Lantern · Canada
CanadaCyberbullying law, province by province
Schools are run by the provinces and territories, so each one draws its own lines on bullying, cyberbullying and phones. Federal criminal law applies everywhere, and an under-16 social media bill is before Parliament. Here is what applies where, in plain English.
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Profiles of Canada and its provinces and territories
Federal rules
Canada (federal)
New 10 June 2026: Canada introduces the Safe Social Media Act (Bill C-34)
Bullying rules are provincial; federal criminal law applies everywhere, and an under-16 social media bill is before Parliament.
Compare with anywhere elseProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Partly:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Education belongs to the provinces and territories, so each sets its own school bullying rules.
Legal detail and sources
Every province and territory requires schools or school boards to address bullying through law, regulation or policy.
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Each province and territory decides how its school rules cover online bullying.
- No:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Not yet. A federal bill would create a Digital Safety Commission, but it is still before Parliament. Report harmful posts to the platform and, if it is a crime, to police.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, was introduced 10 June 2026. It would enact the Digital Safety Act and create the Digital Safety Commission of Canada to set standards, enforce platform duties and handle complaints. It replaces the earlier Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), which never became law.
- No:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
Not yet. The federal Safe Social Media Act would bar under-16s from regulated social media, but it is not law.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34 would stop children under 16 from holding accounts on regulated social media services, with possible exemptions for services that show strong child safeguards. Which services are covered would be set later by regulation.
- Partly:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Every province now restricts phones in class; the territories are catching up.
Legal detail and sources
All ten provinces introduced restrictions in 2024. Quebec extended its ban to the whole school day in 2025, and Yukon brought in a territory-wide policy for 2026-27.
- Set nationally:
When is online abuse a crime?
Online bullying can be a federal crime when it becomes harassment, threats or sharing intimate images.
Legal detail and sources
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Criminal Code offences that can apply include criminal harassment (s264), uttering threats (s264.1) and publishing an intimate image without consent (s162.1, added by the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, in force 10 March 2015). The Protecting Victims Act (2026) extended s162.1 to include sexual deepfakes.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Guidance comes from each province and territory.
Province
Ontario
The Accepting Schools Act requires every board to prevent bullying; phones are put away in class.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. The Accepting Schools Act (2012) requires every school board to have bullying prevention and intervention plans.
Legal detail and sources
Education Act as amended by the Accepting Schools Act, 2012 (Bill 13), in force 1 September 2012. Policy/Program Memorandum 144 sets out bullying prevention and intervention.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The Education Act defines cyberbullying as bullying by any electronic means.
Legal detail and sources
Education Act s1(1.0.0.2).
- No:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Not yet. A federal bill would create a Digital Safety Commission, but it is still before Parliament. Report harmful posts to the platform and, if it is a crime, to police.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, was introduced 10 June 2026. It would enact the Digital Safety Act and create the Digital Safety Commission of Canada to set standards, enforce platform duties and handle complaints. It replaces the earlier Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), which never became law.
- No:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
Not yet. The federal Safe Social Media Act would bar under-16s from regulated social media, but it is not law.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34 would stop children under 16 from holding accounts on regulated social media services, with possible exemptions for services that show strong child safeguards. Which services are covered would be set later by regulation.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones must be silenced and out of sight in class, and social media is blocked on school networks.
Legal detail and sources
Policy/Program Memorandum 128, revised 2024 and in force from 1 September 2024.
- Set nationally:
When is online abuse a crime?
Online bullying can be a federal crime when it becomes harassment, threats or sharing intimate images.
Legal detail and sources
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Criminal Code offences that can apply include criminal harassment (s264), uttering threats (s264.1) and publishing an intimate image without consent (s162.1, added by the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, in force 10 March 2015). The Protecting Victims Act (2026) extended s162.1 to include sexual deepfakes.
- Yes:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Yes. PPM 144 guides how staff prevent and respond to bullying.
Province
Québec
Every school needs an anti-bullying plan; phones banned all day since 2025.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for QuébecProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. Since 2012 every school must adopt and review an anti-bullying and anti-violence plan.
Legal detail and sources
An Act to prevent and stop bullying and violence in schools (Bill 56), in force 15 June 2012, amended the Education Act and the Act respecting private education.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The law's definition of bullying includes social media.
- No:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Not yet. A federal bill would create a Digital Safety Commission, but it is still before Parliament. Report harmful posts to the platform and, if it is a crime, to police.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, was introduced 10 June 2026. It would enact the Digital Safety Act and create the Digital Safety Commission of Canada to set standards, enforce platform duties and handle complaints. It replaces the earlier Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), which never became law.
- Partly:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
No social media ban. Under Quebec privacy law, a parent must consent before a business collects personal information from a child under 14.
Legal detail and sources
Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector, as amended by Law 25.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are banned for the whole school day, including breaks, in public and private schools since September 2025.
Legal detail and sources
- Set nationally:
When is online abuse a crime?
Online bullying can be a federal crime when it becomes harassment, threats or sharing intimate images.
Legal detail and sources
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Criminal Code offences that can apply include criminal harassment (s264), uttering threats (s264.1) and publishing an intimate image without consent (s162.1, added by the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, in force 10 March 2015). The Protecting Victims Act (2026) extended s162.1 to include sexual deepfakes.
- Yes:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Yes. All school staff are expected to take part in the school's anti-bullying plan.
Province
Manitoba
The Public Schools Act defines bullying and requires codes of conduct.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. The Public Schools Act defines bullying and requires schools to address it in their codes of conduct.
Legal detail and sources
Public Schools Act s47.1, amended by the Safe and Inclusive Schools Act (Bill 18), assented 13 September 2013.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The definition covers bullying by electronic means.
- No:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Not yet. A federal bill would create a Digital Safety Commission, but it is still before Parliament. Report harmful posts to the platform and, if it is a crime, to police.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, was introduced 10 June 2026. It would enact the Digital Safety Act and create the Digital Safety Commission of Canada to set standards, enforce platform duties and handle complaints. It replaces the earlier Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), which never became law.
- No:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
Not yet. The federal Safe Social Media Act would bar under-16s from regulated social media, but it is not law.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34 would stop children under 16 from holding accounts on regulated social media services, with possible exemptions for services that show strong child safeguards. Which services are covered would be set later by regulation.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are banned in class from 2024, with stricter rules for younger grades.
Legal detail and sources
- Set nationally:
When is online abuse a crime?
Online bullying can be a federal crime when it becomes harassment, threats or sharing intimate images.
Legal detail and sources
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Criminal Code offences that can apply include criminal harassment (s264), uttering threats (s264.1) and publishing an intimate image without consent (s162.1, added by the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, in force 10 March 2015). The Protecting Victims Act (2026) extended s162.1 to include sexual deepfakes.
- Yes:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Yes. Schools are responsible for training staff on safe and inclusive schools.
Province
Alberta
The Education Act defines bullying, including online and off school property.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. The Education Act defines bullying and requires every board to have a code of conduct that addresses it.
Legal detail and sources
Education Act ss31 and 33. Students must also refrain from, report and not tolerate bullying.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes, including by electronic means and off school property.
- No:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Not yet. A federal bill would create a Digital Safety Commission, but it is still before Parliament. Report harmful posts to the platform and, if it is a crime, to police.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, was introduced 10 June 2026. It would enact the Digital Safety Act and create the Digital Safety Commission of Canada to set standards, enforce platform duties and handle complaints. It replaces the earlier Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), which never became law.
- No:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
Not yet. The federal Safe Social Media Act would bar under-16s from regulated social media, but it is not law.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34 would stop children under 16 from holding accounts on regulated social media services, with possible exemptions for services that show strong child safeguards. Which services are covered would be set later by regulation.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones may not be used during instructional time, and social media is blocked on school networks.
Legal detail and sources
Ministerial Order 014/2024, Standards for the Use of Personal Mobile Devices and Social Media in Schools, in force 1 September 2024.
- Set nationally:
When is online abuse a crime?
Online bullying can be a federal crime when it becomes harassment, threats or sharing intimate images.
Legal detail and sources
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Criminal Code offences that can apply include criminal harassment (s264), uttering threats (s264.1) and publishing an intimate image without consent (s162.1, added by the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, in force 10 March 2015). The Protecting Victims Act (2026) extended s162.1 to include sexual deepfakes.
- Yes:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Yes. Boards must publish codes of conduct and review them every year.
Province
British Columbia
A ministerial order requires codes of conduct that cover cyberbullying.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. A ministerial order requires every board to have a code of conduct that addresses bullying.
Legal detail and sources
Provincial Standards for Codes of Conduct Order under the School Act. The ERASE strategy supports schools.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. Codes of conduct must address cyberbullying, on or off school property, when it affects school.
Legal detail and sources
- No:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Not yet. A federal bill would create a Digital Safety Commission, but it is still before Parliament. Report harmful posts to the platform and, if it is a crime, to police.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, was introduced 10 June 2026. It would enact the Digital Safety Act and create the Digital Safety Commission of Canada to set standards, enforce platform duties and handle complaints. It replaces the earlier Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), which never became law.
- No:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
Not yet. The federal Safe Social Media Act would bar under-16s from regulated social media, but it is not law.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34 would stop children under 16 from holding accounts on regulated social media services, with possible exemptions for services that show strong child safeguards. Which services are covered would be set later by regulation.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are restricted during class time in every district since September 2024.
Legal detail and sources
- Set nationally:
When is online abuse a crime?
Online bullying can be a federal crime when it becomes harassment, threats or sharing intimate images.
Legal detail and sources
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Criminal Code offences that can apply include criminal harassment (s264), uttering threats (s264.1) and publishing an intimate image without consent (s162.1, added by the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, in force 10 March 2015). The Protecting Victims Act (2026) extended s162.1 to include sexual deepfakes.
- Yes:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Yes. ERASE gives staff training and step-by-step response procedures.
Legal detail and sources
Province
Saskatchewan
A provincial action plan guides schools on bullying and cyberbullying.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Partly:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
No specific law. A provincial action plan guides school divisions.
Legal detail and sources
Saskatchewan's Action Plan to Address Bullying and Cyberbullying (2013).
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The action plan covers cyberbullying.
- No:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Not yet. A federal bill would create a Digital Safety Commission, but it is still before Parliament. Report harmful posts to the platform and, if it is a crime, to police.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, was introduced 10 June 2026. It would enact the Digital Safety Act and create the Digital Safety Commission of Canada to set standards, enforce platform duties and handle complaints. It replaces the earlier Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), which never became law.
- No:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
Not yet. The federal Safe Social Media Act would bar under-16s from regulated social media, but it is not law.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34 would stop children under 16 from holding accounts on regulated social media services, with possible exemptions for services that show strong child safeguards. Which services are covered would be set later by regulation.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are not allowed during class for K-12 students since 2024.
Legal detail and sources
Personal Electronic Devices Responsible Use Policy (2024).
- Set nationally:
When is online abuse a crime?
Online bullying can be a federal crime when it becomes harassment, threats or sharing intimate images.
Legal detail and sources
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Criminal Code offences that can apply include criminal harassment (s264), uttering threats (s264.1) and publishing an intimate image without consent (s162.1, added by the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, in force 10 March 2015). The Protecting Victims Act (2026) extended s162.1 to include sexual deepfakes.
- Yes:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Yes. The action plan includes resources for schools.
Province
New Brunswick
The Education Act requires positive learning environment plans; Policy 703 covers cyberbullying.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for New BrunswickProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. The Education Act requires district and school plans that address bullying.
Legal detail and sources
Education Act amended by Bill 45 (2012). Policy 703, Positive Learning and Working Environment, sets requirements. The Minister reports on bullying to the Legislature.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. Policy 703 covers electronic bullying on or off school property.
- No:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Not yet. A federal bill would create a Digital Safety Commission, but it is still before Parliament. Report harmful posts to the platform and, if it is a crime, to police.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, was introduced 10 June 2026. It would enact the Digital Safety Act and create the Digital Safety Commission of Canada to set standards, enforce platform duties and handle complaints. It replaces the earlier Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), which never became law.
- No:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
Not yet. The federal Safe Social Media Act would bar under-16s from regulated social media, but it is not law.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34 would stop children under 16 from holding accounts on regulated social media services, with possible exemptions for services that show strong child safeguards. Which services are covered would be set later by regulation.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones go in a designated place on silent during class, under Policy 311.
Legal detail and sources
- Set nationally:
When is online abuse a crime?
Online bullying can be a federal crime when it becomes harassment, threats or sharing intimate images.
Legal detail and sources
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Criminal Code offences that can apply include criminal harassment (s264), uttering threats (s264.1) and publishing an intimate image without consent (s162.1, added by the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, in force 10 March 2015). The Protecting Victims Act (2026) extended s162.1 to include sexual deepfakes.
- Yes:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Yes. Policy 703 sets out roles for staff.
Province
Nova Scotia
A provincial school code of conduct, plus CyberScan help for victims.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. The Education Act requires a provincial school code of conduct that covers bullying and cyberbullying.
Legal detail and sources
Promotion of Respectful and Responsible Relationships Act (2012) amended the Education Act.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. Principals can act on cyberbullying on or off school grounds.
- Partly:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Partly. Nova Scotia's CyberScan unit helps victims, and courts can order cyberbullying stopped or content removed.
Legal detail and sources
Intimate Images and Cyber-protection Act (2017) replaced the Cyber-safety Act struck down in 2015, with a narrower definition of cyberbullying.
- No:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
Not yet. The federal Safe Social Media Act would bar under-16s from regulated social media, but it is not law.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34 would stop children under 16 from holding accounts on regulated social media services, with possible exemptions for services that show strong child safeguards. Which services are covered would be set later by regulation.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are not allowed during class; elementary students keep them stored all day.
Legal detail and sources
Provincial directive on personal cell phone use in schools (2024).
- Set nationally:
When is online abuse a crime?
Online bullying can be a federal crime when it becomes harassment, threats or sharing intimate images.
Legal detail and sources
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Criminal Code offences that can apply include criminal harassment (s264), uttering threats (s264.1) and publishing an intimate image without consent (s162.1, added by the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, in force 10 March 2015). The Protecting Victims Act (2026) extended s162.1 to include sexual deepfakes.
- Yes:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Yes. Boards must give principals annual training on the code of conduct.
Province
Prince Edward Island
Board policy on safe and caring schools, and a new youth cyberviolence strategy.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for Prince Edward IslandProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. Education authorities must provide a safe learning environment; the Public Schools Branch has a Safe and Caring Learning Environments policy.
Legal detail and sources
Education Act Part III; Public Schools Branch Operational Policy 605.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. A provincial youth cyberviolence prevention strategy targets online harassment and extortion.
Legal detail and sources
- No:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Not yet. A federal bill would create a Digital Safety Commission, but it is still before Parliament. Report harmful posts to the platform and, if it is a crime, to police.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, was introduced 10 June 2026. It would enact the Digital Safety Act and create the Digital Safety Commission of Canada to set standards, enforce platform duties and handle complaints. It replaces the earlier Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), which never became law.
- No:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
Not yet. The federal Safe Social Media Act would bar under-16s from regulated social media, but it is not law.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34 would stop children under 16 from holding accounts on regulated social media services, with possible exemptions for services that show strong child safeguards. Which services are covered would be set later by regulation.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Phones are restricted during class since September 2024.
Legal detail and sources
- Set nationally:
When is online abuse a crime?
Online bullying can be a federal crime when it becomes harassment, threats or sharing intimate images.
Legal detail and sources
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Criminal Code offences that can apply include criminal harassment (s264), uttering threats (s264.1) and publishing an intimate image without consent (s162.1, added by the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, in force 10 March 2015). The Protecting Victims Act (2026) extended s162.1 to include sexual deepfakes.
- Yes:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Yes. School counsellors and provincial resources support staff.
Province
Newfoundland and Labrador
A Safe and Caring Schools Policy with a bullying intervention protocol.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. Every school follows the provincial Safe and Caring Schools Policy.
Legal detail and sources
The policy defines bullying and includes a staff response protocol.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The protocol applies when off-site bullying affects school.
- No:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Not yet. A federal bill would create a Digital Safety Commission, but it is still before Parliament. Report harmful posts to the platform and, if it is a crime, to police.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, was introduced 10 June 2026. It would enact the Digital Safety Act and create the Digital Safety Commission of Canada to set standards, enforce platform duties and handle complaints. It replaces the earlier Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), which never became law.
- No:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
Not yet. The federal Safe Social Media Act would bar under-16s from regulated social media, but it is not law.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34 would stop children under 16 from holding accounts on regulated social media services, with possible exemptions for services that show strong child safeguards. Which services are covered would be set later by regulation.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
Restricted under the Responsible Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices Policy (2025).
Legal detail and sources
- Set nationally:
When is online abuse a crime?
Online bullying can be a federal crime when it becomes harassment, threats or sharing intimate images.
Legal detail and sources
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Criminal Code offences that can apply include criminal harassment (s264), uttering threats (s264.1) and publishing an intimate image without consent (s162.1, added by the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, in force 10 March 2015). The Protecting Victims Act (2026) extended s162.1 to include sexual deepfakes.
- Yes:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Yes. A bullying intervention protocol tells staff how to respond and document.
Territory
Yukon
Safe and Caring Schools Policy 1011; a territory-wide phone policy from 2026.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. Policy 1011, the Safe and Caring Schools Policy, defines bullying.
Legal detail and sources
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Partly. The policy covers bullying in general rather than online bullying specifically.
- No:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Not yet. A federal bill would create a Digital Safety Commission, but it is still before Parliament. Report harmful posts to the platform and, if it is a crime, to police.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, was introduced 10 June 2026. It would enact the Digital Safety Act and create the Digital Safety Commission of Canada to set standards, enforce platform duties and handle complaints. It replaces the earlier Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), which never became law.
- No:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
Not yet. The federal Safe Social Media Act would bar under-16s from regulated social media, but it is not law.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34 would stop children under 16 from holding accounts on regulated social media services, with possible exemptions for services that show strong child safeguards. Which services are covered would be set later by regulation.
- Yes:
What are the rules on phones at school?
A territory-wide Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy started in the 2026-27 school year.
Legal detail and sources
- Set nationally:
When is online abuse a crime?
Online bullying can be a federal crime when it becomes harassment, threats or sharing intimate images.
Legal detail and sources
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Criminal Code offences that can apply include criminal harassment (s264), uttering threats (s264.1) and publishing an intimate image without consent (s162.1, added by the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, in force 10 March 2015). The Protecting Victims Act (2026) extended s162.1 to include sexual deepfakes.
- Yes:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Yes. The policy sets out staff roles.
Territory
Northwest Territories
The Education Act defines cyberbullying and requires safe schools plans.
Compare with anywhere else Open the full page for Northwest TerritoriesProtection score
One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Yes:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Yes. The Education Act defines bullying and requires every education body to have a safe schools plan.
Legal detail and sources
Education Act amended in 2013 (Bill 12); Safe Schools Regulations in force 1 September 2016 set a Territorial School Code of Conduct.
- Yes:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Yes. The Act defines cyberbullying separately.
- No:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Not yet. A federal bill would create a Digital Safety Commission, but it is still before Parliament. Report harmful posts to the platform and, if it is a crime, to police.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, was introduced 10 June 2026. It would enact the Digital Safety Act and create the Digital Safety Commission of Canada to set standards, enforce platform duties and handle complaints. It replaces the earlier Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), which never became law.
- No:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
Not yet. The federal Safe Social Media Act would bar under-16s from regulated social media, but it is not law.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34 would stop children under 16 from holding accounts on regulated social media services, with possible exemptions for services that show strong child safeguards. Which services are covered would be set later by regulation.
- Partly:
What are the rules on phones at school?
No territory-wide rule; education bodies set their own phone policies.
Legal detail and sources
- Set nationally:
When is online abuse a crime?
Online bullying can be a federal crime when it becomes harassment, threats or sharing intimate images.
Legal detail and sources
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Criminal Code offences that can apply include criminal harassment (s264), uttering threats (s264.1) and publishing an intimate image without consent (s162.1, added by the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, in force 10 March 2015). The Protecting Victims Act (2026) extended s162.1 to include sexual deepfakes.
- Yes:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Yes. Each school must have a Safe and Caring School Committee.
Territory
Nunavut
Each district must adopt an Inuuqatigiitsiarniq (positive behaviour) policy.
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One point for each of the seven questions answered yes, half a point for partly. Where a rule is set nationally, the national answer counts. A quick guide, not a legal rating.
- Partly:
Do schools have to have anti-bullying rules?
Partly. The Education Act requires each district to adopt an Inuuqatigiitsiarniq policy for a safe, welcoming school, but bullying is not defined in law.
Legal detail and sources
Education Act, S.Nu. 2008, c.15, s58; Inuuqatigiitsiarniq Policy and Discipline Regulations (2011).
- Partly:
Do those rules cover online bullying?
Not addressed specifically.
- No:
Is there a regulator that can get harmful posts taken down?
Not yet. A federal bill would create a Digital Safety Commission, but it is still before Parliament. Report harmful posts to the platform and, if it is a crime, to police.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, was introduced 10 June 2026. It would enact the Digital Safety Act and create the Digital Safety Commission of Canada to set standards, enforce platform duties and handle complaints. It replaces the earlier Online Harms Act (Bill C-63), which never became law.
- No:
Is there a minimum age for social media?
Not yet. The federal Safe Social Media Act would bar under-16s from regulated social media, but it is not law.
Legal detail and sources
Bill C-34 would stop children under 16 from holding accounts on regulated social media services, with possible exemptions for services that show strong child safeguards. Which services are covered would be set later by regulation.
- Partly:
What are the rules on phones at school?
No territory-wide rule; districts set their own phone policies.
Legal detail and sources
- Set nationally:
When is online abuse a crime?
Online bullying can be a federal crime when it becomes harassment, threats or sharing intimate images.
Legal detail and sources
There is no single cyberbullying offence. Criminal Code offences that can apply include criminal harassment (s264), uttering threats (s264.1) and publishing an intimate image without consent (s162.1, added by the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, in force 10 March 2015). The Protecting Victims Act (2026) extended s162.1 to include sexual deepfakes.
- Partly:
What guidance do staff and counselors get?
Each district has an Inuuqatigiitsiarniq committee.
Compare at a glance
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| Jurisdiction | School rules | Online bullying | Takedown help | Age limits | Phones | Criminal law | Staff guidance | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada (federal) | Partly | Partly | No | No | Partly | National | Partly | 2 of 7 |
| Ontario | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | National | Yes | 4.5 of 7 |
| Québec | Yes | Yes | No | Partly | Yes | National | Yes | 5 of 7 |
| Manitoba | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | National | Yes | 4.5 of 7 |
| Alberta | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | National | Yes | 4.5 of 7 |
| British Columbia | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | National | Yes | 4.5 of 7 |
| Saskatchewan | Partly | Yes | No | No | Yes | National | Yes | 4 of 7 |
| New Brunswick | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | National | Yes | 4.5 of 7 |
| Nova Scotia | Yes | Yes | Partly | No | Yes | National | Yes | 5 of 7 |
| Prince Edward Island | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | National | Yes | 4.5 of 7 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | National | Yes | 4.5 of 7 |
| Yukon | Yes | Partly | No | No | Yes | National | Yes | 4 of 7 |
| Northwest Territories | Yes | Yes | No | No | Partly | National | Yes | 4 of 7 |
| Nunavut | Partly | Partly | No | No | Partly | National | Partly | 2.5 of 7 |
Clear rule in place Partly, or schools decide Set by national law
Plain-English summaries for educators, checked against official sources on 11 November 2026. This is not legal advice. Open “Legal detail and sources” for the law itself.
Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with credit, under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC 4.0 licence.