EXPERT ADVISORY – AUGUST 29, 2025 – R0096
As kids prepare for a return to class, Brock University Professor of Child and Youth Studies Tony Volksays it’s important to stop bullying early.
“We know that bullying tends to kick in almost immediately, with bullying relationships usually starting within the first few weeks of school and past relationships sometimes carrying on into the new school year,” says Volk, a developmental scientist and member of the Brock Research on Aggression and Victimization Experiences (BRAVE) group. “One of the main reasons why bullies bully is for popularity and reputation — and they want that starting on day one.”
He says September is an important time for educators to make statements and enact policies to prevent bullying.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure because once bullying behaviour is established, the stakes are higher and it’s harder to prevent,” he says.
With new data showing an uptick in violence in Ontario schools, Volk says dedicating resources to anti-bullying behaviours early and intentionally can be a key way to positively impact outcomes.
Data collected by Volk’s team shows the increase being seen provincially isn’t universal, however, suggesting that with the right focus and resources, some school boards seem to be able to buck this trend.
For students who are the victim of bullying behaviour, Volk recommends seeking support as soon as possible, confiding in either a trusted teacher, parent or classmate.
Finding a group to connect with — whether online, an in-person club or an extracurricular group — also comes with its benefits, creating a circle of support. Students may also consider removing themselves from spaces where they may encounter their bully, taking courses at different times throughout the year and avoiding run-ins in the halls.
“That kind of mobility can be a way of diffusing the situation,” Volk says.
It’s also important for victims not to blame themselves or see the fact that they were targeted by a bully as a reflection of a flaw within themselves, he says.
“Bullying is often strangely impersonal. The target often doesn’t matter, and the bully is just using them to make a point.”
He also stresses that “fighting back” is often not the best approach to stop bullying.
“It’s the best way to stop it and it’s the best way to make it worse, so it’s really a risky strategy,” Volk says. “The reason why we don’t emphasize confrontation is because bullying is a power imbalance. So, we’re really looking for solutions that don’t require the victim to have to overcome the power balance by themselves.”
Volk encourages parents, teachers and students to have early and frequent conversations around bullying.
Parents can also watch out for signs that point to a problem.
“You want to look for either a change or continuation of not wanting to go to school or not feeling well — those are the two easiest signs,” he says. “If they start off enthusiastic and then that drops off quickly, that’s a sign that something has gone wrong. This is the time to catch it and nip it in the bud if you can.”
For parents who suspect their child may be bullying others, it’s key to appeal to their desires for power and popularity — frequent motivations for these actions — while showing that kindness is more effective than coercion, Volk says.
“Some kids have a real drive for recognition. They want to be the centre of attention. They want that social visibility — and they’re potentially willing to bully to get it,” he says. “But if we help them understand you can get that power and be liked, even gaining more ground through kindness, then you’ve created a more pro-social peer structure.”
Both adults and kids value strength and kindness, Volk says.
“You see this with the great leaders of the 20th century who were powerful and strong but also able to make alliances, working and co-operating with others,” he says. “Teaching these skills to youth in our schools will foster kindness in the next generation.”
Brock University Professor of Child and Youth Studies Tony Volk is available for media interviews on this topic.
For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:
*Maryanne St. Denis, Associate Director, Strategic Communications, Brock University, [email protected] or 905-246-0256
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