There are two types of bullying:

1. Direct bullying: the victim is verbally or physically attacked (pushed, hit, threatened, closed up in a locker, etc.)
2. Indirect bullying: the victim is ignored, ostracized or rejected by the group. Sometimes this behaviour carried out in secret (spreading false rumours, maligning, mocking, etc.)

Taxing is robbery. The aggressor may use force or threats. Taxers work alone or in a group, by intimidating their victims, often younger teens or children, for example. Children are robbed of their money, lunch, clothes or other items.

Children

Never take it lightly if your child complains about being bullied.

Ask your child to describe what is happening.

Encourage your child to report the aggressor.

Assure you child that you will help.

If you have to, inform the school about the situation.

• School behaviour codes generally have zero tolerance for bullying and taxing. There may be consequences for the aggressor. It is important for your child to know that you are there to provide support and that you will not tolerate this kind of treatment.

Reinforce your child’s self-esteem by helping him or her to develop strengths and talents.

Never encourage your child to defend him or herself by hitting back. This just teaches a type of violence that is likely to increase the aggression and rejection the child is already experiencing.

Enrol your child in activities that can help him or her develop a better body image.

Encourage your child to make new friends by enrolling him or her in extracurricular or leisure activities.

Avoid overprotecting the child and trying to solve the problems in his or her place.

Source: Ordre des psychologues du Québec

 

SPVM's Brochure : Bullying

  

Teens

If your teen has encountered any form of violence, (bullying, assault, threats, etc.), don’t ignore it. If he or she talks to you about being a victim, listen carefully. Speak up about it, lodge a complaint with the police and notify school authorities, if necessary. You can also provide information anonymously by calling Info-Crime Montréal at 514 393-1133.

When youth are exposed to intimidation and coercion—by gangs or others—there is an increased risk that they will adopt aggressive or criminal behaviour to protect themselves. As a result, they are vulnerable to being drawn into a gang lifestyle, which in turn can lead to delinquency and crime.

The following organizations can provide you with information and support:

Information and Referral Centre of Greater Montréal

Free service providing information about and referrals to community resources available in Greater Montréal.

Tél. : 514 527-1375  

Your local CLSC

Routine, preventive and therapeutic health care and social services (nurses, social workers, psychologists, special educators, etc.).

Tél. : 514 286-5615

Parents phone line

Free, confidential and professional help line for parents, a complementary service to Tel-jeunes. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Tél. : 514 288-5555 

Parents en marge de la rue

Support for parents whose children are involved in street-life related situations (running away, prostitution, etc.).

Tél. : 514 849-5632

Youth Protection Directorate

Filing and processing of reports. Assessment and referral services. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Tél. : 514 896-3100

Batshaw Youth and Family Centres

Filing and processing of reports. Assessment and referral services. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Tél. : 514 935-6196

Community relations officer at your PDQ

Tips, tools and referrals addressing youth-related issues and resources.

Tel.: 514 280-04XX (The last two digits are the number of your police station). Exemple : PDQ 24 = 514 280-0424

 

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