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In recent years, bullying has become a cause célèbre for the various levels of government and the people of Quebec. In 2014 the Quebec government undertook a comprehensive public consultation on bullying. The Concerted Action Plan to Prevent and Counter Bullying 2015–2018, published on November 18, 2015, is the result.

Too often this social problem is discussed only as it relates to children and teens, but the elderly are also affected. Bullying among the elderly is a serious problem in some senior communities. Bullying has a negative impact on the victim, their family, and their living environment. People who manage senior communities have an important role to play in fighting bullying—for instance, by taking a clear anti-bullying stance and enforcing a zero tolerance policy at all times.

Bullying: definitions

Bullying refers to any behaviour, remark, action, or gesture, whether deliberate or not, of a repetitive nature, delivered directly or indirectly, including online, in a context where there is an imbalance of power between the persons concerned, which has the effect of causing distress and damaging, injuring, oppressing, or ostracizing the target.

This may include pushing, hitting, insulting, threatening, denigrating, isolating, or excluding someone.

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What is physical bullying?

Gestures or actions that are generally deliberate and repetitive, harm someone’s physical integrity, and have the effect of frightening, hurting, or controlling them.

This may include intentionally tripping, shoving, forcing, or hitting someone.

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What is verbal bullying?

Words or remarks that are generally deliberate and repetitive and have the effect of hurting, humiliating, or controlling another person. They may be delivered in a subtle way or in a very direct way.

This may include insults, mocking, ridicule, threats, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or racist remarks, and discriminatory comments based on age or other personal characteristics.

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What is social bullying?

Behaviours, attitudes, or words that are generally deliberate and repetitive and have the effect of making the other person uncomfortable; controlling, humiliating, or isolating them; or damaging their integrity, reputation, or self-esteem.

This may include spreading lies or rumours; denigrating, humiliating, isolating, or excluding someone; or looking at them contemptuously or threateningly.

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Learn more about the Senior-Aware program