The Ontario government is investing millions to help fight bullying in schools and promote student mental health and well-being.
In making the announcement, Minister of Education Jill Dunlop said the funding highlights Ontario’s commitment to nurturing respectful schools where students thrive emotionally and socially.
Dunlop says the funding supports various initiatives to foster safe, inclusive school environments and reduce violence.
The initiative aims to reduce bullying and build a supportive environment for all students.
Here is how the funding breaks down:
$1.485M: Big Brothers Big Sisters, school mentorship (Grades 1-12).
$1M: Roots of Empathy, classroom programs (ages 5-13).
$800K: Kids Help Phone, prevention counselling/crisis support.
$436.5K: Egale Canada, anti-cyberbullying for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
$250K: Child Development Institute, emotion regulation/self-control programs.
$245K: Principal Association Projects, resources for parents, principal training on cyberbullying.
$150K: Victim Services Toronto, youth safety/healthy relationships programs.
$100K: pflag Canada, mental health support for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and families.
$78K: Victim Services Durham Region, Youth Symposium on safety/violence prevention.
$65K: George Hull Centre, socio-emotional learning initiatives.
(Written by Bob Perreault)