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’s University researcher Wendy Craig and York University researcher Debra Pepler.

“The prevention of violence through the promotion of healthy relationships at an early age is the cornerstone for a competitive, healthy and productive society,” Dr. Craig says. “Over 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.”

Launched in 2006, PREVNet 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.

“Bullying remains a problem for youth in communities across Canada,” says Daniel Woolf, Queen’s Principal and Vice Chancellor. “PREVNet 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’s efforts.”

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.

“We thank the NCE for providing PREVNet with the opportunity to create a “made in Canada” solution, Dr. Pepler says.  “This 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.”

Also receiving renewal funding are Children and Youth in Challenging Contexts (CYCC) and Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids (TREKK). In total, the three organizations received $3.6 million over the next four years.

“These 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,” Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science.

These investments are the result of the most recent competition for the Networks of Centres of Excellence Knowledge Mobilization initiative.

Queen’s 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’s impact at a national and international level. Through undertaking leading-edge research, Queen’s is addressing many of the world’s greatest challenges, and developing innovative ideas and technological advances brought about by discoveries in a variety of disciplines.