UVic awarded $2.6 million to improve access to anti-bullying program

The Public Health Agency of Canada today announced a $2.6-million grant supporting children’s mental health through research about and improved online access to the WITS program (Walk away – Ignore – Talk it out – Seek help), developed by UVic psychologist Dr. Bonnie Leadbeater.

The four-year grant will support online resources, lesson plans, training modules and resource guides for teachers across Canada. The funds will also go to further research in determining the effectiveness of the prevention program. Since 1998, the WITS programs have taught schools, families and communities four simple strategies that children can use to respond to peer victimization.

“We are very pleased to receive this funding,” says Leadbeater. “We want to ensure that schools and communities across Canada can access the WITS program to help prevent peer victimization, which also improves children’s mental health.”

Federal Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq announced funding today for innovative, community-based projects to improve the mental health of Canadian children and families—including the WITS program—with a focus on vulnerable populations.
 
For the entire Public Health Agency of Canada media release visit: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/media/nr-rp/2011/2011_0608-bc-cb-eng.php
 
For information on WITS visit: www.witsprogram.ca