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Media Smarts: Cyberbullying
Technology is a double-edged sword. The benefits such as access to information and quick, easy communications are an asset. The dark side of the internet is a scary and powerful thing.
Cyberbullying is bullying that is spread by electronic means. These can be on computers, cell phones or other devices. You may have heard the term ‘online bullying’ and this is the same thing. It is most common between young people and teenagers. When this happens between adults it is more commonly known as cyberharassment or cyberstalking and there are laws against that.
Bullies have been around forever, but now they can spread their hate by hiding behind technology. They are cowards but can still do a lot of damage. These bullies may embarrass or threaten others by posting a text or a tweet or a facebook message that is mean or even threatening. Photos may be posted to embarrass or be hurtful.
Cyberbullying is powerful because it reaches a wider group and can happen 24 hours a day. Every child or teen who uses technology (computer or phone) and let’s face it that is every child and teen, are at risk of being cyberbullied – or being the cyberbully.
If you are the parent whose child or teen is being bullied there are a few things that can help: block the bully, cut down on your child’s technology use, and advise your teen to never send anyone a compromising photo. These photos can be shared widely – and that can, and has, led to tragic consequences.
A shocking statistic: In 90% of bullying cases, friends (or peers) know about it. This is no different than the old-fashioned schoolyard bully from years ago. Too many people stand by and do not speak up. Statistics tell us that if a “bystander’ (either in person or online) speaks up most bullying will stop. Teens: Do not be a silent bystander.
Cyberstalking (when these behaviours happen between adults) is against the law. In Canada, cyberstalking can be prosecuted as criminal harassment under the criminal code. It is defined as, “repeatedly communicating with, either directly or indirectly, the other person or anyone known to them,” in a negative or unwanted way.
It is vital to our mental well-being that we “reject hate speech,
misinformation and online negativity. What we consume, what we are exposed to, and what we engage with online, has a real effect on all of us.” – Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
Media Smarts:- Week # 1 – Sources
- Week # 2 – Opinion or Fact
- Week # 3 – Gender and Racial Stereotypes
- Week # 4 – Scams
- Week # 5 – Cyberbullying
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Regional update: 4 new deaths reported today as cases continue to rise
There are 17 new cases of COVID-19 in the region. Six of the new cases are in the Rocher-Percé MRC, ten in the Côte-de-Gaspé MRC and one in the Haute-Gaspésie.
Public Health states that the difference between provincial and regional statistics can be explained by the rapidly changing situation and that adjustments will be made over the next few days.
CHSLD in Maria (Residence Saint-Joseph) – no longer considered an outbreak: 24 residents and 22 staff members tested positive for COVID-19. Eleven *(+2) residents have passed away as a result of Covid-19. Ninety-one residents and nearly 130 employees work there.
*After verification Public Health has determined that two deaths which occurred in October were attributable to COVID-19.
Lady Maria (RPA – Private Seniors’ Residence) outbreak
Forty-four residents (stable), and thirteen (stable) employees at Lady Maria have tested positive for COVID-19. The Lady Maria residence is home to 130 individuals and nearly 45 employees work there.
CHSLD New Carlisle outbreak
Eighteen employees (stable) and fifteen (stable) residents are affected by this outbreak. Four (stable) residents from the CHSLD New Carlisle have passed away as a result of COVID-19. CHSLD New Carlisle houses 66 residents and employs 118 people.
New Carlisle Detention Centre
Twenty-six (+3) inmates and six (+1) employees have tested positive for COVID. Of those testing positive, one employee has recovered from the virus. Fifty-six individuals are currently being detained at the New Carlisle Facility.
After verification Public Health regarding the rules for categorizing cases, it was determined that the New Carlisle facility is a closed environment with temporary accommodation. For that type of facility, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) recommends entering the permanent address of cases. As a result, the cases related to the outbreak at the New Carlisle Detention Centre were all reclassified by their permanent address.
In summary, of the 26 inmates associated with the COVID-19 outbreak, 19 have a permanent address in Gaspé Peninsula/Magdalen Islands and seven are from outside the region.
Please note that SPEC will continue to keep readers apprised of the number of cases at the New Carlisle Detention Centre, however, those numbers won’t correlate directly with the region’s daily totals.
Four of the positive results came in yesterday afternoon and were never added to the regional total. These cases will belong to their MRC of residence and not to the MRC Bonaventure where the facility is located.
Percé Correctional Facility
Two (stable) employee at the Percé Correctional Facility tested positive for COVID-19. One employee has since recovered from the virus. So far, the detainees haven’t been affected. All detainees at the Percé facility have been tested.
Manoir St-Augustin outbreak
Sixty-five (+1) residents and thirty-two (+1) employees of Manoir St-Augustin, a private seniors’ residence (RPA) have so far, tested positive for COVID-19. Five (+2) residents have passed away as a result of COVID-19.
CHSLD Mgr-Ross Gaspé CHSLD outbreak
Less than five employees and less than five residents have so far, tested positive for COVID-19.
Updated List – Réné-Levesque School Service Centre
The Réné-Levesque School Service Centre has confirmed 4 (+1) cases. Presently, there aren’t any classrooms in quarantine.
The educational facilities with positive cases are:
- École St-Bernard, Carleton (1 case)
- Centre de formation professionnelle, Bonaventure (1 case)
- École La Source, Paspébiac (2 cases)
Eastern Shores School Board
The educational facilities with positives cases are:
- Shigawake Port-Daniel
- Belle Anse Elementary
- Gaspé Polyvalent
- Gaspé Elementary.
Maria Hospital – no longer considered an outbreak: Ten employees tested positive and no patients were involved in the outbreak.
Chandler Hospital – no longer considered an outbreak: Less than five employees tested positive.
Gaspé Hospital outbreak – no longer considered an outbreak: Nine employees (stable) have tested positive and less than five patients are affected by this outbreak. One patient has passed away as a result of COVID-19.
Centre d’hébergement Mgr-Ross – Multi-Services Sector– no longer considered an outbreak: Less than 5 employees have tested positive for COVID-19. The CISSS states that this part of the facility has a multifunctional purpose.
Complete portrait
The total number of COVID-19 cases in the Gaspé Peninsula and Magdalen Islands is now 1,257* (+17). Presently, 987 (+20) individuals have recovered. There are 232 (-10) active cases in the region. The total number of deaths is 38 (+4). There are currently 9 (stable) individuals hospitalized.
*Three cases have been removed (formerly listed with the NC Detention Centre). The permanent address of those individuals is outside the region. This explains the discrepancy between 1,243 yesterday and 1,257 today.
Regional: MRC of Residence
MRC / living environment Confirmed cases Since Sept. 1 Active Cases Rate/ 100000 since Sept. 1 Avignon (stable) 366 278 23 156.2 Bonaventure (stable) 320 264 42 240.4 Rocher-Percé (+6) 204 170 32 188.4 Côte-de-Gaspé (+10) 320 302 132 754.0 Haute-Gaspésie (+1) 19 11 <5 n.d. Magdalen Islands (stable) 28 18 <5 n.d. Gaspé Peninsula Magdalen Islands 1,257 1,043 232 257.6 Source: Gaspé Peninsula Public Health Board. n.d.: not disclosed when less than 5 for privacy reasons
The Gaspé Peninsula is at Alert Level 3 – Orange. As of November 6, the Magdalen Islands region has changed to Alert Level 2 – Yellow.
Please consult previous posts for measures related to each Alert Level.
The totals for the province are as follows:
Cases Deaths Hospitalizations ICU 126,054 (+982) 6,675 (*+24) 638 (+47) 100 (+13) *Five deaths occurred in the last 24 hours, one death occurred before November 10 and eighteen deaths occurred between November 10 and November 15.