Dr. Debra J. Pepler
Full Professor, Psychology, York University and Scientific Co-Director of PREVNet.

Dr. Debra Pepler is a Distinguished Research Professor of Psychology at York University and a Senior Associate Scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children. Her major focus is on aggression and victimization among children and adolescents, particularly in the school context.

Her research program focuses on three areas. The first examines healthy relationships among children, adolescents, and adults. The second addresses the risk and protective factors associated with bullying and victimization in family, peer, individual, school, and social relationships. The third research program addresses the development of aggression in females as demonstrated in romantic relationships, dating violence and young girls with behavior problems.

Her research identifies bullying as a relationship problem that transforms to other problems of power and aggression over the lifespan. She consults to and evaluates two community programs: the SNAP Girls’ Connection – a program for aggressive girls at the Child Development Institute and Breaking the Cycle – a program for substance using mothers. Dr. Pepler is currently serving on the Ontario Ministry of Education Safe Schools Action Team and on several other advisory committees related to parenting, antisocial behaviour, and school violence. Dr. Pepler has been honoured for this research with the Contribution to Knowledge Award from the Psychology Foundation of Canada, the Educator of the Year Award from Phi Delta Kappa (Toronto), and the Canadian Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Contributions to Public or Community Service.  Together with Dr. Wendy Craig, Dr. Pepler is leading a national network, PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network), a Networks of Centres of Excellence – New Initiative.  With national non-government organizations and Canadian research partners, PREVNet’s mission is to promote safe and healthy relationships for all Canadian children and youth (www.prevnet.ca).