A recent report titled "Raising Canada" reveals alarming trends regarding bullying, poverty, and mental illness among Canadian youth as they return to school. The findings indicate that over 70 percent of Canadian youth aged 12 to 17 experienced bullying in the past year, while more than 13 percent of children were living in poverty by the end of 2024. This annual report aggregates data from various sources, including government statistics, university research, and consultations with youth and experts in the field, to outline the primary threats to childhood well-being in Canada.
Sara Austin, the CEO and founder of the charity organization Children First Canada, commissioned the report and emphasized that this year's findings highlight "a generation at risk," as many of the challenges continue to intensify. The spikes in bullying incidents are particularly concerning, with two-thirds of youth reporting experiences of bullying and one in five children facing cyberbullying. Austin attributes the increased harm faced by youth to the proliferation of online technology, including social media and artificial intelligence, which significantly impacts their mental health.
Despite efforts to combat bullying, there is a concerning gap between teachers' perceptions and students' experiences. The report notes that while 71 percent of teachers claim to act against bullying, only 25 percent of students feel supported by their teachers. Austin acknowledges that this discrepancy does not imply a lack of caring or effort on the part of teachers but illustrates how deeply children are struggling in ways that adults may not fully understand.
The report also highlights a rise in childhood poverty, with approximately 1.4 million Canadian children living in poverty by the end of 2024—marking the highest levels since 2017. Austin points out that there was "measurable progress" during the COVID-19 pandemic when funding aimed at supporting low-income families was introduced. However, with these supports now diminishing, children are once again facing challenges, such as homelessness and food insecurity.
In addition to bullying and poverty, the report identifies several other threats to youth, including childhood mistreatment, vaccine-preventable illnesses, racism, and climate change. Austin stresses that the persistent issuance of this report aims to ignite concrete actions that will better the lives of youth in Canada.
The advocacy group has urged the federal government to develop a national strategy focused on improving children's lives and to appoint a commissioner responsible for holding national leaders accountable. Austin argues that children, who constitute nearly a quarter of Canada's population and represent 100 percent of its future, do not receive equitable funding in public health services, a situation that calls for urgent reform.
At the household level, Austin encourages parents to engage in deeper conversations with their children about the challenges they face both at school and online. She advises parents not to accept superficial answers such as "I'm OK" or "everything's fine," but rather to probe further into their children's experiences and emotions, discussing their hopes and fears as well.
This report underscores the pressing need for collaborative efforts between parents, educators, and policymakers to address the mounting challenges faced by Canadian youth, making a compelling case for change to ensure a safer and more supportive environment for the youngest members of society.
