Calgary students react to national bullying debate

Bullying is front and centre in Ottawa Monday as MPs debate a motion to create a national anti-bullying strategy.

New Democrat MP Dany Morin took the floor in the House to push his motion for a national anti-bullying strategy.

He too was a victim.

"I was a smart kid," he said. "But I have to admit I didn't want to go to school when I knew what I would face that day."

Morin wants to establish a special committee to examine the issue and find out just how significant the problem is in Canada.

But students at one northwest Calgary high school say while bullying exists, it's not a significant problem.

"I saw bullying last year and I stood up for the kid, I knew him," said Faiza Hage. "Like once you stand up to the bullies they are pretty scared."

'An issue at every school,' says one student

Grade 12 student Joshua Gordon said bullying is an issue at every school, but his isn't too bad.

"It just depends on what social groups you are in," said Gordon. "If you are in the most likely to be picked on groups, yes you will be picked on. But for the most part, if you have friends … you're OK."

Grade 10 student Jana Hage said she hasn’t seen a lot of bullying, even on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter.

She also feels her school is doing a good job on educating students.

"We have one or two assemblies a year about bullying and about how we should stop and it's not good," said Grade 10 student Jana Hage.

The issue has received significant attention following the recent suicide of a B.C. teenager.

Amanda Todd took her own life, weeks after posting an online video recalling the abuse she received at school.

"It's a damn shame, but what happens, happens," said Grade 11 student Danny Nelson. "We have to respond to it by treating others the best we can."