Teenagers were invited to talk cyberbullying and depression during a Twitter chat with the province’s health experts Wednesday.
Alberta Health Services hosted the online discussion on Twitter at noon.
Dr. Michael Trew, senior medical director for AHS Addiction and Mental Health, along with other experts in youth mental health, logged on to answer tweets sent to @AHS_behealthy or tweets with the hashtag #AHSteentalk.
Teens were encouarged to ask questions, chat with other teens and find out about where they can get help if they or someone they know is being bullied online.
The online discussion comes on the same day that Canada's Justice Minister Rob Nicholson announced Ottawa is fast-tracking efforts for a new cyberbullying law.
The effort follows a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the father of Rehtaeh Parsons, the 17-year-old Nova Scotia teenager who committed suicide after an alleged rape and online harassment case.
Only a few people got involved in Wednesday's Twitter chat, which included tips from Alberta Health Services on how to deal with bullying and depression as well as resources, websites and phone numbers kids and families can call.
One woman joined in on the discussion, sharing that she was bullied for years.
"I was bullied at school for 7 years and not one person at the school would help me," Paula (@Trenchology) tweeted.
"Teens need to be educated on self harm, suicide & depression."
The woman also said schools need to do more to help students who may be bullied.
"There are far too many teachers who say "kids will be kids" and don't do anything about it," Paula wrote.
"I think schools need (to) step up and help."
CTV followed along with the cyber chat and compiled tweets and information below:
