Gaps in cyberbullying protocols, report finds

Gaps in protocols and policies in P.E.I.’s education and justice systems could lead to a tragedy, says a new report funded by the provincial Department of Justice.

“Having prevention strategies, early interventions and policies/regulations in place that address cyberbullying will serve PEI youth and support their health and well-being — and will perhaps save lives,” reads the report, which was prepared by Women’s Network PEI.

The report says a lack of consistency in policies for preventing cyberbullying has led to confusion for adults trying to deal with the issue.

While for most kids cyberbullying can be little more than an annoyance, in extreme cases the report found it has led Island children into depression, self-harm and alcohol abuse.

“Trauma is trauma, and it changes kids. It changes you fundamentally as a person. And trauma has an intense impact on us and it lasts throughout our lives,” said Michelle MacCallum of Women’s Network PEI.

“How do we protect them from those traumas, so that they don't end up having a lifelong legacy of scarring from it?”

The report includes information on current trends in the province, the potential effects of cyberbullying, and how victims can access support.

In a news release, Justice Minister Janice Sherry encouraged all Islanders — including parents, educators, youth workers and justice officials — to read the report and use it as a resource.

Calls and emails to the P.E.I. Department of Justice were not returned.

The director of student services with the English Language School Board told CBC that health, justice and education officials should work together to come up with a strategy.

"From this report if there's a suggestion that we as different sectors ought to work more collaboratively, I'd be very interested in that," said Julia Gaudet. "And I think everyone looks to make it a more civil place for our youth to grow up and to have them conduct themselves with more responsible, mature, respectful relationships."

Gaudet said the English Board does not have a single, specific policy to deal with cyber-bullying. Currently schools use one of two policies left over from the old Eastern and Western boards. Gaudet said the board will develop a new policy, but there's no timeline to complete that.

For mobile device users: Is the P.E.I. government doing enough to prevent cyberbullying and deal with its impact?