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Bullying is not just a part of growing up; it's a serious relationship problem that can lead to long-term consequences for young people's mental, physical, and social well-being. In recent years, research has made it clear that bullying affects a large number of children and youth in Canada, and we all have a role to play in creating safe, inclusive spaces where kids can thrive. Whether you're a parent, teacher, coach, or caregiver, you may be wondering how best to recognize bullying, respond when it happens, and prevent it from occurring in the first place. Over the past several months, I’ve had the opportunity to support many young people who have experienced bullying. In this blog, I’ll share some of the key insights and lessons I’ve learned along the way, in the hopes that they might guide others working to support children through similar challenges. What Does the Research Tell Us About Bullying in Canada? Bullying is harmful and far-reaching.  Young people who are bullied are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and health problems like headaches and stomach aches. Long after the bullying stops, many children continue to carry the emotional impact into adulthood (Pepler & Craig, PREVNet, 2024). Bullying thrives in unsupervised areas . Bullying is more likely to occur in unsupervised areas of the school, such as hallways, playgrounds, cafeterias, and washrooms. Without the presence of adults, children may feel emboldened to engage in aggressive or harmful behaviours, and victims are less likely to receive immediate support or intervention (Craig, Pepler, & Atlas, 2000; Olweus, 1993). Bullying doesn’t stop on its own.  Without intervention, children and teens who bully are likely to continue this behaviour as they grow up, potentially leading to more serious forms of aggression, including dating violence, workplace harassment, and abuse in adult relationships. Bullying affects everyone.  In any given classroom of 35 students, up to 13 may be involved in bullying, either as targets, aggressors, or witnesses. When bystanders step in, the bullying often stops within seconds, but many students don’t know how to safely intervene or may fear making things worse. Fighting back isn’t the answer.  Contrary to the old advice of “just fight back,” research shows that aggressive responses tend to escalate bullying. Instead, teaching children and teens assertive communication and how to seek adult support is much more effective (PREVNet, 2024). For example: If a peer repeatedly teases or mocks a student, children can use a calm, firm voice and say, “ I don’t like that. Please stop ,” or teens may say, “That’s not cool, can you not?”  or “I’m not okay with that.” Then they walk away without feeding the attention. If a rumour is being spread , a student might say to the person involved, “I heard what you said. It’s not true, and I’d appreciate it if you stopped.” Then they can speak with a school staff member or counsellor for support in addressing the situation. When excluded from play, a group project or a social hangout, a child might say, “That’s not fair, I’d like to join too. ” If they are a teen, they can try, "Hey, I’d like to be part of this too. Can we figure something out?” Practicing tone and body language helps the message land without sounding aggressive or passive. If someone makes inappropriate jokes or comments online , a teen can take a screenshot, report it to a trusted adult, and say (in person or text), “That wasn’t okay. I don’t want that kind of stuff sent to me again.” In a group setting where a student feels cornered or ganged up on, they can stand tall, stay quiet, and walk away confidently, then debrief with someone they trust rather than reacting impulsively in the moment. If a peer pressures them into doing something that feels wrong, a simple, assertive response might be: “No thanks. That’s not for me,” or “I’m not getting involved in that.” Bullying is a human rights issue.  According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, all children have the right to be safe and treated with dignity. Adults have a responsibility to protect them from all forms of abuse, including peer-to-peer bullying (UNCRC, 1989). What Can We Do? Be proactive, not reactive.  Talk with your children regularly about their social experiences. Ask open-ended questions like, “What happens at recess?” or “Have you seen kids helping each other lately?” Build emotional skills.  Help them practice empathy, emotion regulation, and problem-solving. These are key skills for managing conflict and navigating peer relationships. Model respect and responsibility.  Children and teens are always watching. When adults demonstrate respectful communication and step in when someone is mistreated, kids learn that everyone deserves to feel safe. Teach them the difference between teasing, aggression, and bullying (PREVNet, 2024) . Support all roles in bullying.  Whether a student is experiencing bullying, using bullying behaviours, or witnessing it, they need support. Bullying is a relationship issue, not just a behavioural one. Involve the whole community.  Effective bullying prevention requires partnerships among families, schools, and communities. Programs like WITS and Second Step work best when adults are aligned in their messaging and actions. Below, you’ll find reliable resources and evidence-based tools designed to support your efforts in advocating for, addressing, and preventing bullying. Trusted Resources and Programs 1. PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network) PREVNet is Canada’s national authority on bullying prevention. With over 130 researchers and 60 partner organizations, PREVNet offers evidence-based tools, publications, and strategies to help communities promote safe and healthy relationships. Website:   https://www.prevnet.ca/bullying 2. Teach Safe Schools This user-friendly resource supports school staff in creating safe learning environments. It offers step-by-step guidance on preventing violence and promoting student well-being through a whole-school approach. Website:   https://www.teachsafeschools.org/ Evidence-Based School Programs Second Step Bullying Prevention Program This program helps students build empathy, regulate emotions, and assertively stand up for themselves and others. It’s widely used across North America and focuses on recognizing, reporting, and refusing bullying in respectful ways. Learn more:   https://www.secondstep.org/ WITS Program (Walk Away, Ignore, Talk it Out, Seek Help) Designed for children in Kindergarten to Grade 6, WITS empowers kids to respond to conflict and bullying using simple, age-appropriate strategies. It also involves schools, families, and communities in the process. Learn more:   https://witsprogram.ca/ A Classic Read Bullying at School: What We Know and What We Can Do  by Dan Olweus. This influential book, grounded in decades of research, laid the groundwork for many of the anti-bullying programs still in use today. Olweus underscores the importance of a whole-school approach and highlights the vital role that consistent adult intervention plays in preventing and addressing bullying. A Helpful Podcast “My Kid is Being Bullied. What Should I Do?”  with Dr. Lisa Damour. This episode explores the difference between conflict and bullying, when adults should step in, and how to support kids in a way that empowers them without making the situation worse. Listen here:   https://drlisadamour.com/resource/my-kid-is-being-bullied-what-should-i-do/ Final Thoughts Bullying is scary and preventable, but it takes all of us, parents, educators, coaches, and peers, to create environments where respect, safety, and inclusion are the norm. By staying informed and using evidence-based strategies, we can protect our children’s well-being and help them develop the healthy relationships they deserve. About the author:  Dr. Juliana Negreiros   is a registered psychologist and the founder of Beacon Psychology Clinic. With over a decade of experience, she is dedicated to supporting children, youth, and their families in building strong relationships and navigating emotional and behavioural challenges. Dr. Juliana collaborates with parents and educators to create safe and nurturing environments where young people can thrive.

The fear of death is a common experience that humans have. It can vary from person to person as they respond to the realization of their own mortality and its inevitability in different ways. Some people may react by being more introspective and questioning about life's meaning and values. Others may respond with denial, avoidance, anxiety, or depression. When such fear becomes too intense, occurs frequently and starts to affect one’s daily functioning, like their ability to sleep, pay attention, or engage in meaningful actions, it may be a sign that this fear has now become a problem. Regardless of whether fearing death has come up in your life or become problematic, it is worth exploring some of its roots as well as the approaches and tools that might help to cope with it if it starts getting in the way. - How does fear of death show up in mental health conditions? Interestingly, fear of death is a common thread present in many mental health disorders. These include specific phobias (such as tanaphobia or agoraphobia), certain Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) compulsions (like washing hands, checking to make sure you’re safe or you didn’t leave the stove on), health anxiety and panic disorders. Research has shown that although the fear of death is a central component of these conditions, frequently, this fear is not addressed in the treatment. For example, when engaging in exposure exercises derived from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), one might tackle the fear of heights by gradually visiting a building and exposing oneself to higher altitudes within the building little by little. Nonetheless, often, there are no conversations or exposures around the core fear of dying if they were to fall off the building. Thus, asking yourself the question about what the core fear is and addressing the root of the worries can be very helpful and guide the treatment course toward positive results. - What helps us face the fear of death, and what does not ? Research tells us that there are a few factors that contribute to the fear of dying, including early experiences of death, grief and loss, and intergenerational trauma. There are also certain elements that exacerbate them, such as feelings of meaninglessness and isolation. Generally, engaging in avoidant behaviours related to (a) things that remind us of death, such as cemetery, films, conversations, thoughts, and sleep) or (b) things perceived to have an increased risk of death, such as germs, flying, certain foods, or heights can be problematic. In addition, reassurance seeking, hypervigilance to physical sensations and compulsive behaviours (checking, tapping, rituals or repeating phrases) increases the fear of death. Research suggests what helps us face the fear of death is to develop a more neutral acceptance of it. Thus, in addition to making room for thoughts and feelings associated with death, we provide you below with some examples of actions you can take to better manage these worries: 1. striving for achievement and self-esteem (through academics, sports or arts) 2. engaging in health-conscious behaviours (like exercising, wearing sunscreen, sleeping well) 3. participating in activities that offer a sense of meaning (such as volunteering or being in nature) 4. being part of a value-driven movement or cause (e.g., related to religion or environmental initiatives) 5. attempting to build a legacy (like creating a photo album or recording a song) - What are the treatment approaches that work? CBT has proven to be the most effective intervention to treat fear of death. In particular, exposure work, cognitive restructuring, and acceptance have shown to be the treatment components that have the largest efficacy across studies. Below are some examples of each CBT component: 1. Examples of exposure exercises to help people get used to the fear and maybe leave it in the background: Reading obituaries Discussing end-of-life preferences Pretending to organize your funeral (including a music playlist for that day), Visualizing your death (and maybe writing down a story about it) 2. Examples of cognitive restructuring to help thoughts become more realistic and less scary: Targeting unhelpful thoughts such as: “Death will be painful, lonely and scary” Being aware of those thoughts and identifying the thinking traps in place (e.g., catastrophizing, fortune telling, discounting the positive) Asking some of the following questions to cognitively challenge the thought: What evidence do I have for and against that thought? What would you tell a friend to help them if they had that thought? Are you worrying about an outcome that you can't control? Is there any point in this type of worry? What good things would you gain if you gave up the thought? How would your life be different if you didn't believe the thought? Embracing uncertainty and using coping statements. For example: “I can’t predict nor control how my death will be. Regardless of what happens, I will cope with it in the moment surrounded by the people who love me.” Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) also offers some tools to reframe your relationship with death through acceptance. Below are some ideas to help you make room for these thoughts: Normalize death: engage in open conversations about this with people around you, attend a death cafe , listen to podcast s and watch videos or movies related to death. Lighten attitudes towards death: Play games about death, such as death deck or listen to music on this topic. Reframe the death fear as an opportunity to make the most of the “now”: watch videos or do this interesting exercise: draw a line on a piece of paper, with one end representing your birth and the other representing your death. Put an X on the line to mark where you are right now. Reflect on this image. - Practical tips Focus on creating a meaningful life that is true to your personal values. Remind yourself that the work to overcome death fear isn’t easy. The goal is to create a neutral acceptance of death. Try to make the journey to cope with the fear of death playful and fun! Some of the ways in which this fear can be alleviated are through acceptance, fulfilling relationships, finding or creating meaning, belonging to a larger group (i.e. through religion or sports) or creating a legacy (i.e., writing a book or making a movie). If needed, work with a therapist who can help you gradually face some of these fears and unpack the individual experiences as well as your cultural and personal beliefs that have shaped the way you think of your own mortality. Thanks for reading this blog. I would like to end it with an inspiring quote about this topic: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” ― Hunter S. Thompson, The Proud Highway: Saga of a Desperate Southern Gentleman, 1955-1967 About the Author: Diana Franco Yamin is a Canadian Certified Counsellor who holds a Master's in Clinical Psychology and has 9 years of clinical experience in community agencies and hospital settings. S he received training in CBT)for OCD and anxiety at the OCD Clinic at BC Children’s Hospital, where she also coordinated multiple studies, provided individual and group treatment and supervised Ph.D. students. For more information about Diana, please check out her profile . References - Furer, P., & Walker, J. R. (2008). Death anxiety: A cognitive-behavioral approach. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 22 (2), 167–182 - Menzies, R and Menzies R (2023) Workshop on The Relevance, Assessment, and Treatment of Death Anxiety in Mental Health Conditions. Bespoke Canada Mental Health.

When children and teens face challenges like anxiety, depression, OCD, or other emotional difficulties, it can be overwhelming to know where to turn. Therapy can be a powerful tool in helping them cope and build resilience, but understanding the different treatment options is key to finding the right fit for your family. This article highlights three gold-standard, research-backed therapies  that have been proven effective in supporting children's mental health. While these are among the most widely recommended approaches, other evidence-based treatments may also be beneficial depending on your child’s unique needs. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) CBT is one of the most widely researched and effective treatments for anxiety, OCD, depression, and other emotional challenges in young people. It empowers children and teens by helping them understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Key Skills Taught in CBT Building Awareness  – Recognizing thought patterns, emotions, and behaviours that influence how they feel and respond to situations. Relaxation Techniques  – Learning strategies such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation to calm the body and reduce stress. Cognitive Restructuring  – Identifying thinking traps (e.g., "I’ll fail no matter what") and replacing them with more balanced, realistic thoughts. Exposure Exercises  – Gradually facing fears in a structured way to build confidence and learn that they can handle difficult situations. Important Note: Exposure exercises are the key ingredient of CBT. While relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation can help slow down the body in stressful moments, they aren’t enough on their own to create lasting change. Real progress happens when kids gradually face their fears or push themselves to do things that feel uncomfortable but are important to them. This helps their brain learn that they can handle challenges and build confidence over time. Tip : Before choosing a therapist , parents should verify their credentials and experience to ensure they are qualified to address their child's specific needs. Also, make sure you ask if they actively include exposure exercises in their work with clients. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ACT is another research-backed therapy based on CBT that helps young people handle difficult thoughts and emotions while focusing on what truly matters to them. Instead of trying to eliminate uncomfortable feelings, ACT teaches kids how to accept, manage, and move forward  in a way that aligns with their values. How ACT Works Acceptance:  Instead of avoiding or fighting uncomfortable thoughts and emotions, ACT helps children make space for them . By accepting these experiences, they can reduce the struggle and learn to navigate challenges more effectively. Commitment:  ACT encourages kids to take meaningful action  based on their values, even when emotions feel overwhelming. This might include: Spending time with family or friends. Participating in hobbies or activities they enjoy. Setting and working toward personal goals. Key Skills Taught in ACT Being Present  – Learning mindfulness techniques to stay grounded in the moment and reduce emotional overwhelm. Values-Based Action  – Identifying what truly matters to them and taking steps toward those values, even when challenges arise. Cognitive Flexibility  – Developing the ability to adapt and respond  to life’s difficulties with openness and resilience. By teaching kids and teens how to handle emotions in a healthy way , ACT helps them build confidence, reduce stress, and stay focused on what’s most important to them. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) DBT is a specialized form of CBT designed for individuals who experience intense emotions  that can lead to impulsive behaviours, such as self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or addiction . It’s especially effective for teens who feel overwhelmed and need practical tools  to manage their emotions in a healthier way. Key Skills Taught in DBT Mindfulness  – Helps teens stay present in the moment rather than getting stuck in distressing thoughts. Distress Tolerance  – Teaches coping strategies to handle overwhelming emotions  without reacting impulsively. Emotion Regulation  – Helps teens understand and manage their emotions so they feel more in control. Interpersonal Effectiveness  – Develops communication and problem-solving skills to navigate challenges in relationships. This approach can be life-changing  for teens who struggle with emotional dysregulation and high-stress situations , giving them the skills to build resilience and create healthier coping strategies. What’s Right for Your Child? Every child is unique, and the right therapy depends on their specific needs. While CBT, ACT, and DBT are all highly effective, they work best when tailored to your child’s goals and challenges. About the author:  Dr. Juliana Negreiros   is a registered psychologist and the founder of Beacon Psychology Clinic. For over a decade, she has worked closely with parents to help them navigate challenges and create a supportive environment that fosters healthy development and emotional well-being.

Helpful media resources provided by Dr. Juliana Negreiros. 
 Media Drs. Juliana & Martinez have published a self-help book for teens that can also help families and educators better understand and support their teenagers: Getting comfortable with uncertainty for teens: 10 tips to overcome anxiety, fear, and worry (New Harbinger Publishing). Dr. Juliana wrote book chapters about OCD in Brazilian textbooks! Drs. Juliana and Martinez were part of the Ask Dr. Cam 's podcast, where they discussed strategies for parents to help their teenagers cope with anxiety and uncertainty. Dr. Juliana was the lead developer of two free anxiety prevention curriculums for K-7 schools in British Columbia and Saskatchewan: (1) EASE (Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators) and (2) MAPE (MAP for Educators) . Dr. Juliana was a guest on the BCASP podcast , where she shared strategies and insights on school accommodations for students with anxiety and OCD. Dr. Juliana was interviewed on YouTube Channel about the differences between OCD and ADHD Drs. Juliana and Martinez participated in the Anxious Child Podcast and shared strategies for youth to manage anxiety and uncertainty. Dr. Juliana's talk on anxiety in children and youth was on the News! Dr. Juliana created a handout for schools, parents, and clinicians on how to identify and support students with OCD in schools (Anxiety Canada website) Dr. Juliana contributed to Humber News Toronto talking about "How to support parents and children's mental health during the pandemic " Drs. Juliana and Martinez also wrote a blog for New Harbinger on creating a team to support teens facing uncertainty.

Beacon Psychology clinicians are highly qualified and provide evidence-based therapy for children, youth, and young adults with anxiety, OCD, and behavioural challenges and conduct psycho-educational assessments. 
 We provide a range of psychological services grounded in research to help children, youth & young adults thrive! Discover our published latest book, podcast episodes & more Author of: Our Team is dedicated to supporting young people's mental health and learning across clinical, school, and community settings. We also love sharing knowledge with the wider community through books, podcasts, workshops, and media contributions. Book a Free Consultation We are accepting new clients! Dr. Juliana Negreiros Director Dr. Kevin Noble Associate Natalie Noble, Ph.D. Candidate Associate Marissa Hall, Ph.D. Candidate Associate Dr. Rajan Hayre Associate Harkiran Thandi, M.Ed. Associate Alexandra Vergara, B.A. Clinical Assistant Get the latest news, practical strategies, and expert advice from our clinic. Click below to explore our blog! Addressing Bullying in Our School Communities: Resources and Support for Families and Educators Bullying in Canadian schools is a serious issue with long-term effects on children’s mental and emotional health. Learn how parents, teachers, and caregivers can recognize the signs, respond effectively, and prevent bullying using evidence-based strategies and programs like WITS, Second Step, and PREVNet. Together, we can create safe, inclusive spaces where all kids can thrive. 5 min read Finding the Right Therapy for Your Child: A Parent's Guide Therapy can make a big difference, but it’s essential to understand the types of treatments available for you to make the best choice. 3 min read Understanding the Differences Between Mental Health Professionals: Who Should You Choose? Understanding the differences between psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, therapists, and social workers helps you find the right fit 3 min read

Our team is passionate about supporting young people's mental health and learning in clinical, school, and community, settings. Our Team speaks various languages and specializes in comprehensive psycho-educational and mental health assessments and evidence-based treatment for anxiety, OCD, BFRB, depression, school and relationship difficulties, parenting support, and more. Dr. Juliana Negreiros Director Dr. Kevin Noble Associate Dr. Rajan Hayre Associate Natalie Noble, Ph.D. Candidate Associate Marissa Hall, Ph.D. Candidate Associate Harkiran Thandi, M.Ed. Associate Alexandra Vergara, B.A. Clinical Assistant