MP Proposes a Federal Anti-bullying Strategy: A Step Towards Putting the Mental Health Strategy for Canada into Action Say Psychiatrists

OTTAWA, Nov. 20, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Psychiatric Association supports MP Dany Morin's motion to establish a special House of Commons Committee to develop a national anti-bullying prevention strategy.

"As the mental health strategy of Canada points out, bullying puts the mental health of children and youth at risk and should be a priority for action," says Dr. Suzane Renaud, President of the Canadian Psychiatric Association. "The federal government can act on this priority by funding and developing a mental health research agenda that includes the prevalence, causes and effects of bullying and identifies evidence-based anti-bullying best practices.  It can also act as a catalyst to accelerate and coordinate the dissemination of that knowledge to bolster the capacity of families, caregivers, schools, post-secondary institutions and community organizations to promote the mental health of children and youth."

Mr. Morin's proposed anti-bullying strategy would:

• Study the prevalence and impact of different types of bullying, including physical, verbal, indirect and cyberbullying.
• Identify and adopt a range of evidence-based anti-bullying best practices.
• Promote and disseminate anti-bullying information to Canadian families through a variety of mediums.
• Provide support for organizations that work with young people to promote positive and safe environments.
• Focus on prevention rather than criminalization.

"A number of the priorities and recommendations for action set out in the mental health strategy for Canada released last May are echoed in Mr. Morin's proposed strategy. Psychiatrists urge MPs to support this motion as one of many steps needed to put this broader strategy into action."

The Canadian Psychiatric Association is the national voice for Canada's 4,100 psychiatrists and more than 600 psychiatric residents. Founded in 1951, the CPA is dedicated to promoting an environment that fosters excellence in the provision of clinical care, education and research.

SOURCE: Canadian Psychiatric Association

Hélène Côté
Canadian Psychiatric Association
[email protected]
1-613-234-2815 (232) or 613-297-5038