P.E.I. aims to curb youth cyberbullying, cyberviolence with new strategy

Education, support and prevention are core pillars in Prince Edward Island’s new strategy that seeks to curb cyberbullying and cyberviolence among young people.

The Youth Cyberviolence Prevention Strategy, which was released on Wednesday, comes two years after the provincial government started working with community and youth groups, finding commons themes and insights.

A 2024-2025 COMPASS PEI survey found 29 per cent of P.E.I. students reported being bullied and seven per cent reported being cyberattacked in the last 30 days.

The province defines cyberbullying as general harassment online, social isolation, threats and intimidation, and using images for personal attacks. It notes cyberbullying is a type of cyberviolence, which can include more serious offences like identity theft, doxxing, sexual extortion and cyberstalking.

COMPASS also found that only five per cent of P.E.I. students between Grades 7 and 12 are looking at screens for two hours or less per day.

The province surveyed hundreds of adult caregivers and found 55 per cent of respondents said the youth in their care experienced some form of cyberbullying, with the most common platforms being social media and messaging apps.

“The focus of this strategy is preventing peer-to-peer cyberbullying through promotion of positive online behavior,” a news release from the province reads. “Recognizing the increased risk and experience of cyberviolence, the strategy also includes measures to equip parents, caregivers, and youth with tools to protect themselves from experiences – and the lasting effects - of cyberbullying and other forms of cyberviolence.”

The strategy says it will focus on digital literacy, staff training, promotion of positive online behaviour and enhancing report mechanisms for youths.

“I have seen firsthand the tragic and devastating effects cyberviolence can have on youth in our province,” said Robin Croucher, minister of education and early years. “I am confident this new strategy will result in a meaningful reduction in these types of incidents and I applaud the many individuals and organizations across the province who contributed to it.”

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