How to Help Your Child if They are Being Bullied OR if They ARE the Bully

Did you know that 75 per cent of people say they have been affected by bullying1? Bullying has been widely talked about in mainstream media within the past year, but recent statistics indicate that 78 per cent of Canadians believe that not enough is being done to stop it in their communities2. One step we can all take is to empower young people to do something about bullying, like reaching out for help. In 2013, Kids Help Phone saw a 10 per cent increase in calls related to bullying and harassment during Bullying Awareness Week. What can parents do to … Continue reading

World Suicide Prevention Day: How to Talk About the ‘Tough Stuff’ at Home

How to Talk to Your Child About Suicide

If a student in your kid’s school died by suicide, how would you talk about it at home? Even though suicide can be a difficult topic to discuss with kids, it is important that young people know they can talk to you about it. Kids Help Phone hears from many youth who don’t know who to turn to about a complex topic like suicide. Sometimes kids are afraid to tell their parents what they are feeling. They might think that they will worry their parents, or feel that their parents are uncomfortable talking about certain issues. But, suicide is something … Continue reading

Back to School Tips from @KidsHelpPhone

Back to School Tips from Kids Help Phone

While the start of a new school year can be exciting for many kids and parents alike, young people can also experience feelings of nervousness, anxiety, stress, and tension. Transitioning to a new grade, changing schools, getting new teachers, and making friends are all examples of the types of concerns young people can have ahead of September. Back to school anxiety can affect any young person, no matter their age, but there are ways parents can help their kids feel supported at this time of year. Have a talk. Ask your kid what they’re thinking and feeling about the new … Continue reading