Today's youth

Research that focuses on youth is vital - the United Nations reports that half the world's population is under the age of 25. Youth are key actors in the evolving social, environmental, and technological changes that are shaping the world at an ever-increasing pace. 

At the Centre for Youth & Society (CFYS), we design and conduct interdisciplinary research, promote collaboration with partners, and respond to emerging priorities affecting youth and their families. Our Centre unites researchers, students, and community partners (including youth-led initiatives) toward youth well-being.

CFYS response to COVID-19

In response to COVID-19, the Centre for Youth and Society has created a resource hub to centralize a list of community resources that have been created by different organizations, tips on maintaining physical health and well-being for children, youth and families, resources for online education, and positive stories.

Visit the CFYS Community Resource Hub.

More resources: wellbeing.gov.bc.ca.

Featured research fellow: Dr. Jennifer White

Dr. Jennifer White is a Professor in the School of Child and Youth Care. For many years, Dr. White's work has focused on reframing the ways in which we approach suicidality and youth suicide prevention. In collaboration with Indigenous scholars, leaders, elders and youth, Dr. White was one of the co-leads on Wise Practices for Life Promotion which aimed to curate a series of wise practices for promoting life based on what is already working and/or showing promise in First Nations communities across the country.

Meet our featured research fellows. 

Featured student: Dorothy Harris

Dorothea Harris' family belongs to the Snuneymuxw First Nation and she grew up in Snuneymuxw territory (Nanaimo, BC). Prior to returning to school, Dorothea worked as a social worker for 20 years in the Greater Victoria Area. Dorothea began her Master's degree at the University of Victoria in 2018 while working for the Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement office and transferred to the PhD program in 2020 in order to conduct research close to her heart and community. 

Meet our featured students.

We acknowledge and respect the Lekwungen peoples on whose traditional territories the university stands and the Songhees, Esquimalt and the WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.