WHY BRAVE EDUCATION NOW?
Communities across Canada share one hope: that every child and young person grows up safe, supported, and ready to thrive.
BRAVE Education works alongside schools, families, and organizations to equip youth and the adults who support them with practical tools, research-informed education, and meaningful dialogue. Together, we build stronger protective networks so young people can develop confidence, healthy relationships, and the resilience they need to navigate life’s challenges.
BRAVE conducted a series of focus groups with youth-serving leaders in 2018 which revealed gaps addressing risks and prevention education for young people. BRAVE Education was formed to fill this gap. Since then, BRAVE has reached over 14,000 people delivering customized programming to educate and empower young people, from Kindergarten ages to young adults, and their networks of support.
Children and youth today face challenges previous generations never encountered — online risks, social pressures, and confusion about healthy relationships.
Youth mental health, joblessness, online risks, newcomer challenges, and disproportionate barriers for Indigenous youth show the urgency:
Self-rated mental health as “fair” or “poor” reached 29% in 2025¹, while mood and anxiety disorders continue to rise. The youth unemployment rate (ages 15–24) stands at 13.8% in March 2026², with 12% of youth aged 15–29 classified as NEET³ (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). Online sexual exploitation is escalating sharply: police reported 16,905 incidents in 2024 (nearly three times the 2018 rate)⁶; a Canadian Centre for Child Protection survey of teen victims found 86% experienced harm in private messaging, 39% on Snapchat, 52% received unwanted sexual images, and nearly one-third of 13–18 year-olds have faced some form of online sexual violence⁷. Newcomer youth encounter added barriers including language challenges, cultural adjustment, trauma, and higher unemployment, limiting access to mental health support and integration⁸. Indigenous youth face significantly higher rates of mental health challenges, unemployment, and suicide⁵.
Too often, the caring adults around them lack the training and support they need. Also youth oftentimes are unaware of the caring adults and mentorship they could access.
BRAVE Education closes that gap. Through research-informed programs and local partnerships, we equip young people with **proven youth resilience strategies** — building confidence, healthy relationships, advocacy skills, and strong adult networks — while giving educators, parents, and leaders practical tools to recognize risks, foster healthy relationships, and build safer communities.
Programs Overview
Youth Programs | Educator Training | Parent Education | Community & Leadership Programs
Delivered in:
Schools • Camps • Conferences • Mentoring Programs • Community Organizations • Faith Communities
Our programs are interactive, practical, and culturally responsive.
Our Program Process
1. Consult with local leaders on risks and needs
2. Research and identify key themes
3. Customize programming and success measures
4. Introduce the program to the community
5. Deliver dynamic, interactive sessions
6. Gather feedback and evaluate results
7. Provide ongoing support and follow-up
Impact
BRAVE Education strengthens the protective networks around youth so they can:
• Recognize and address risks
• Build healthy relationships
• Develop confidence and advocacy skills
• Grow in resilience and well-being
Partner With Us
Findings have revealed that 7 to 12 year old children are at a most critical age to receive prevention education. There are three reasons for this:
1. Children in this age group are more open to learning.
2. This is before the average age of exploitation in Canada, which is 12 to 14 years old.*
3. Increased internet usage equals increased risk of exploitation.**
