The Royal’s Research Institute has been awarded a $1.5‑million grant over five years to support youth‑engaged research into online safety and mental health.
Funded through the CIHR's Healthy Youth Team Grants program, the project responds to growing concern about the impact of social media and commercial digital platforms on the well‑being of children and youth. By placing young people at the centre of the research, the initiative aims to generate evidence and solutions that can shape healthier, safer online spaces across Canada.
Led by Dr. Tanya Halsall, Scientist at The Royal, in collaboration with youth leads and the Students Commission of Canada, the project – There can be no free speech without free will: Mobilizing youth voice to counter commercial technology oppression – will examine and address a range of online harms affecting young people, including mental health risks, exploitation, and developmental impacts, such as:
- addiction,
- negative body image,
- sexual exploitation,
- self‑harm, and
- suicide.
Importantly, the research recognizes that technology companies often put profit ahead of public health and safety, which contributes to creating harmful online environments. Effective solutions must go beyond individual behaviour change and address the systems, policies, and business practices influencing young people’s digital lives.
Youth as active partners
Youth as active partners in developing solutions are central to the success of this work. The study will engage diverse children and youth aged 8–25, and their families, to ensure lived experience informs research, policy, and practice.
“Young people deserve online spaces that support – not harm – their well‑being. Being part of this research means we can help create real change,” said Oleksandr Makeikin, Youth Investigator on the project.
Key components of this research will include:
- Multi-level youth engagement
- Exploration of lived experiences in online spaces
- Policy and tech industry analysis
- Environmental scan of youth-informed solutions to create safer online spaces
- Co-creation of actionable recommendations
Looking ahead
Currently in its planning phase, the project will soon begin recruiting participants. By listening to young people, focusing on equity, and addressing how companies and business practices affect health, this research aims to support better policies and practices, leading to safer online spaces and better mental health for children and youth across Canada.
Media contact
Alyssa Nader, Communications Specialist, The Royal, anader@theroyal.ca
About The Royal
The Royal is one of Canada’s foremost mental illness and addiction treatment, research, and education hospitals, dedicated to supporting individuals aged 16 and older who are living with complex mental illness and addiction. Since opening in 1910, The Royal has grown into a trusted resource for people across eastern and northern Ontario, western Quebec, and Nunavut.
With campuses in Ottawa and Brockville, and clinical teams working directly in homes and communities, The Royal delivers compassionate, evidence-informed care grounded in cutting-edge research, including through its partnership with the University of Ottawa and other academic and community partners. Its integrated model brings together care, research, education, and strategic partnerships to help build a future of recovery.
At The Royal, we separate the person from the illness, helping more people reclaim their lives.
