WINNIPEG, MB – A grant from the Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada, announced today, will support 10 collaborative projects between Canadian researchers and national organizations that meet the needs of children and youth. In one of those projects, Dr. Wendy Josephson, Professor of Psychology at The University of Winnipeg, will partner with the Family TV Channel in creating relevant bullying prevention programs and techniques for children. Josephson leads the project called “StandUp! A Social Marketing Campaign to Empower Elementary School Children to Take Positive Action to Prevent Bullying.” Josephson will act as a script advisor for select TV shows.
Provide Useful Information to Kids
This is a wonderful opportunity to work with a media organization that has the potential to provide really useful information to kids,” said Josephson. “The idea is to integrate useful research on bullying into popular culture, so that children watching popular TV shows can see how to prevent bullying and how to intervene if they are bystanders to bullying.”
The grant to PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Elimination Violence Network), totaling $1.6 million over four years, is one of three announced today by the Networks of Centres of Excellence.
This is Bullying Awareness Week (November 14 to 20, 2011). The Family Channel is also committed to holding rallies in Canadian schools with TV stars of their shows during future Bullying Awareness Weeks, and Josephson will act as an expert advisor for those events.
BACKGROUND:
Following an extensive review process by the Networks of Centres of Excellence Selection Committee, Promoting Relationships and Elimination Violence Network (PREVNet) is awarded funding through the 2011 Competition for the Knowledge Mobilization Initiative.
Through 10 signature ‘knowledge mobilization’ projects – including The University of Winnipeg – PREVNet will strive to enhance the evidence-based practice of adults involved with youth, as well as the knowledge and skills of youth themselves. The 10 projects promote broad-based social change at the level of the child, socializing adult, community, industry, and nation, improving Canada’s position on the world stage in preventing violence and promoting healthy relationships. The prevention of violence through the promotion of healthy relationships in children and youth development is the cornerstones for a competitive, healthy, and productive society.
Launched in 2006, the PREVNet network now comprises 58 leading Canadian researchers and their students from 14 academic disciplines and 50 national youth-serving organizations.
Dr. Wendy Josephson is available for media interviews TODAY
Friday, November 18 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at 204. 789.1422
