Teenagers and young adults
Professionals are there to help
CSSS workers are available to help teenagers and young adults (up to the age of 17) as they struggle to make choices on issues such as:
- their health in general;
- their sexuality (contraception, sexually-transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs), etc.);
- pregnancy (and unwanted pregnancy);
- drug addiction;
- family problems and other difficulties.
The Québec Civil Code recognizes the right of young people 14 years of age and older to seek and receive healthcare services in complete confidentiality.
Children under the age of 14 need the authorization of their parents or guardian (tutor) to have plastic surgery or a routine operation, to be given a prescription, or to receive rehabilitation care or a transplant.
Young people over 14 and under 18 need the consent of their parents or their guardian (tutor) for all non-medically-required care (plastic surgery) and any procedure that represents a serious health risk. However, they may make their own health-related decisions when the care is necessary to ensure their physical and psychological health (for example, getting a prescription for contraception, having an abortion or receiving sutures).
For more information, see the "YouthZone" section on the Éducaloi Website.
Find your CSSS.
Bullying and extortion
Bullying can take a variety of forms, including:
- verbal violence (insults, taunts, rumours, lies, etc.);
- rejection and shunning (by a group of friends); and
- physical violence (pushing, hitting, shoving, confinement, etc.).
Bullying implies repeated acts, an unequal power relationship and an escalating level of aggressiveness that goes well beyond a simple dispute among equals or kids poking fun at each other.
Extortion is a form of theft in which the aggressor, acting alone or with a group, uses force or threats to get what he or she wants. In most cases, it's a matter of a child or teen having their money, lunch, clothes or other valuables (MP3 player, calculator, cell phone, etc.) taken away from them.
Bullying and extortion have a number of consequences, including:
- humiliation;
- anxiety;
- diminished self-esteem;
- poor academic performance; and
- increased risk of suicide.
If you are a victim of extortion or bullying or know someone else who is, it's important to talk about it. If a bullying or extortion victim confides in you, never take what they say lightly.
- Encourage them to talk about what they are experiencing and report the victimizer.
- Help them yourself or get help from a teacher, parent, CSSS worker, etc.
- Rather than trying to solve the problem yourself, help the victim find assistance.
To get help from a professional (nurse, social worker, psychologist, psychoeducator, etc.), contact your CSSS.
You can report a bully or extorter in complete confidentiality by calling Info-Crime at 514-393-1133.
Source: Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport and the Montréal Police Department (SPVM)
Other sources of assistance
- Ado-Cause (Sacado)
Anonymous psychological counselling services for teens and young adults.
514 572-2236 - Alateen
Alateen is a support group for young people whose lives have been affected by the problem drinking of a family member or close friend.
514 866-9803 - Centre jeunesse de Montréal - Institut universitaire
- Provides psychosocial rehabilitation services to 13,000 children and young people with a difficult past, as well as support for parents.
- Clinique des jeunes de la rue (de 14 à 25 ans)
On-site: doctors, nurses, dentists, psychologists, social workers, and access to showers.
1250, rue Sanguinet
514 527-9565, poste 3682 - Batshaw Youth and Family Centres
Psychosocial, rehabilitation and social integration services available in English.
514 989-1885 - Director of Youth Protection
- French-speaking DYP : 514 896-3100
- English-speaking DYP : 514 935-6196
- Tel-Jeunes
Listening, guidance and referral service available at all times.
1 800 263-2266
For more information
- Read the Violence et fréquentations amoureuses au secondaire : coup d'oeil à Montréal [PDF - 1,02 Mo] of the Directorate of Public Health. (In french only)
