Release date: October 30, 2023
My guest this episode to talk about the importance of a developmental-relational perspective in addressing and preventing bullying is a Distinguished Research Professor of Psychology at York University, the recipient of the Canadian Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Contributions to Public or Community Service, and my new friend: Debra Pepler. Our conversation was recorded in front of a live audience the 2023 World Anti-Bullying Forum, in Raleigh, North Carolina. This is the first time that the Forum has been hosted in the U.S., and more than 500 researchers, practitioners, policymakers, educators, young people, and more have gathered for three days of panels, symposia, keynotes, and workshops with the goal of advancing our global understanding of and our work to prevent bullying. 2023 World Anti-Bullying Forum was hosted by the UNC School of Education and was powered by BRP, a global leader in powersports products who, through its Ride Out Intimidation program, takes a firm stand against intimidation. More information about Debra, her work, the UNC School of Education, BRP’s Ride Out Intimidation program, and the World Anti-Bullying Forum is below.
Biography of Debra Pepler
Debra Pepler, Ph.D., is a distinguished research professor at York University. She holds a doctoral degree in Psychology from the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on relationships within the family and peer group, with a growing interest in the importance of healthy relationships for healthy development. She developed an innovative observational method to study aggression, bullying, and victimization. Her research on peer and family relationships has been embedded in interventions: Breaking the Cycle for substance-using mothers and their young children, Bullying Prevention with the Toronto Board of Education, SNAP (Stop Now and Plan) for aggressive children and their parents, Pine River Institute for youth with addictions and mental health problems, and the Canadian Red Cross for violence prevention in Indigenous communities. Pepler co-founded and co-led PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network) to promote healthy relationships and prevent bullying for children and youth.
Links
Debra Pepler
World Anti-Bullying Forum
UNC School of Education
BRP’s Ride Out Intimidation program
