A pair of downtown Toronto organizations will receive a boost for their work as part of an Ontario government funding initiative to mark Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week.
The province said it's providing $4.6 million to groups to help combat bullying in schools and expand initiatives to equip students with social and emotional skills.
Victim Services Toronto — located on College Street — will receive $150,000 to increase youth safety, particularly for young women.
"This support is a significant boost to our efforts in promoting youth safety, fostering healthy relationships, and educating young people about the realities of online dating," executive director Carly Kalish said in a release.
"Together, we are equipping youth with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate these challenges safely, and we are grateful to have the Ministry of Education as a partner in this critical work."
Egale Canada, with its head office on Carlton Street, will receive $436,500 to support educators in providing learning opportunities to address cyberbullying, with an emphasis on supporting LGBTQ+ students.
"Fostering inclusive school environments for all students, including 2SLGBTQI students, is crucial for protecting positive mental health and overall well-being," said Egale Canada's executive director Helen Kennedy.
The province said the funding will also help reduce incidents of violence in schools.
The province cited statistics from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) that more than half of Ontario students report symptoms of depression and anxiety and one-third of students rate their ability to cope as "fair or poor."
In 2023, CAMH found one-quarter of Ontario students reported being bullied at school.
“As a mother, I understand firsthand how heartbreaking it is to hear about your child facing bullying or having a difficult day at school,” Minister of Education Jill Dunlop said.
“Through these efforts, we are fostering an environment where every child has the support they need to promote their mental health and reach their full potential without fear or hesitation.”
