Federal Member for Throsby Stephen Jones has thrown his support behind a youth funding program that will target school and cyber-bullying through $70,000 grants to youth organisations.

Jones said the $500,000 annual Youth Development and Support Program offered grants to foster leadership skills and encourage cyber-safety and anti-bullying behaviour in communities.

Bullying, in all its forms, is unwarranted and unnecessary, Jones said.

Whether its in the schoolyard, online chat rooms or on Facebook, it needs to be stamped out.

These grants will encourage smart solutions to help tackle the problem head on at a local level.

Australians aged 12 to 24 and non-government and not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to $70,000 to help young Australians help themselves and their communities.

This years theme building a safe and supportive culture reinforces our commitment to protect young people from violence and bullying and foster safe and supportive communities.

The Rudd Government has listened to this message and thats why this year we are targeting investment towards helping young Australians develop practical new ways to tackle violence and bullying in their schools, communities and online.

Last year, the Youth Development and Support Program funded 15 inspiring projects to help young people get ready for work or further study like theUrban Grown After Schoolprogram at Port Kembla and the Southern Youth and Family ServicesConnect-Ed Youth Project.

The program fosters diverse projects that run at the grass roots level and help develop young peoples skills and confidence to move confidently into adulthood.

I look forward to seeing innovative projects that encourage leadership in young people as a result of our support, Jones said

Applications are open until23 August 2013. For information on the program and how to apply, visithttp://www.youth.gov.au/sites/youth/news/pages/ydsprogram_010410