Promoting safe relationships

Promoting safe relationships

Bullying prevention organization receives vital funding boost from the federal government.

By Anne Craig

April 29, 2016

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The Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network (PREVNet) today received renewal funding of $1.2 million from the Government of Canada to continue its work in reducing bullying. PREVNet is co-led by Queen鈥檚 University researcher Wendy Craig and York University researcher Debra Pepler.

鈥淭he prevention of violence through the promotion of healthy relationships at an early age is the cornerstone for a competitive, healthy and productive society,鈥 Dr. Craig says. 鈥淥ver the next several years, we will continue to partner with governments, corporations and youth-serving organizations to leverage our most successful evidence-based resources, adapt them for many different groups, and put them into the hands of those involved with children and youth in all the places where they live, learn, and play.鈥

Launched in 2006, is a not-for-profit network of 122 leading Canadian research scientists, their graduate students, 27 universities and 62 national child and youth organizations. Its mission is to stop bullying in Canada and promote safe and healthy relationships for all Canadian children.

The partnership model for PREVNet is unique in the world. A network of leading researchers and youth-serving partners exchange knowledge on a national scale to promote the well-being of children. The group leverages the latest scientific research in the creation and implementation of a wide range of tools, strategies and programs.

鈥淏ullying remains a problem for youth in communities across Canada,鈥 says Daniel Woolf, Queen鈥檚 Principal and Vice Chancellor. 鈥淧REVNet has made a tangible difference in reducing the prevalence of bullying and this funding from NCE will continue to support the efforts of both Dr. Craig and Dr. Pepler and their network. This renewal funding will surely help advance PREVNet鈥檚 efforts.鈥

Partners include the Canadian Red Cross, Companies Committed to Kids, Facebook Canada, Family Channel, Kids Help Phone, TELUS, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, Girl Guides of Canada, UNICEF Canada, and many others.

鈥淲e thank the NCE for providing PREVNet with the opportunity to create a 鈥渕ade in Canada鈥 solution, Dr. Pepler says.  鈥淭his unique partnership model has led to a cohesive, orchestrated approach across different systems, such as mental health, education and public health, so we can address bullying prevention in a comprehensive and evidence-based way. In Canada and beyond, PREVNet is recognized as the authoritative voice for the prevention of bullying and the promotion of healthy relationships.鈥

Also receiving renewal funding are (CYCC) and (TREKK). In total, the three organizations received $3.6 million over the next four years.

鈥淭hese networks demonstrate how the results of basic research can be used to inform evidence-based policies and practices. By putting the latest knowledge into the hands of people at the front lines, they help ensure that children and youth across Canada will receive better care and live in a safer environment,鈥 Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science.

These investments are the result of the most recent competition for the initiative.

Queen鈥檚 distinguishes itself as one of the leading research-intensive institutions in Canada. The mission is to advance research excellence, leadership and innovation, as well as enhance Queen鈥檚 impact at a national and international level. Through undertaking leading-edge research, Queen鈥檚 is addressing many of the world鈥檚 greatest challenges, and developing innovative ideas and technological advances brought about by discoveries in a variety of disciplines.

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