Manitoba beefs up anti-bullying resources for children, teens

Manitoba is beefing up measures to protect children from cyberbullying.

The province is strengthening its partnership with the Winnipeg-based Canadian Centre for Child Protection to provide new anti-bullying programs and services.

The government said the partnership with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection will include a guide to assist schools when teens have been "negatively impacted by a sexual picture/video being shared by peers," a reference to tragedies such as the suicide of 17-year-oldRehtaeh Parsons in N.S. who was a victim of cyberbullying.

It will also promoteeducational resources in schools to support youth who may be cyberbullied, and promises to develop more resources for grades 8 to 10.

The province is also supporting the centre's hosting the second annual 'Safe and Caring School Leadership Conference' on cybersafety next May.

"In the last few years, the issue of self/peer exploitation and cyberbullying has become a growing concern for parents and school personnel across Canada," said Lianna McDonald, executive director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, in a news release.

She said the resources will giveyouth, familiesand schools the resources and support they need when addressing "the collision between sexual exploitation, technology and bullying among peers."

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection is a not-for-profit charitable organization.