- 🧩 School administrators and boards
- 🛑 Human rights commissions (where applicable)
🔔 Final Word
Cyberbullying is not harmless, not a joke, and not something victims should “tough out.”
It is a real crime with real consequences, and there are clear pathways for help, reporting, and accountability.
If you or your child is experiencing online abuse:
Document it. Report it. Get support. And do not stay silent.
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