The provincial government is taking steps to better educate young Ontarians about healthy relationships.
The province announced on Monday it will invest $150,000 to distribute 5,000 copies of educational resources prepared by the Fourth R, an educational initiative set up by Western University to promote healthy adolescent relationships and reduce risky behaviours.
“As a former crown prosecutor with a deep commitment to crime prevention and violence reduction, I am thrilled to announce this investment in crucial crime prevention programming, especially as it relates to preventing domestic violence,” Jess Dixon, the MPP for Kitchener South-Hespeler, said while at Western on Monday. “With the incredible support of Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, who works tirelessly to secure a better, brighter, and safer future for Ontario youth, we will be able to greatly expand the reach and availability of the Fourth R program and empower the young people of Ontario with the skills and knowledge they need to build healthy relationships.”
The material will be provided to teachers of Grades 7, 8, and 9 this September. They include best practices for addressing bullying, dating violence, peer violence, and group violence, as well as ways to support youth in making healthy choices. Teachers will be given comprehensive learning plans with activities, assessment tools, and innovative methods for teaching healthy living concepts.
According to the province, the materials will help students practice healthy relationship skills and improve problem-solving decision making, active listening, assertive communication, and communication skills.
“The Fourth R can not only transform education, but also transform lives," said Donna Kotsopoulos, dean of Western’s Faculty of Education. "I am so comforted and grateful knowing that this program will be able to reach even more children and youth thanks to the Ministry of Education."
A national study over the past year involving 3,000 Canadian youth found 12 per cent were physically hurt by someone they were dating, 18 per cent had a partner use social media to hurt, embarrass, or monitor them, and 28 per cent reported a dating partner who tried to control them or emotionally hurt them.