Professor Debra Pepler is a distinguished researcher whose groundbreaking work has transformed how we understand bullying, aggression, and violence, particularly among marginalized youth. A Professor of Psychology at York University since 1988 and Senior Associate Scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children, she has authored and edited numerous influential publications, including four volumes on bullying and victimization in just the past four years.
She co-founded PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network) with Dr. Wendy Craig, uniting 62 researchers and 49 national organizations to address youth violence. Her innovative observational methods revealed how aggression and bullying often occur out of adults’ sight, reshaping both research and intervention practices.
Dr. Pepler’s contributions have been recognized with major awards, including the Canadian Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Contributions to Public or Community Service. Beyond research, she has served on Ontario’s Safe Schools Action Team and multiple advisory committees, helping to shape public policy and community responses to children at risk.
