"If I were the next Prime Minister" runner-up: "I would...enhance laws against cyber-bullying"
If I were the next Prime Minister I would do a complete review of Canada's bullying laws to address cyber-bullying, as well as review the Youth Criminal Justice Act to ensure that those who are cyber-bulling others have consequences to face.
I would put together a program for Canada's youth discussing cyber-bullying, and the effect it can have on those being harassed.
It should be set up to be an ongoing program within the schools, with a portion being covered in each grade - as the children get older, they are consistently exposed to age-appropriate information about cyber-bullying and its effects, and how and why to prevent it.
Children will need to be taught about the internet, its good and bad qualities, and how to maximize its uses while minimizing their personal risk, as part of this program.
Lastly, I would set up an award program in each school, to be awarded to the student who most exemplifies an Anti-Bullying culture, with recipients having an opportunity to apply for a special scholarship when the time comes for them to attend a post-secondary institution.
The program would be named The Amanda Todd Anti-Bullying Award and Scholarship Program, in memory of Amanda Todd.
-Kim McArthur
