A recent report reveals alarming trends among Canadian youth as they head back to school. The Raising Canada report indicates that bullying, poverty, and mental health issues are increasing among children aged 12 to 17. It states that over 70% of these youths experienced bullying in the past year, while more than 13% were living in poverty by the end of 2024.

The annual report compiles data from government sources, university research, and consultations with youth and experts to identify key threats to childhood well-being in Canada. Sara Austin, CEO and founder of the charity Children First Canada, which commissioned the report, described the findings as indicative of "a generation at risk." She emphasized that the rise in bullying is particularly concerning, noting that more than two-thirds of youth reported being bullied, and one in five experienced cyberbullying.

Austin attributed the increase in bullying to the growing influence of online technology, including social media and artificial intelligence, which she says exacerbate the challenges youth face daily and negatively impact their mental health. The report also highlights a disconnect between teachers and students regarding support for bullying. While 71% of teachers reported taking action against bullying, only 25% of students felt supported by their teachers.

"It’s not to say that teachers don’t care or aren’t trying, but it just really points to the fact that our kids are struggling in ways that we as adults haven’t fully grasped," Austin said.

The report also addresses rising childhood poverty levels, estimating that about 1.4 million Canadian children will be living in poverty by the end of 2024, the highest rate since 2017. Austin noted that there was "measurable progress" during the COVID-19 pandemic due to funding aimed at supporting low-income families. However, as these supports diminish, many children are slipping back into poverty.

"With the removal of those supports, we’ve seen kids sliding back into poverty again where their families are struggling to put a roof over their heads and food on the table," she said.

Other issues affecting youth include childhood mistreatment, vaccine-preventable illnesses, racism, and climate change. Austin stated that the purpose of the annual report is to inspire concrete actions to improve the lives of children. The advocacy group is urging the federal government to create a national strategy to enhance the well-being of children and appoint a commissioner to hold leaders accountable.

"Kids represent nearly a quarter of our population and 100% of our future, but they do not receive an equal amount of funding or an equitable amount of funding when it comes to public health services, and that needs to change," Austin said.

At the household level, Austin encourages parents to engage in open conversations with their children about the challenges they face at school and online. "Don’t take the easy answer of, ‘I’m OK,’ or ‘everything’s fine.’ Dig deeper, talk about the things that they’re seeing and experiencing online. Talk about what’s happening in their classrooms. Talk about their hopes and their fears," she advised.