Give a Little Love
Great song, great video and a wonderful message...Strongly recommended.
I Am Adam Lanza's Mother
Three days before 20-year-old Adam Lanza killed his mother, then opened fire on a classroom full of Connecticut kindergarteners, my 13-year-old son Michael (names changed) missed his bus because he was wearing the wrong colour pants. A poignant cry from a single mom. More.
Senate Committee Calls For a National Strategy on Cyberbullying
Read it on Global News: Gobal BC Senate committee calls for national strategy on cyberbullying. A senate committee has released a set of recommendations for establishing a national strategy on cyberbullying, which follows some high-profile suicides of young people in recent years after enduring harassment over the internet.
Why Can't We Regulate Guns As Seriously As We Do Cars?
Children ages 5 to 14 in America are 13 times as likely to be murdered with guns as children in other industrialized countries and more Americans will die in gun homicides and suicides within six months than have died in the last 25 years in every terrorist attack and the the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq combined. Read more from Nicholas Kristof.
Keeping a Promise to Canada's Children
Despite this country's ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, well over a million Canadian children suffer from homelessness, hunger, poverty, unequal access to education and justice systems that do not recognize their special needs. Read more from Kirsty Duncan M.P.
Playing For Change
Connecting the world through music - check out the video... it's a foot tapper!
Adult Antidepressants Suspected in Suicides of Canadian Kids
Powerful antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs approved only for use in adults are suspected of harming - in some cases killing - Canadian children. Though Health Canada and the drug makers acknowledge the drugs are not approved for use in anyone under 18, doctors - often general practitioners with little psychiatric training - are prescribing these medications with little oversight.
A Girl's Right to Learn Without Fear
A new report published by child rights organization Plan Canada, in partnership with the International Human Rights Program, finds that school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) is a major factor threatening the education of children, especially young girls, in many countries of the world, including Canada.
Something somewhere is waiting to be known...
Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Joshua Littman Interviews his Mom
Joshua Littman, a 12 year-old boy with Asperger's syndrome, interviews his mother, Sarah. Joshua's unique questions and Sarah's loving, unguarded answers reveal a beautiful relationship that reminds us of the best - and the most challenging - parts of being a parent. Strongly recommended.
Canadian Study: Watch for Childhood Depression
Leading mental health experts are calling for school children to be screened for risk of mental illnesses such as depression and have devised a test that reliably identifies those at high risk. The test can be done on a computer and used to alert doctors and psychologists to intervene early.
The World is Listening
11 year-old Birke Baehr TED talk has been viewed over 283 000 times at Youtube and is now available to the larger TED sphere of influence. Watch it here.
Mock Trial Serious Business For Native Youth
When Mgizehs Shaggi, 13, sits down in the the witness box, playing the role of the accused in a mock assault trial in his public-school classroom, he opts to swear his oath with a foot-look ceremonial eagle feather, promising to tell the truth. Read article.
Study: Use Research, Genetics to Improve Help for Mistreated Children
Governments need to do a better job of tracking and pinpointing which of a myriad of social programs would best help children cope with abuse in their early ears, says a study released this November. A panel of experts on early childhood development convened by the Royal Society of Canada draws from some of the latest global research in the 160 page report.
Amazing Mind Reader Reveals His 'Gift'
Technology can be our best friend and our worst enemy. Fascinating and frightening!
Want to Help Someone? Shut Up and Listen!
When most well-intentioned aid workers hear of a problem they thing they can fix, they go to work. This Ernesto Sirolli suggests, is naive. In this funny and impassioned talk, he proposes that the first step is to listen to the people you're trying to help, and tap into their own entrepreneurial spirit. His advice on what works will help any entrepreneur. A must watch!
Joshua Littman, a 12 year-old boy with Asperger's syndrome, interviews his mother, Sarah. Joshua's unique questions and Sarah's loving, unguarded answers reveal a beautiful relationship that reminds us of the best - and the most challenging - parts of being a parent. Strongly recommended.
Canadian Study: Watch for Childhood Depression
Leading mental health experts are calling for school children to be screened for risk of mental illnesses such as depression and have devised a test that reliably identifies those at high risk. The test can be done on a computer and used to alert doctors and psychologists to intervene early.
The World is Listening
11 year-old Birke Baehr TED talk has been viewed over 283 000 times at Youtube and is now available to the larger TED sphere of influence. Watch it here.
Mock Trial Serious Business For Native Youth
When Mgizehs Shaggi, 13, sits down in the the witness box, playing the role of the accused in a mock assault trial in his public-school classroom, he opts to swear his oath with a foot-look ceremonial eagle feather, promising to tell the truth. Read article.
Study: Use Research, Genetics to Improve Help for Mistreated Children
Governments need to do a better job of tracking and pinpointing which of a myriad of social programs would best help children cope with abuse in their early ears, says a study released this November. A panel of experts on early childhood development convened by the Royal Society of Canada draws from some of the latest global research in the 160 page report.
Amazing Mind Reader Reveals His 'Gift'
Technology can be our best friend and our worst enemy. Fascinating and frightening!
Want to Help Someone? Shut Up and Listen!
When most well-intentioned aid workers hear of a problem they thing they can fix, they go to work. This Ernesto Sirolli suggests, is naive. In this funny and impassioned talk, he proposes that the first step is to listen to the people you're trying to help, and tap into their own entrepreneurial spirit. His advice on what works will help any entrepreneur. A must watch!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Recommended: Self-taught African Teen Wows M.I.T
15-Year-old Kelvin Doe is an engineering whiz living in Sierra Leone who scours the trash bins for spare parts, which he uses to build batteries, generators and transmitters. Completely self-taught, Kelvin has created his own radio station where he broadcasts news and plays music under the moniker, DJ Focus. Kelvin became the youngest person in history to be invited to the "Visiting Practitioner's Program" at MIT.
B.C. Youth Suicide Report Calls For Better Trauma Care
British Columbia's government must do more for young people at risk of suicide other than provide them with warm beds in the homes of well-meaning but overwhelmed foster parents, says a report released by the province's independent children's representative.
World Atlas of Youth Policies
A valuable new resource for policymakers has been developed by the International Institute for Education Planning in collaboration with the UNESCO Youth-led Social Innovation Team. The team has developed an atlas of national youth policies, with an English language version for each country that has a policy.
Forty Seconds of Kindness
An older brother helps his younger sister... Brilliant! Watch
Less Than Half of Youth with Mental Illness Receive Adequate Follow-up Care
Youth 15 to 19 are among the most vulnerable of those suffering with mental illness. However new research shows that less than half of Ontario youth hospitalized with a psychiatric diagnosis received timely follow-up care. Read More.
If Children Lose Contact With Nature, They Won't Fight For It
With half of their time spent at screens, the next generation will be poorly equipped to defend the natural world from harm. The remarkable collapse of children's engagement with nature - which is even faster than the collapse of the natural world - is recorded in Richard Louv's book Last Child in the Woods, and in a report published recently by the National Trust.
Youth Vote Really Counted in the US Election
More young Americans than ever before voted in the 2012 presidential election - around 64 million young people classified by demographers in the US as Millennials (or Generation Y, born between 1980 - 2000) were eligible to vote. The Millennials represent a large and growing generation of socially progressive people and their influence on the path America will take into the future will be immense.
15-Year-old Kelvin Doe is an engineering whiz living in Sierra Leone who scours the trash bins for spare parts, which he uses to build batteries, generators and transmitters. Completely self-taught, Kelvin has created his own radio station where he broadcasts news and plays music under the moniker, DJ Focus. Kelvin became the youngest person in history to be invited to the "Visiting Practitioner's Program" at MIT.
B.C. Youth Suicide Report Calls For Better Trauma Care
British Columbia's government must do more for young people at risk of suicide other than provide them with warm beds in the homes of well-meaning but overwhelmed foster parents, says a report released by the province's independent children's representative.
World Atlas of Youth Policies
A valuable new resource for policymakers has been developed by the International Institute for Education Planning in collaboration with the UNESCO Youth-led Social Innovation Team. The team has developed an atlas of national youth policies, with an English language version for each country that has a policy.
Forty Seconds of Kindness
An older brother helps his younger sister... Brilliant! Watch
Less Than Half of Youth with Mental Illness Receive Adequate Follow-up Care
Youth 15 to 19 are among the most vulnerable of those suffering with mental illness. However new research shows that less than half of Ontario youth hospitalized with a psychiatric diagnosis received timely follow-up care. Read More.
If Children Lose Contact With Nature, They Won't Fight For It
With half of their time spent at screens, the next generation will be poorly equipped to defend the natural world from harm. The remarkable collapse of children's engagement with nature - which is even faster than the collapse of the natural world - is recorded in Richard Louv's book Last Child in the Woods, and in a report published recently by the National Trust.
Youth Vote Really Counted in the US Election
More young Americans than ever before voted in the 2012 presidential election - around 64 million young people classified by demographers in the US as Millennials (or Generation Y, born between 1980 - 2000) were eligible to vote. The Millennials represent a large and growing generation of socially progressive people and their influence on the path America will take into the future will be immense.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Texting That Saves Lives
When Nancy Lublin started texting teenagers to help with her social advocacy organization, what she found was shocking - they started texting back about their own problems, from bullying to depression to abuse. So she's setting up a text-only crisis line, and the results might be even more important than she expected.
Security Camera Video Captures the Good
Changing the world one moment at a time... Awesome feel good short video.
An Insider's Guide to the Teenage Brain
If you're a teenage speaker brought in to address a crowd of teachers on the subject of how you and your peers learn best...what are you going to say? Watch Ned and this hand-drawn adolescent brain knock out eight powerful conditions of learning that can change everything for students from rural to urban. It's brilliant on so many levels.
"Hello There Racists"
the Tumblr "Hello There, Racists" calls out teens who made racist remarks about President Obama during the recent election. It's not easy to read, quite scandalous and unfortunately reflective of a sorry side of American Society. Looks like an endless well unfortunately.
95% of Canadians Agree That's it's in Canada's Best Interests to Help Homeless Youth Find Employment
Raising the Roof has released the first report to explore the issue of unemployment among homeless youth in Canada. It's Everybody's Business: Engaging the Private Sector in Solutions to Youth Homelessness focuses on understanding how to motivate and support Canadian business to provide employment and skills training opportunities to disadvantaged youth or, essentially, to "take a chance" on these young people Visit the very good website for the article.
Missing Aboriginal Women Deserve Justice
His family called him "Boomer," and he was cutest seven-month-old you've ever seen. One terrifying day in April 2008, Boomer disappeared from his babysitter's home on the Kitigan Zibi First Nations community, near Maniwaki, Que. Article by the Kielburger brothers.
New Canadian Study: Use Research, Genetics to Improve Help for Mistreated Children
Governments need to do a better job of tracking and pinpointing which of a myriad of social programs would best help children cope with abuse in their early years, says a study released last Thursday. A panel of experts on early childhood development convened by the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences draws from some of the latest global research in the 160 page report.
Odd Couple
And if you like dogs and deer!
When Nancy Lublin started texting teenagers to help with her social advocacy organization, what she found was shocking - they started texting back about their own problems, from bullying to depression to abuse. So she's setting up a text-only crisis line, and the results might be even more important than she expected.
Security Camera Video Captures the Good
Changing the world one moment at a time... Awesome feel good short video.
An Insider's Guide to the Teenage Brain
If you're a teenage speaker brought in to address a crowd of teachers on the subject of how you and your peers learn best...what are you going to say? Watch Ned and this hand-drawn adolescent brain knock out eight powerful conditions of learning that can change everything for students from rural to urban. It's brilliant on so many levels.
"Hello There Racists"
the Tumblr "Hello There, Racists" calls out teens who made racist remarks about President Obama during the recent election. It's not easy to read, quite scandalous and unfortunately reflective of a sorry side of American Society. Looks like an endless well unfortunately.
95% of Canadians Agree That's it's in Canada's Best Interests to Help Homeless Youth Find Employment
Raising the Roof has released the first report to explore the issue of unemployment among homeless youth in Canada. It's Everybody's Business: Engaging the Private Sector in Solutions to Youth Homelessness focuses on understanding how to motivate and support Canadian business to provide employment and skills training opportunities to disadvantaged youth or, essentially, to "take a chance" on these young people Visit the very good website for the article.
Missing Aboriginal Women Deserve Justice
His family called him "Boomer," and he was cutest seven-month-old you've ever seen. One terrifying day in April 2008, Boomer disappeared from his babysitter's home on the Kitigan Zibi First Nations community, near Maniwaki, Que. Article by the Kielburger brothers.
New Canadian Study: Use Research, Genetics to Improve Help for Mistreated Children
Governments need to do a better job of tracking and pinpointing which of a myriad of social programs would best help children cope with abuse in their early years, says a study released last Thursday. A panel of experts on early childhood development convened by the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences draws from some of the latest global research in the 160 page report.
Odd Couple
And if you like dogs and deer!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
In Remembrance
In spite of his battle with stage four cancer, Lt. Col Mark Weber of the Minnesota National Guard sings "Tell My Father", a Civil War era song, with his son at the Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul on June 14. Please watch the full video.
The Tragedy of Orphanages
Orphanages are costly and can cause irreparable damage both mentally and physically for its chargers - so why are they so ubiquitous? Georgette Mulheir gravely describes the tragedy of orphanages and urges us to end our reliance on them, by finding alternate way of supporting children in need. Moving and not always easy to listen to.
Young Canadians More Stressed Than Their Parents
It might appear that Canadians in their late teens and early 20s are pampered and shouldn't have a care in the world, but they are actually the most stressed out - even more so than their parents. A new national survey has revealed that economic uncertainty, excessive stress and emotional strains are hammering the psyches of millennials.
Canada Ranks As Best Country for Expats to Raise Children
The lure of our great outdoors, our friendly people and our excellent healthcare system. These were just a few of the factors that led more than 5 300 expat parents in this year's HSBC Expat Explorer Survey to name Canada the best country in the world to raise children.
The God is in the Details
Volunteer firefighter Mark Bezos tells a story of an act of heroism that didn't go quite as expected - but that taught him a big lesson. Don't wait to be a hero. Funny and told with such humanity.
Amazing Football Player
Check out this nine-year-old American Football Star. She's a girl and a bit like watching a roadrunner cartoon, she's so good.
School Lunches From Around The World
Scotland's 9 year old Martha Payne garnered international headlines for her school lunch blog that chronicled dismal school meals. The blog grew so much attention that local officials ordered her to stop taking pictures of her lunches - a mandate she ultimately successfully repealed.
In spite of his battle with stage four cancer, Lt. Col Mark Weber of the Minnesota National Guard sings "Tell My Father", a Civil War era song, with his son at the Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul on June 14. Please watch the full video.
The Tragedy of Orphanages
Orphanages are costly and can cause irreparable damage both mentally and physically for its chargers - so why are they so ubiquitous? Georgette Mulheir gravely describes the tragedy of orphanages and urges us to end our reliance on them, by finding alternate way of supporting children in need. Moving and not always easy to listen to.
Young Canadians More Stressed Than Their Parents
It might appear that Canadians in their late teens and early 20s are pampered and shouldn't have a care in the world, but they are actually the most stressed out - even more so than their parents. A new national survey has revealed that economic uncertainty, excessive stress and emotional strains are hammering the psyches of millennials.
Canada Ranks As Best Country for Expats to Raise Children
The lure of our great outdoors, our friendly people and our excellent healthcare system. These were just a few of the factors that led more than 5 300 expat parents in this year's HSBC Expat Explorer Survey to name Canada the best country in the world to raise children.
The God is in the Details
Volunteer firefighter Mark Bezos tells a story of an act of heroism that didn't go quite as expected - but that taught him a big lesson. Don't wait to be a hero. Funny and told with such humanity.
Amazing Football Player
Check out this nine-year-old American Football Star. She's a girl and a bit like watching a roadrunner cartoon, she's so good.
School Lunches From Around The World
Scotland's 9 year old Martha Payne garnered international headlines for her school lunch blog that chronicled dismal school meals. The blog grew so much attention that local officials ordered her to stop taking pictures of her lunches - a mandate she ultimately successfully repealed.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
What I've Learned From My Autistic Brothers
Faith Jegede tells the moving and funny story of growing up with her two brothers, both autistic - and both extraordinary. In five minutes he draws on her experiences to spread awareness and understanding about this increasingly common diagnosis. Recommended
Are Kids Becoming Internet Porn Addicts?
Children as young as 11 are being given "unrealistic expectations" of sex after being exposed to internet pornography, according to new research. Academics warned that it was 'common practice' for schoolchildren to become desensitized to sexual images after accessing hardcore images at an early age.
Op-Ed: Our Children Need a Commissioner
Interesting item from the National Post by Dr. Micheal Shevell, Pediatrician-in-Chief of Montreal Children's Hospital- McGill University Health Center.
Argentina Lowers Voting Age to 16
Argentinean lawmakers have lowered the country's voting age to 16 from 18. Voting is compulsory for Argentineans between the ages of 18 and 70, but it will be voluntary for 16 and 17 year olds under the new law.
Where Do Your Charitable Dollars Go?
How do we make sure that development and aid money actually goes to the people who most need it? Sanjay Pradhan of the World Bank Institute lays out three guidelines to help relief efforts make the most impact - while curbing corruption.
Twenty Successful Nonprofits Started by Students
Many business schools have recently made a significant shift in emphasis from moulding middle management to acting as incubators for start-ups. Here are 20 amazing philanthropic organizations that began as student projects and are now going on to change their communities and the planet.
Study: How Internet Use Affects Youth
According to a new Pew Internet study, today's youth are using the internet in a positive way when it comes to research. But while the internet offers these youth unprecedented access to a wealth of information, it also tends to distract them. Additionally, the study found that the Internet is growing faster than these kids can keep up in terms of literacy. Fascinating new research.
Faith Jegede tells the moving and funny story of growing up with her two brothers, both autistic - and both extraordinary. In five minutes he draws on her experiences to spread awareness and understanding about this increasingly common diagnosis. Recommended
Are Kids Becoming Internet Porn Addicts?
Children as young as 11 are being given "unrealistic expectations" of sex after being exposed to internet pornography, according to new research. Academics warned that it was 'common practice' for schoolchildren to become desensitized to sexual images after accessing hardcore images at an early age.
Op-Ed: Our Children Need a Commissioner
Interesting item from the National Post by Dr. Micheal Shevell, Pediatrician-in-Chief of Montreal Children's Hospital- McGill University Health Center.
Argentina Lowers Voting Age to 16
Argentinean lawmakers have lowered the country's voting age to 16 from 18. Voting is compulsory for Argentineans between the ages of 18 and 70, but it will be voluntary for 16 and 17 year olds under the new law.
Where Do Your Charitable Dollars Go?
How do we make sure that development and aid money actually goes to the people who most need it? Sanjay Pradhan of the World Bank Institute lays out three guidelines to help relief efforts make the most impact - while curbing corruption.
Twenty Successful Nonprofits Started by Students
Many business schools have recently made a significant shift in emphasis from moulding middle management to acting as incubators for start-ups. Here are 20 amazing philanthropic organizations that began as student projects and are now going on to change their communities and the planet.
Study: How Internet Use Affects Youth
According to a new Pew Internet study, today's youth are using the internet in a positive way when it comes to research. But while the internet offers these youth unprecedented access to a wealth of information, it also tends to distract them. Additionally, the study found that the Internet is growing faster than these kids can keep up in terms of literacy. Fascinating new research.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Viral Kindness: We Are All Daniel Cui
Watch "We Are All Daniel Cui," which shows how more than 100 students at Hillsborough High School in Northern California defeated cyberbullying by swamping it with support for soccer goalie Daniel Cui, after somebody in his school created a "Worst Goalie Ever" page. The video very clearly shows how positive, rather than negative change can happen through "spreadable media".
Susan Cain: The Power of Introverts
"Stop the madness for the constant group work... There's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas". This is a brilliant presentation with implications for both the classroom and the workplace. See it!
And once you have viewed this we urge you to take two extra minutes for this.
Facebook Stories
The video above is part of Facebook Stories, a new feature that presents extraordinary stories about people using that medium. Facebook will be posting a new video story every month representing a theme. August's was "Remembering" about a man in New Delhi who lost his memory and got it back again with the help of friends he reached out to through the site. Users can submit their own stories, too, in any medium they choose - text, photo, video - or with mixed media.
Canada's Record on Children's Rights
The recent review of Canada's record on children's rights resulted in a large number of recommendations for Canada. A call to action on those recommendations has been has been prepared by the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children and can be found here. The CCRC Annual Meeting takes place on November 23.
Study: Only Rarely is Cyberbullying a Sole Factor in Teen Suicide
A just-released study from the American Academy of Paediatrics found that cyberbullying is "only rarely the sole factor identified in teen suicides." The study's author, John LeBlanc, MD, was quoted in the press release as saying that "cyberbullying is a factor in some suicides, but almost always there are other factors such as mental illness or face-to-face bullying."
Study: Gay Foster Parents No Less Effective
A new study finds that same sex couples are just as effective at raising foster children as heterosexual couples. Over two years, the children in the study all progressed at the same rate in terms of cognitive development and behavioural problems.
Cat's Climbing
We're not that into cat video's either but this does have its seriously funny moments.
Watch "We Are All Daniel Cui," which shows how more than 100 students at Hillsborough High School in Northern California defeated cyberbullying by swamping it with support for soccer goalie Daniel Cui, after somebody in his school created a "Worst Goalie Ever" page. The video very clearly shows how positive, rather than negative change can happen through "spreadable media".
Susan Cain: The Power of Introverts
"Stop the madness for the constant group work... There's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas". This is a brilliant presentation with implications for both the classroom and the workplace. See it!
And once you have viewed this we urge you to take two extra minutes for this.
Facebook Stories
The video above is part of Facebook Stories, a new feature that presents extraordinary stories about people using that medium. Facebook will be posting a new video story every month representing a theme. August's was "Remembering" about a man in New Delhi who lost his memory and got it back again with the help of friends he reached out to through the site. Users can submit their own stories, too, in any medium they choose - text, photo, video - or with mixed media.
Canada's Record on Children's Rights
The recent review of Canada's record on children's rights resulted in a large number of recommendations for Canada. A call to action on those recommendations has been has been prepared by the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children and can be found here. The CCRC Annual Meeting takes place on November 23.
Study: Only Rarely is Cyberbullying a Sole Factor in Teen Suicide
A just-released study from the American Academy of Paediatrics found that cyberbullying is "only rarely the sole factor identified in teen suicides." The study's author, John LeBlanc, MD, was quoted in the press release as saying that "cyberbullying is a factor in some suicides, but almost always there are other factors such as mental illness or face-to-face bullying."
Study: Gay Foster Parents No Less Effective
A new study finds that same sex couples are just as effective at raising foster children as heterosexual couples. Over two years, the children in the study all progressed at the same rate in terms of cognitive development and behavioural problems.
Cat's Climbing
We're not that into cat video's either but this does have its seriously funny moments.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Absolutely Brilliant: Youngest Published Scientists in the World
This is one of the most amazing (standing ovation) TED talks you will watch in a long time. 12 year old Amy O'Toole, who, along with with 25 of her classmates, published the first peer-reviewed article by schoolchildren, about the Blackawton bees project. It starts "Once upon a time..." Watch an effective teacher at work.
Government to Fund Study of Youth Sex Habits
The federal government is spending up to $250 000 to study the sex habits of Canadian youth. The surgery will examine the behaviour of 9 000 young adults ages 18 to 24 across the country, questioning them on everything from the age they first had sexual intercourse to their use of condoms and experiences with sexual coercion or homophobic bullying.
This Kid is Amazing
He is twelve, multi talented and oh so cool. Check out the wardrobe! You saw him here first.
Study: Cyberbullying-linked Suicides Rising
there have been 41 suicides since 2003 involving cyberbullying in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, but most of the victims were also bullied in school and many suffered from mental illness, including depression, said John C. LeBlanc, a professor at Dalhousie University in Halifax who conducted the research.
Children's Commissioner: Bill C-420 Vote on November 5
Bill C-420 is a private member's bill to establish a National Children's Commissioner. It will be debated again on November 5. A vote could send the bill to committee or kill it. Children's advocates are encouraging members of parliament from all parties to support referral to a committee so the proposal can be studied in more detail. For more:
The Best Photographs Taken By Kids Around the World
These are the winning photographs from the Children's Eyes on Earth International Youth Photography Contest, a competition designed to raise environmental awareness while giving budding artists a chance to share their visions with the world.
Obesity Three Times Higher Among Canadians Boys Than Girls
Canadian boys are three times more likely than girls to be obese, according to new research that is exposing alarming and lopsided gender differences in the nation's childhood obesity rates. A new Statistics Canada Report find that 19.5 % of boys ages 5 to 11 years are obese, compared to 6.3% of girls of the same ages.
Expert: Internet Use May Need to be Licensed
An internationally know advocate for child victims of online luring says licensing internet users is an effective way to protect children from pedophiles and child sex abusers who prowl the net for victims like Amanda Todd. Roz Prober from Beyond Borders was responding to findings that cyber stalkers, like the kind who hounded a 15-year-old girl to suicide, use flattery and strong-arm tactics to exploit kids for sex.
This is one of the most amazing (standing ovation) TED talks you will watch in a long time. 12 year old Amy O'Toole, who, along with with 25 of her classmates, published the first peer-reviewed article by schoolchildren, about the Blackawton bees project. It starts "Once upon a time..." Watch an effective teacher at work.
Government to Fund Study of Youth Sex Habits
The federal government is spending up to $250 000 to study the sex habits of Canadian youth. The surgery will examine the behaviour of 9 000 young adults ages 18 to 24 across the country, questioning them on everything from the age they first had sexual intercourse to their use of condoms and experiences with sexual coercion or homophobic bullying.
This Kid is Amazing
He is twelve, multi talented and oh so cool. Check out the wardrobe! You saw him here first.
Study: Cyberbullying-linked Suicides Rising
there have been 41 suicides since 2003 involving cyberbullying in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, but most of the victims were also bullied in school and many suffered from mental illness, including depression, said John C. LeBlanc, a professor at Dalhousie University in Halifax who conducted the research.
Children's Commissioner: Bill C-420 Vote on November 5
Bill C-420 is a private member's bill to establish a National Children's Commissioner. It will be debated again on November 5. A vote could send the bill to committee or kill it. Children's advocates are encouraging members of parliament from all parties to support referral to a committee so the proposal can be studied in more detail. For more:
The Best Photographs Taken By Kids Around the World
These are the winning photographs from the Children's Eyes on Earth International Youth Photography Contest, a competition designed to raise environmental awareness while giving budding artists a chance to share their visions with the world.
Obesity Three Times Higher Among Canadians Boys Than Girls
Canadian boys are three times more likely than girls to be obese, according to new research that is exposing alarming and lopsided gender differences in the nation's childhood obesity rates. A new Statistics Canada Report find that 19.5 % of boys ages 5 to 11 years are obese, compared to 6.3% of girls of the same ages.
Expert: Internet Use May Need to be Licensed
An internationally know advocate for child victims of online luring says licensing internet users is an effective way to protect children from pedophiles and child sex abusers who prowl the net for victims like Amanda Todd. Roz Prober from Beyond Borders was responding to findings that cyber stalkers, like the kind who hounded a 15-year-old girl to suicide, use flattery and strong-arm tactics to exploit kids for sex.
Monday, October 15, 2012
The Awful Truth about Social Programs
The controversial Margaret Wente gets it right in her Saturday Globe column. "The evidence to date - such as it is - suggests that many, perhaps most, social programs do not make a difference, except to the legions of administrators and social workers who are directly and indirectly employed in delivering them". Read article (please).
German Children Get Their Own Newspaper
Newspapers may be dying out elsewhere, but in Germany broadsheets still enjoy substantial readership. A new publication has decided to invest in keeping it that way, targeting children to cultivate the readers of tomorrow. But it's a difficult market that requires pleasing both kids and their parents.
UN slams Canada's Excessively Punitive Justice Plan, Accuses Authorities of Widespread Discrimination.
The federal government's tough-on-crime agenda is "excessively punitive" for youth and is a step backwards for Canada's child rights record, says a United Nations group. The UN committee on the rights of the child has finished a 10 year review of how Canada treats its children and how well governments are implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Read More.
With Reference to Amanda Todd
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection has received 3 000 complaints in the past five years from British Columbians regarding the online sexual exploitation of children. "These complaints have come from parents or children themselves - about fiver per cent of complaints are from children," said Signy Arnason, director of Cybertip.ca which is operated by the Winnipeg-based Canadian Centre for Children. Read More.
Sneezing Twins
Babies mimicking Dad. Very cute!
'Striking Mom' Jessica Stillwell of Alberta Drawing International Media Attention From Her Blog
Jessica Stillwell, a busy Calgary mom, was tired of cleaning up after three daughters. So she threw in the towel. She stopped playing maid for her children, twins aged 12 and a 10-year-old. and did what any disgruntled worker might do. "I went on strike," she said in an interview this past week.
Does Living in a Nicer Neighbourhood Affect the Mental Health of At-Risk Youth?
When it comes to nature versus nurture, researchers are betting on nurture in regards to whether moving children from high to low poverty neighbourhoods positively affects mental health.
The controversial Margaret Wente gets it right in her Saturday Globe column. "The evidence to date - such as it is - suggests that many, perhaps most, social programs do not make a difference, except to the legions of administrators and social workers who are directly and indirectly employed in delivering them". Read article (please).
German Children Get Their Own Newspaper
Newspapers may be dying out elsewhere, but in Germany broadsheets still enjoy substantial readership. A new publication has decided to invest in keeping it that way, targeting children to cultivate the readers of tomorrow. But it's a difficult market that requires pleasing both kids and their parents.
UN slams Canada's Excessively Punitive Justice Plan, Accuses Authorities of Widespread Discrimination.
The federal government's tough-on-crime agenda is "excessively punitive" for youth and is a step backwards for Canada's child rights record, says a United Nations group. The UN committee on the rights of the child has finished a 10 year review of how Canada treats its children and how well governments are implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Read More.
With Reference to Amanda Todd
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection has received 3 000 complaints in the past five years from British Columbians regarding the online sexual exploitation of children. "These complaints have come from parents or children themselves - about fiver per cent of complaints are from children," said Signy Arnason, director of Cybertip.ca which is operated by the Winnipeg-based Canadian Centre for Children. Read More.
Sneezing Twins
Babies mimicking Dad. Very cute!
'Striking Mom' Jessica Stillwell of Alberta Drawing International Media Attention From Her Blog
Jessica Stillwell, a busy Calgary mom, was tired of cleaning up after three daughters. So she threw in the towel. She stopped playing maid for her children, twins aged 12 and a 10-year-old. and did what any disgruntled worker might do. "I went on strike," she said in an interview this past week.
Does Living in a Nicer Neighbourhood Affect the Mental Health of At-Risk Youth?
When it comes to nature versus nurture, researchers are betting on nurture in regards to whether moving children from high to low poverty neighbourhoods positively affects mental health.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Canada's Young Face Shifting Social Landscape
Vital signs report offers a snapshot of changing transitions. Read More.
The Word 'Faggot' Has been Used in 2.4 million Tweets Since July
New website NoHomophobes.com keeps live tally of homophobic language on Twitter.
Ottawa Spends $3 Million to Battle Native Child Welfare Case
The federal government has been billed more than $3 Million for its unsuccessful attempts to keep a high-stakes battle over first nations child welfare out of the courts.
This Has Nothing To Do With Kids
But we are suckers for the Antique Road Show and this is priceless - pun unintended.
Fat-rich 'cafeteria diets' Setting Canada's Youth Up For Premature Strokes
Junk food diets are leading to middle-age diseases in children and setting them up for potential strokes when they're in their 30's and 40's. What's more, the ongoing research suggests junk-food diets may alter the brain's anatomy, prematurely aging and damaging the network of blood vessels that supply it with oxygen.
Who Says Young Canadians are Disengaged, Apathetic, not Voting?
Brigette DePage, best known as the "rogue page," James Biggar, executive director of LeadNow.ca, climate justice organizer Ben Powless and Emma Pullman, political campaigner with sumofus.org are part of what the Ottawa- based Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives calls "Generation Now" - and they're the stars of the progressive think tank's annual David Lewis Lecture.
Autistic 10-year-old Ballerina Becomes a YouTube Phenom
Clara Bergs, 10, who is autistic, dances the lead performance from the ballet Coppelia, which she has memorized from watching videos. Watch here.
And Speaking of Talent
Diana is 10 and demonstrates some real style!
Vital signs report offers a snapshot of changing transitions. Read More.
The Word 'Faggot' Has been Used in 2.4 million Tweets Since July
New website NoHomophobes.com keeps live tally of homophobic language on Twitter.
Ottawa Spends $3 Million to Battle Native Child Welfare Case
The federal government has been billed more than $3 Million for its unsuccessful attempts to keep a high-stakes battle over first nations child welfare out of the courts.
This Has Nothing To Do With Kids
But we are suckers for the Antique Road Show and this is priceless - pun unintended.
Fat-rich 'cafeteria diets' Setting Canada's Youth Up For Premature Strokes
Junk food diets are leading to middle-age diseases in children and setting them up for potential strokes when they're in their 30's and 40's. What's more, the ongoing research suggests junk-food diets may alter the brain's anatomy, prematurely aging and damaging the network of blood vessels that supply it with oxygen.
Who Says Young Canadians are Disengaged, Apathetic, not Voting?
Brigette DePage, best known as the "rogue page," James Biggar, executive director of LeadNow.ca, climate justice organizer Ben Powless and Emma Pullman, political campaigner with sumofus.org are part of what the Ottawa- based Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives calls "Generation Now" - and they're the stars of the progressive think tank's annual David Lewis Lecture.
Autistic 10-year-old Ballerina Becomes a YouTube Phenom
Clara Bergs, 10, who is autistic, dances the lead performance from the ballet Coppelia, which she has memorized from watching videos. Watch here.
And Speaking of Talent
Diana is 10 and demonstrates some real style!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
If This Doesn't Inspire...Nothing Will
A homeless 13 year old boy wins $130,000 peace prize for helping other homeless kids. Video 1 is here - the young man's acceptance speech made at The Hague on September 19th is here.
United Nations Tells Canada It Needs To Take Better Care of Its Vulnerable Children
In hearings in Geneva to examine Canada's adherence to the Conventions on the Rights of the Child, Ottawa was repeatedly taken to task for incoherence about how federal and provincial programs actually help kids. Read More.
New Anti-Obesity Ads Blaming Overweight Parents Sparks Criticism
Educating or shaming..."It's Hard Enough to Be a Fat Kid Without the Government Telling You You're an Epidemic" Read article and watch video.
If You Have a Brother - Even if You Don't
This might make you weep.
Supreme Court Decides Girl Can Proceed with Anonymous Facebook Bullying Lawsuit
In spite of long-held open court principles, the Supreme Court says a 15 year old girl can proceed with an anonymous cyber bullying lawsuit. The Court said failing to protect young victims from the "psychological toxicity" of such intimidation would be far more harmful than allowing the minimal encroachment on other rights by masking her identity.
The Mysterious Workings of the Adolescent Brain
Why do teenagers seem so much more impulsive, so much less self-aware than grown-ups? Cognitive neuroscientist Sarah-Jayne Blakemore compares the prefrontal cortex in adolescents to that of adults, to show us how typically "teenage" behaviour is caused by the growing and developing brain. Fascinating short video.
Study Links chemical BPA to Obesity in Children, Teens
Kids with higher levels of the widely used substance BPA in their bodies are more likely to be obese, according to the first large-scale, nationally representative study to link an environmental chemical with obesity in children and teens. Read More.
In Age of Bullying, Special Needs Student Elected Prom King
Scott Shaver was recently crowned prom king at his high school. What is special and inspiring about his crowning is that it marks the extent to which a young man with autism has been embraced by his "regular education" classmates.
A homeless 13 year old boy wins $130,000 peace prize for helping other homeless kids. Video 1 is here - the young man's acceptance speech made at The Hague on September 19th is here.
United Nations Tells Canada It Needs To Take Better Care of Its Vulnerable Children
In hearings in Geneva to examine Canada's adherence to the Conventions on the Rights of the Child, Ottawa was repeatedly taken to task for incoherence about how federal and provincial programs actually help kids. Read More.
New Anti-Obesity Ads Blaming Overweight Parents Sparks Criticism
Educating or shaming..."It's Hard Enough to Be a Fat Kid Without the Government Telling You You're an Epidemic" Read article and watch video.
If You Have a Brother - Even if You Don't
This might make you weep.
Supreme Court Decides Girl Can Proceed with Anonymous Facebook Bullying Lawsuit
In spite of long-held open court principles, the Supreme Court says a 15 year old girl can proceed with an anonymous cyber bullying lawsuit. The Court said failing to protect young victims from the "psychological toxicity" of such intimidation would be far more harmful than allowing the minimal encroachment on other rights by masking her identity.
The Mysterious Workings of the Adolescent Brain
Why do teenagers seem so much more impulsive, so much less self-aware than grown-ups? Cognitive neuroscientist Sarah-Jayne Blakemore compares the prefrontal cortex in adolescents to that of adults, to show us how typically "teenage" behaviour is caused by the growing and developing brain. Fascinating short video.
Study Links chemical BPA to Obesity in Children, Teens
Kids with higher levels of the widely used substance BPA in their bodies are more likely to be obese, according to the first large-scale, nationally representative study to link an environmental chemical with obesity in children and teens. Read More.
In Age of Bullying, Special Needs Student Elected Prom King
Scott Shaver was recently crowned prom king at his high school. What is special and inspiring about his crowning is that it marks the extent to which a young man with autism has been embraced by his "regular education" classmates.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
National Suicide Prevention Strategy Released
The 2012 US National Strategy for Suicide Prevention report includes community-based approaches to curbing the incidence of suicide, details new ways to identify people at risk for suicide and outlines priorities for reducing the number of suicides over the next decade. It's a long comprehensive plan well worth a visit.
Justice is a Fickle Thing
Sexual abuse, physical assaults and a home filled with drugs: the heartbreaking upbringing of boy, 13, who is being tried as an adult after 'killing his 2 year old brother.' Read more.
Facebook and Google Help Launch Online Safety Platform For Teens
Teenagers live online - nearly 58% of teens own smartphones and make up the market's largest growing sector. However, mobile crazed teenaged aren't as unconcerned about online safety as some people thing. Read More.
Thomas Goes Into Space
The story of a father who sent his son's favourite toy into space.
More Evidence Smoking in Movies Influences Teens to Pick Up the Habit
Research has shown that smoking initiation is an important milestone. One third of initiators go on to become addicted smokers. However, the key question remains: What kind of exposure to smoking will prompt an adolescent to start smoking? Read More.
Letting Kids Sip Alcohol May Not Stave Off Binge Drinking
Researchers probe whether giving children alcohol helps them resist peer pressure to drink.
And While On The Subject...UK Report on Youth Who Don't Drink Alcohol
A research report form the UK contains some interesting information about young people in that country who choose either not to drink at all or not to drink to excess.
He Built This House!
You like Lego?
The 2012 US National Strategy for Suicide Prevention report includes community-based approaches to curbing the incidence of suicide, details new ways to identify people at risk for suicide and outlines priorities for reducing the number of suicides over the next decade. It's a long comprehensive plan well worth a visit.
Justice is a Fickle Thing
Sexual abuse, physical assaults and a home filled with drugs: the heartbreaking upbringing of boy, 13, who is being tried as an adult after 'killing his 2 year old brother.' Read more.
Facebook and Google Help Launch Online Safety Platform For Teens
Teenagers live online - nearly 58% of teens own smartphones and make up the market's largest growing sector. However, mobile crazed teenaged aren't as unconcerned about online safety as some people thing. Read More.
Thomas Goes Into Space
The story of a father who sent his son's favourite toy into space.
More Evidence Smoking in Movies Influences Teens to Pick Up the Habit
Research has shown that smoking initiation is an important milestone. One third of initiators go on to become addicted smokers. However, the key question remains: What kind of exposure to smoking will prompt an adolescent to start smoking? Read More.
Letting Kids Sip Alcohol May Not Stave Off Binge Drinking
Researchers probe whether giving children alcohol helps them resist peer pressure to drink.
And While On The Subject...UK Report on Youth Who Don't Drink Alcohol
A research report form the UK contains some interesting information about young people in that country who choose either not to drink at all or not to drink to excess.
He Built This House!
You like Lego?
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Stand Up (Video)
The always progressive Peel District School Board takes a collaborative stand on mental health.
Turn Up The Volume
On September 26 and 27 the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child will ask the Canadian Government questions about how well children are doing in Canada. This is part of the third review of how well Canada implements the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The dialogue will be webcast, so you can watch it in Canada. The CCRC is providing commentary and background on its website and invites Canadians to join the discussion through its Facebook page. Go here for more information
Youth Statement of 6th World Urban Forum 2012
Two Canadian youth helped write the draft statement by the youth at the concluding session of the sixth World Urban Forum (WUF) on 5th September 2012.
Child Survival Rates Are Highest Ever - UNICEF
More children across the world survive their 5th birthday then ever before and there are now 14 000 fewer children dying every day than there were in 1990. Read more.
The Power of the Informal Economy
Robert Neuwirth spent four years among the stalls of street markets, talking to pushcart hawkers and gray marketers, to study the world's informal economy. It's a fascinating short video. Watch it here.
Try This At The Office
Who makes the better sound effects - girls or guys?
Luxury Brands Look to Leverage Children's Market
Underage guests at the Four Seasons Berlin can whizz around the lobby in a miniature Mercedes-Benz or take high tea using 'child friendly china'. Fascinating!
Antipsychotic Prescriptions in Children Have Skyrocketed
Since 1993, the rate of antipsychotic drug prescribing to children increased by a factor of nearly eight, while prescribing to teens quintupled and in adults nearly doubled, according to a new study.
The always progressive Peel District School Board takes a collaborative stand on mental health.
Turn Up The Volume
On September 26 and 27 the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child will ask the Canadian Government questions about how well children are doing in Canada. This is part of the third review of how well Canada implements the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The dialogue will be webcast, so you can watch it in Canada. The CCRC is providing commentary and background on its website and invites Canadians to join the discussion through its Facebook page. Go here for more information
Youth Statement of 6th World Urban Forum 2012
Two Canadian youth helped write the draft statement by the youth at the concluding session of the sixth World Urban Forum (WUF) on 5th September 2012.
Child Survival Rates Are Highest Ever - UNICEF
More children across the world survive their 5th birthday then ever before and there are now 14 000 fewer children dying every day than there were in 1990. Read more.
The Power of the Informal Economy
Robert Neuwirth spent four years among the stalls of street markets, talking to pushcart hawkers and gray marketers, to study the world's informal economy. It's a fascinating short video. Watch it here.
Try This At The Office
Who makes the better sound effects - girls or guys?
Luxury Brands Look to Leverage Children's Market
Underage guests at the Four Seasons Berlin can whizz around the lobby in a miniature Mercedes-Benz or take high tea using 'child friendly china'. Fascinating!
Antipsychotic Prescriptions in Children Have Skyrocketed
Since 1993, the rate of antipsychotic drug prescribing to children increased by a factor of nearly eight, while prescribing to teens quintupled and in adults nearly doubled, according to a new study.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Wake Up World - The Time in Now
If you nothing else give this a quick view and find a child to share it with...
Canada's Anchor Babies
The Journey 'home' is tough for children deported with their parents. Read More.
Powerful Public Spaces - A Wonderful Six Minutes
In her New Orleans Neighbourhood, Candy Chang turned an abandoned house into a giant chalkboard asking a fill-in-the-blank question: "Before I die I want to ____." Her neighbours' answers, surprising, poignant, funny, became an unexpected mirror for the community. Watch it here.
Aboriginal Kids at Great Risk of Injury, Death
A new report by the Canadian Paediatric Society says aboriginal children are at a much greater risk of becoming seriously injured or killed than other kids in Canada. "Indigenous children are dying at a disproportionate rate...and a lot of these injuries are preventable." University of Toronto researcher Anna Banerji said.
Manitoba Inquiry Into Toddlers Death Grinds to a Halt
Manitoba's Court of Appeal has halted an inquiry into the death of a five year old girl so that it can hear arguments over whether witness interviews should be fully disclosed. The inquiry into the death of Phoenix Sinclair, who was beaten to death in 2005 by her mother and the mother's boyfriend, months after child welfare workers removed her from a foster home and gave her back to her family, is examining how yet another child fell through the cracks in the system. Read More.
We Think he is a Young Looking 40 Year Old
This amazing and ever so cute kid is better at piano than you'll ever be. Watch Here.
Well-being in Canada: Are We Satisfied? - Opinion
The political and economic health of countries are key measures of the welfare of nations. A country that fails its citizens politically and economically can make little claim to legitimacy. Read Article.
If you nothing else give this a quick view and find a child to share it with...
Canada's Anchor Babies
The Journey 'home' is tough for children deported with their parents. Read More.
Powerful Public Spaces - A Wonderful Six Minutes
In her New Orleans Neighbourhood, Candy Chang turned an abandoned house into a giant chalkboard asking a fill-in-the-blank question: "Before I die I want to ____." Her neighbours' answers, surprising, poignant, funny, became an unexpected mirror for the community. Watch it here.
Aboriginal Kids at Great Risk of Injury, Death
A new report by the Canadian Paediatric Society says aboriginal children are at a much greater risk of becoming seriously injured or killed than other kids in Canada. "Indigenous children are dying at a disproportionate rate...and a lot of these injuries are preventable." University of Toronto researcher Anna Banerji said.
Manitoba Inquiry Into Toddlers Death Grinds to a Halt
Manitoba's Court of Appeal has halted an inquiry into the death of a five year old girl so that it can hear arguments over whether witness interviews should be fully disclosed. The inquiry into the death of Phoenix Sinclair, who was beaten to death in 2005 by her mother and the mother's boyfriend, months after child welfare workers removed her from a foster home and gave her back to her family, is examining how yet another child fell through the cracks in the system. Read More.
We Think he is a Young Looking 40 Year Old
This amazing and ever so cute kid is better at piano than you'll ever be. Watch Here.
Well-being in Canada: Are We Satisfied? - Opinion
The political and economic health of countries are key measures of the welfare of nations. A country that fails its citizens politically and economically can make little claim to legitimacy. Read Article.
Monday, September 3, 2012
A Romney First: Over 40% of Youth Vote Back Him
For the first time since he began running for president, Republican Mitt Romney has the support of over 40% of America's youth vote, a troubling sign for President Obama who built his 2008 victory with the overwhelming support of younger, idealistic voters.
Teen Invents Advanced Cancer Testing Using Google (BBC)
Fifteen-year-old high school student Jack Andraka likes to kayak and watch the US television show Glee. And when time permits, he also likes to do advanced research in one of the most respected cancer laboratories in the world.
Sony World Photography Awards, Youth Award
Sony are searching for the next generation of talented young photographers - 19 and under. The program is for those studying photography in school or college, or just have a passion for taking photographs. For more and the opportunity to see some fine photography go to here.
Dog Teaches Baby How to Play Fetch
Irresistible!
And While We Are At It!!!
11 month old twins dancing to Daddy's guitar.
On Television - It's Good Enough For Me
The renaissance in children's programming is an excellent read from Emily Nussbau in The New Yorker.
UNICEF Innovation: An Important Website
Children and their families around the world face various barriers to fulfilling their rights - particularly in resource-limited settings. Through their website, UNICEF encourages dialogue and co-development to support the successful delivery of end-user driven and innovative services, products and systems. Some very cool partnerships and initiatives:
Modern Children go to Bed 40 Minutes Later Than Their Grandparents Did
Modern day children go to bed 40 minutes later and spend two hours less playing outside, new research shows. In addition, they also eat later, and these three factors could be having a detrimental affect on their ability to sleep well, according to The Sleep council. For More:
"That's So Gay" Phrase Has Lasting Impact for LGBT Youth
"That's so gay" has been a part of the adolescent lexicon for some time, but a new University of Michigan study has revealed the phrase could have deep consequences for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students.
For the first time since he began running for president, Republican Mitt Romney has the support of over 40% of America's youth vote, a troubling sign for President Obama who built his 2008 victory with the overwhelming support of younger, idealistic voters.
Teen Invents Advanced Cancer Testing Using Google (BBC)
Fifteen-year-old high school student Jack Andraka likes to kayak and watch the US television show Glee. And when time permits, he also likes to do advanced research in one of the most respected cancer laboratories in the world.
Sony World Photography Awards, Youth Award
Sony are searching for the next generation of talented young photographers - 19 and under. The program is for those studying photography in school or college, or just have a passion for taking photographs. For more and the opportunity to see some fine photography go to here.
Dog Teaches Baby How to Play Fetch
Irresistible!
And While We Are At It!!!
11 month old twins dancing to Daddy's guitar.
On Television - It's Good Enough For Me
The renaissance in children's programming is an excellent read from Emily Nussbau in The New Yorker.
UNICEF Innovation: An Important Website
Children and their families around the world face various barriers to fulfilling their rights - particularly in resource-limited settings. Through their website, UNICEF encourages dialogue and co-development to support the successful delivery of end-user driven and innovative services, products and systems. Some very cool partnerships and initiatives:
Modern Children go to Bed 40 Minutes Later Than Their Grandparents Did
Modern day children go to bed 40 minutes later and spend two hours less playing outside, new research shows. In addition, they also eat later, and these three factors could be having a detrimental affect on their ability to sleep well, according to The Sleep council. For More:
"That's So Gay" Phrase Has Lasting Impact for LGBT Youth
"That's so gay" has been a part of the adolescent lexicon for some time, but a new University of Michigan study has revealed the phrase could have deep consequences for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Reachout.com
We just think this is such an good resource for youth - it's Australian but relevant to youth everywhere. "Is there such a resource for Canadian youth?" you ask, " and if so how is it accessed and how come it is so poorly marketed?" And we ask "What's the point of spending all kinds of money on websites that no one visits?" Canada churns 'em out on a regular basis and if few visit then what's the purpose? Forgive the rant. Visit Reachout.com
Youth Rights
Right Now is a volunteer, not-for-profit media organization led by young people focused on human rights issues and it's so good. They are committed to covering human rights issues through free, accessible, creative and engaging online, print, and radio media. Check out one of their recent reports on education young people about their rights.
Palestinian Town Gets a New Mayor, Aged 15 (The Guardian)
Canada has such a long way to go... For two months, the regular may, Sufian Shadid, and his team of councillors have handed the reins of power to a group of teenagers. The adults are on hand to advise and offer guidance, but all the decisions are left to be made by the youngsters. Read article:
"Initiatives"
TakingITGlobal announces their newest and impressive Action Tool, Initiatives: a platform for sharing and building your project, campaign, coalition, or task force with other like-minded youth around the world! Visit the site:
Cyber Bullying: Are Teens Really in Danger?
Parents of pre-teens and adolescents have a lot to worry about, but a new study says cyber bullying isn't nearly as rampant as many believe. According to two national studies of 5 000 young people, only 15% said they been bullied online last year. Full article:
Power Shift
On the weekend of October 26-29th 2012, over 1500 will come from communities across Canada for a historic gathering that hopes to build a movement for a just and sustainable future. Including are leading voices from the global movement to stop climate change. Visit the site.
The Unite and Ignite Campaign
The campaign as three objectives: to raise awareness on the recommendations of young people on their issues through the promotion and sharing of key messages from the 2012 Unite and Ignite conference, to support and motivate young people to volunteer and take action in their communities and to raise funds to support the travel and conference fees of interested youth and their adult allies from across Canada. Check out the new site:
Kids Ditching Full-Sugar Soda For Diet Drinks, Just Like Mom and Dad
Diet soda, once the soft drink of choice for adults watching their calories, isn't just for grown ups anymore. Increasingly, kids are getting their fix too.
We just think this is such an good resource for youth - it's Australian but relevant to youth everywhere. "Is there such a resource for Canadian youth?" you ask, " and if so how is it accessed and how come it is so poorly marketed?" And we ask "What's the point of spending all kinds of money on websites that no one visits?" Canada churns 'em out on a regular basis and if few visit then what's the purpose? Forgive the rant. Visit Reachout.com
Youth Rights
Right Now is a volunteer, not-for-profit media organization led by young people focused on human rights issues and it's so good. They are committed to covering human rights issues through free, accessible, creative and engaging online, print, and radio media. Check out one of their recent reports on education young people about their rights.
Palestinian Town Gets a New Mayor, Aged 15 (The Guardian)
Canada has such a long way to go... For two months, the regular may, Sufian Shadid, and his team of councillors have handed the reins of power to a group of teenagers. The adults are on hand to advise and offer guidance, but all the decisions are left to be made by the youngsters. Read article:
"Initiatives"
TakingITGlobal announces their newest and impressive Action Tool, Initiatives: a platform for sharing and building your project, campaign, coalition, or task force with other like-minded youth around the world! Visit the site:
Cyber Bullying: Are Teens Really in Danger?
Parents of pre-teens and adolescents have a lot to worry about, but a new study says cyber bullying isn't nearly as rampant as many believe. According to two national studies of 5 000 young people, only 15% said they been bullied online last year. Full article:
Power Shift
On the weekend of October 26-29th 2012, over 1500 will come from communities across Canada for a historic gathering that hopes to build a movement for a just and sustainable future. Including are leading voices from the global movement to stop climate change. Visit the site.
The Unite and Ignite Campaign
The campaign as three objectives: to raise awareness on the recommendations of young people on their issues through the promotion and sharing of key messages from the 2012 Unite and Ignite conference, to support and motivate young people to volunteer and take action in their communities and to raise funds to support the travel and conference fees of interested youth and their adult allies from across Canada. Check out the new site:
Kids Ditching Full-Sugar Soda For Diet Drinks, Just Like Mom and Dad
Diet soda, once the soft drink of choice for adults watching their calories, isn't just for grown ups anymore. Increasingly, kids are getting their fix too.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Does Nike's 'Greatness' Ad Featuring an Obese Boy Exploit Fat People?
Opinions are mixed on whether a Nike commercial featuring 12-year-old Nathan Sorrell, who weighs 200lbs, combats or promotes stigma surrounding obesity. You be the judge.
Kids Are Growing Up So Fast These Days
If you don't like the video and how can you not - then enjoy the music and trip down memory lane. Clever and too cute!
More Kids Taking Antipsychotics for ADHD
Use of powerful antipsychotic medications such as Abilify and Risperdal to control youngsters with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder )ADHD) and other behaviour problems has skyrocketed in recent years. For More:
World Humanitarian Day
Every day humanitarian aid workers help millions of people around the world. The day recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of those who risk their lives to give others help and hope. It is also about inspiring the spirit of aid work in everyone. Love this commemorative video from Ziggy Marley.
The White Stripes
We're Going to be Friends - So appropriate for the time of year.
Study: Teens Who Smoke Cigarettes Reveal Early Signs of Addiction
Researchers report that the brains of adolescents who smoke as little as two cigarettes a day respond to images of smoking as do the brains of heavily addicted adult smokers: with pleasure.
Defining Moments: Discovering Our Canadian Stories
"Taking it Global" presents the jury-selected, top 26 winners of the Defining Moments: Discovering Our Canadian Stories contest. See the final 26 here:
Lesbian Gold Medalist Tell Other Olympians To Come Out
US soccer star and Olympic gold medalist Megan Rapinoe has said other athletes should come out and be open about their sexuality. For More:
Opinions are mixed on whether a Nike commercial featuring 12-year-old Nathan Sorrell, who weighs 200lbs, combats or promotes stigma surrounding obesity. You be the judge.
Kids Are Growing Up So Fast These Days
If you don't like the video and how can you not - then enjoy the music and trip down memory lane. Clever and too cute!
More Kids Taking Antipsychotics for ADHD
Use of powerful antipsychotic medications such as Abilify and Risperdal to control youngsters with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder )ADHD) and other behaviour problems has skyrocketed in recent years. For More:
World Humanitarian Day
Every day humanitarian aid workers help millions of people around the world. The day recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of those who risk their lives to give others help and hope. It is also about inspiring the spirit of aid work in everyone. Love this commemorative video from Ziggy Marley.
The White Stripes
We're Going to be Friends - So appropriate for the time of year.
Study: Teens Who Smoke Cigarettes Reveal Early Signs of Addiction
Researchers report that the brains of adolescents who smoke as little as two cigarettes a day respond to images of smoking as do the brains of heavily addicted adult smokers: with pleasure.
Defining Moments: Discovering Our Canadian Stories
"Taking it Global" presents the jury-selected, top 26 winners of the Defining Moments: Discovering Our Canadian Stories contest. See the final 26 here:
Lesbian Gold Medalist Tell Other Olympians To Come Out
US soccer star and Olympic gold medalist Megan Rapinoe has said other athletes should come out and be open about their sexuality. For More:
Sunday, August 12, 2012
The Children's Rights and Business Principles - Global Release, 12 March 2012
The final Principles were released on 12 March 2012 in London. The event brought together leading companies and experts to discuss and showcase ways in which business can respect and support children's rights in their core operations. See the principles.
Complex Factors, Not Just Bullying, Underlie Teen Suicides
As media coverage of bullying has expanded over the past few years, so have mischaracterizations of the relationship between bullying and adolescent suicide, researchers and anti-bullying advocates said Tuesday at a national summit on prevention efforts. More:
A Piece of Chalk
Inspirational 3 minute video about bullying.
Emotion Detectives Uncover New Ways to Fight Off Youth Anxiety and Depression
Approximately 8% to 22% of children suffer from anxiety, often combined with other conditions such as depression. However, most existing therapies are not designed to treat co-existing psychological problems and are therefore not very successful in helping children with complex emotional issues.
Ophelia Horton
She's 12 and a hugely successful blogger. Visit her site.
A Three Minute Meditation - Pieces of Wood, Love, Knowledge and 299 Hours of Work.
Armed with passion for knowledge and emotion he attempts to combine the precision of science with the elegance and resourcefulness of art. You don't have to love the guitar to appreciate this magic.
Gang Violence in Toronto: Fighting for Creative Solutions
Could the "summer of the gun" be echoing through Toronto once again? That's something Toronto city councillors and community advocates feared in early June and recent tragedies have only served to reinforce their predictions. Communities are demanding answers.
When is a Mentally Ill Child Ready for Adult Treatment?
"In Ontario, it's being suggested that there is a disconnect between youth who are transitioning from an adolescent clinic to an adult clinic because for somebody emotionally fragile, this prospect can be extremely frightening."
The final Principles were released on 12 March 2012 in London. The event brought together leading companies and experts to discuss and showcase ways in which business can respect and support children's rights in their core operations. See the principles.
Complex Factors, Not Just Bullying, Underlie Teen Suicides
As media coverage of bullying has expanded over the past few years, so have mischaracterizations of the relationship between bullying and adolescent suicide, researchers and anti-bullying advocates said Tuesday at a national summit on prevention efforts. More:
A Piece of Chalk
Inspirational 3 minute video about bullying.
Emotion Detectives Uncover New Ways to Fight Off Youth Anxiety and Depression
Approximately 8% to 22% of children suffer from anxiety, often combined with other conditions such as depression. However, most existing therapies are not designed to treat co-existing psychological problems and are therefore not very successful in helping children with complex emotional issues.
Ophelia Horton
She's 12 and a hugely successful blogger. Visit her site.
A Three Minute Meditation - Pieces of Wood, Love, Knowledge and 299 Hours of Work.
Armed with passion for knowledge and emotion he attempts to combine the precision of science with the elegance and resourcefulness of art. You don't have to love the guitar to appreciate this magic.
Gang Violence in Toronto: Fighting for Creative Solutions
Could the "summer of the gun" be echoing through Toronto once again? That's something Toronto city councillors and community advocates feared in early June and recent tragedies have only served to reinforce their predictions. Communities are demanding answers.
When is a Mentally Ill Child Ready for Adult Treatment?
"In Ontario, it's being suggested that there is a disconnect between youth who are transitioning from an adolescent clinic to an adult clinic because for somebody emotionally fragile, this prospect can be extremely frightening."
Monday, August 6, 2012
Max Sidorov is at it Again - New Charity For Bullying
Max Sidorov, the young man from Toronto who spearheaded the Karen Klien (bullied bus monitor) campaign has launched the "7 Million Acts of Love" project. The campaign will track 7 million acts of love by people all around the world along with raising 7 million dollars for three bullying awareness projects. Visit the site and view Max's video.
The Power of Vulnerability
One of the very best TED talks - See it - you won't regret it!
Children's Rights
'Right! Now' is a volunteer organization led by young people focused on human rights issues in Australia. The group is committed to covering human rights issues through free, accessible, creative and engaging online, print and radio media. They have an excellent website...Come on Canada, it's time to step up on the plate and create something similar. Check out the site!
Talking Turkey
A hilarious 50 seconds. Watch here.
Child Mental Abuse as Harmful as Physical Assaults
Child psychological abuse can be as damaging as physical assault, but it remains underreported and not easily recognized by health and welfare interests, even though it was first recorded in scientific literature in the late 1980's, Canadian and other researchers say in a new position paper. Full CBC story.
An Equal Start Improving Outcomes in Children's Centres: An Evidence Review
The report identifies the most important outcomes Children's Centres should be striving for in order to give all children positive early-years experiences. It draws together the best academic evidence, the views of partitioners and parents, and the work that government continues to take forward around the early years. See report.
Same Difference: A Film About LGBT Youth
Same Difference is a documentary film about adolescents who experience same gendered attraction or an alternative gender identity (LGBT). The film, still to be completed, hopes to provide adolescents with a resource to combat isolation and encourage the acceptance of everyone. See the trailer:
Kid's Hot Dog Stand Shut Down Before it Opens
This summer, 13 year-old Nathan Duszynski wanted to make some money to help out his disabled parents - his mom has epilepsy and his dad has multiple sclerosis. So he decided to open a hot dog stand... you know what comes next!
Max Sidorov, the young man from Toronto who spearheaded the Karen Klien (bullied bus monitor) campaign has launched the "7 Million Acts of Love" project. The campaign will track 7 million acts of love by people all around the world along with raising 7 million dollars for three bullying awareness projects. Visit the site and view Max's video.
The Power of Vulnerability
One of the very best TED talks - See it - you won't regret it!
Children's Rights
'Right! Now' is a volunteer organization led by young people focused on human rights issues in Australia. The group is committed to covering human rights issues through free, accessible, creative and engaging online, print and radio media. They have an excellent website...Come on Canada, it's time to step up on the plate and create something similar. Check out the site!
Talking Turkey
A hilarious 50 seconds. Watch here.
Child Mental Abuse as Harmful as Physical Assaults
Child psychological abuse can be as damaging as physical assault, but it remains underreported and not easily recognized by health and welfare interests, even though it was first recorded in scientific literature in the late 1980's, Canadian and other researchers say in a new position paper. Full CBC story.
An Equal Start Improving Outcomes in Children's Centres: An Evidence Review
The report identifies the most important outcomes Children's Centres should be striving for in order to give all children positive early-years experiences. It draws together the best academic evidence, the views of partitioners and parents, and the work that government continues to take forward around the early years. See report.
Same Difference: A Film About LGBT Youth
Same Difference is a documentary film about adolescents who experience same gendered attraction or an alternative gender identity (LGBT). The film, still to be completed, hopes to provide adolescents with a resource to combat isolation and encourage the acceptance of everyone. See the trailer:
Kid's Hot Dog Stand Shut Down Before it Opens
This summer, 13 year-old Nathan Duszynski wanted to make some money to help out his disabled parents - his mom has epilepsy and his dad has multiple sclerosis. So he decided to open a hot dog stand... you know what comes next!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Recommended: It Follows Me Around
A short and compelling 4 min film about child abuse from Childline - it's very good. See it here.
Rachel's Gift
An inspiring and heartwarming story - requires no explanation and is well worth a viewing.
In Order to Win, We Have to Lose
This excellent four part HBO documentary films series, The Weight of The Nation explores the obesity epidemic. Note the documentary website is full of interesting resources on an assortment of topics. Check it out.
Bath Salts: Info-graphic
It has an innocent name yet very dangerous consequences. It's and interesting website...
What Makes You Beautiful
It's beautiful; who would have thought you could do that on a piano... 5 Piano Guys and 1 piano. It's irresistible.
Computer System Endangers Children
Problems with a recently launched computer system are putting children in dangerous situations. The problems service workers are finding have prompted BC's children's advocate to speak out. For more:
Latest Report on Kids in Care
BC's Child and Youth Representative has released her latest report into critical injuries and deaths among children and youth in care. Since February, 119 critical injuries and 41 deaths have been reported, and reviews are underway in the case of 71 injuries and 14 deaths.
Children with FASD More Likely to End up in Prison
"Research in Canada and the USA shows that children with FASD are 19 times more likely to end up in prison than those who are not affected. About 35% of young people with FASD end up in the criminal justice system, and over half have been in trouble with the law. For more:
A short and compelling 4 min film about child abuse from Childline - it's very good. See it here.
Rachel's Gift
An inspiring and heartwarming story - requires no explanation and is well worth a viewing.
In Order to Win, We Have to Lose
This excellent four part HBO documentary films series, The Weight of The Nation explores the obesity epidemic. Note the documentary website is full of interesting resources on an assortment of topics. Check it out.
Bath Salts: Info-graphic
It has an innocent name yet very dangerous consequences. It's and interesting website...
What Makes You Beautiful
It's beautiful; who would have thought you could do that on a piano... 5 Piano Guys and 1 piano. It's irresistible.
Computer System Endangers Children
Problems with a recently launched computer system are putting children in dangerous situations. The problems service workers are finding have prompted BC's children's advocate to speak out. For more:
Latest Report on Kids in Care
BC's Child and Youth Representative has released her latest report into critical injuries and deaths among children and youth in care. Since February, 119 critical injuries and 41 deaths have been reported, and reviews are underway in the case of 71 injuries and 14 deaths.
Children with FASD More Likely to End up in Prison
"Research in Canada and the USA shows that children with FASD are 19 times more likely to end up in prison than those who are not affected. About 35% of young people with FASD end up in the criminal justice system, and over half have been in trouble with the law. For more:
Monday, July 23, 2012
How Time Flies: July 23 Marks Ten Years Since John Paul II Led His Last World Youth Day Meeting in Toronto
Discover The Children's Republic of Shoreditch
This is way too cool - Well worth a view. We love it! (Britain has a Minister for Civil Society -Who knew?) These kids would have a "Minister of Special Things"! Check out their logo. Thanks to Denis for this!
Recommended New Resource: HealthyReads.com
Healthy Reads is working from the ground up to create a vibrant space for students and practitioners in public health to share, rank and talk about health news. It's an excellent resource designed to help us better communicate and collaborate in order to build healthier communities. Check it out.
Kids' TV Time Predicts Waist Size
Children' who watch more TV between the ages of two and four may increase their risk of having a large waist size and weaker muscular fitness by the end of grade 4. Quebec research suggests.
UN Developing a System-Wide Action Plan on Youth
The Plan will affect the way the UN system will work with and for youth in the coming years. It will focus on five priority areas: employment, entrepreneurship, education (including education on sexual and reproductive health), citizen and protection of rights, and political inclusion. The UN is seeking input from youth and those working with youth. Short questionnaire here.
The 100 000-Student Classroom: An Excellent 6 Minute TED Talk
An engrossing talk and a great step forward for education. Imagine educating humanity to overcome ignorance; imagine. View video.
New Website for Children of Parents with a Mental Illness
Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPM) has launched an excellent new website with helpful new information for children for children and teenagers, and their parents. Check it out.
Online Bullying: Top Concern Among Youth
More than half (54%) of children around the world worry about being bullied online, according to a new Global Youth Online Behaviour Survey released last week by Microsoft Corp.
Boy Scouts Leadership Affirms Policy of Excluding 'open or avowed' Gays
The Boys Scouts of America announced Tuesday it has affirmed its policy of "not granting membership to open or avowed homosexuals." the organization's leaders reached that decision after a nearly two-year evaluation and will take no further action on a resolution that has sought a change in policy. Read more:
Young Women Force Magazine to Change its Policy
A teenage girl has galvanized a group of her teenage friends to gather signatures for a petition aimed at curbing the amount of digital alternation carried out on photos of young women in a leading girls' magazine, and to publish "images of real girls." For More:
We'd love to hear from you!! Drop us a line, pass us along and share the newsletter with colleagues, friends and co-workers.
Discover The Children's Republic of Shoreditch
This is way too cool - Well worth a view. We love it! (Britain has a Minister for Civil Society -Who knew?) These kids would have a "Minister of Special Things"! Check out their logo. Thanks to Denis for this!
Recommended New Resource: HealthyReads.com
Healthy Reads is working from the ground up to create a vibrant space for students and practitioners in public health to share, rank and talk about health news. It's an excellent resource designed to help us better communicate and collaborate in order to build healthier communities. Check it out.
Kids' TV Time Predicts Waist Size
Children' who watch more TV between the ages of two and four may increase their risk of having a large waist size and weaker muscular fitness by the end of grade 4. Quebec research suggests.
UN Developing a System-Wide Action Plan on Youth
The Plan will affect the way the UN system will work with and for youth in the coming years. It will focus on five priority areas: employment, entrepreneurship, education (including education on sexual and reproductive health), citizen and protection of rights, and political inclusion. The UN is seeking input from youth and those working with youth. Short questionnaire here.
The 100 000-Student Classroom: An Excellent 6 Minute TED Talk
An engrossing talk and a great step forward for education. Imagine educating humanity to overcome ignorance; imagine. View video.
New Website for Children of Parents with a Mental Illness
Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPM) has launched an excellent new website with helpful new information for children for children and teenagers, and their parents. Check it out.
Online Bullying: Top Concern Among Youth
More than half (54%) of children around the world worry about being bullied online, according to a new Global Youth Online Behaviour Survey released last week by Microsoft Corp.
Boy Scouts Leadership Affirms Policy of Excluding 'open or avowed' Gays
The Boys Scouts of America announced Tuesday it has affirmed its policy of "not granting membership to open or avowed homosexuals." the organization's leaders reached that decision after a nearly two-year evaluation and will take no further action on a resolution that has sought a change in policy. Read more:
Young Women Force Magazine to Change its Policy
A teenage girl has galvanized a group of her teenage friends to gather signatures for a petition aimed at curbing the amount of digital alternation carried out on photos of young women in a leading girls' magazine, and to publish "images of real girls." For More:
We'd love to hear from you!! Drop us a line, pass us along and share the newsletter with colleagues, friends and co-workers.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Who Knew it? It's International Youth Day on August 12th
Student Mental Health: Canadian teachers call for more resources and professional development in schools.
A new study just reported in the Canadian Teachers Federation publication gives us some sobering information about what teachers think about mental health in young people and their ability to address that in the school setting.
Spoiled Rotten (Recommended Article)
A lack of discipline is apparent these days in just about every aspect of American society. Why this should be is a much larger question, one to ponder as we take out the garbage and tie our kids shoes. Excellent article from the New Yorker.
Internet Safety Resource for Kids, Parents and Educators
The BeSmartOnline! Website is funded by the European Union and intended to help children, youth, parents and educators understand all the elements that lead to a safer online experience. Recommended!
A Couple of Weeks Late for Canada Day
The National Anthem like you have never heard it - clever! Thanks Mr. Lefebvre at Laidlaw.
Adobe Youth Voices Aspire Awards
The Adobe Youth Voices Aspire Awards celebrates the extraordinary work of young media artists from around the world by recognizing top talent in media production. The winners are quite brilliant and can be found here.
Honesty
Shouldn't go unrewarded - cool and creative video.
Bullied Boys Four Times More Likely to Self-Harm
Boys who have been bullied are four more likely to self-harm, according to research. Schools need to prioritize implementation of anti-bullying policies give the serious consequences and the reluctance of boys to seek help.
Kiss for a Rose
Serenade for a Kitty
Canadian Student Brings Her Foster Care Experiences to International Summit
Dawn Lamothe knows what it's like to be in a foster home. And she wants to take her positive experience and help others achieve the same. Lamothe, 21 was one of 30 youth from around the world at the International Summit on Youth Care in Washington, D.C., last week.
Student Mental Health: Canadian teachers call for more resources and professional development in schools.
A new study just reported in the Canadian Teachers Federation publication gives us some sobering information about what teachers think about mental health in young people and their ability to address that in the school setting.
Spoiled Rotten (Recommended Article)
A lack of discipline is apparent these days in just about every aspect of American society. Why this should be is a much larger question, one to ponder as we take out the garbage and tie our kids shoes. Excellent article from the New Yorker.
Internet Safety Resource for Kids, Parents and Educators
The BeSmartOnline! Website is funded by the European Union and intended to help children, youth, parents and educators understand all the elements that lead to a safer online experience. Recommended!
A Couple of Weeks Late for Canada Day
The National Anthem like you have never heard it - clever! Thanks Mr. Lefebvre at Laidlaw.
Adobe Youth Voices Aspire Awards
The Adobe Youth Voices Aspire Awards celebrates the extraordinary work of young media artists from around the world by recognizing top talent in media production. The winners are quite brilliant and can be found here.
Honesty
Shouldn't go unrewarded - cool and creative video.
Bullied Boys Four Times More Likely to Self-Harm
Boys who have been bullied are four more likely to self-harm, according to research. Schools need to prioritize implementation of anti-bullying policies give the serious consequences and the reluctance of boys to seek help.
Kiss for a Rose
Serenade for a Kitty
Canadian Student Brings Her Foster Care Experiences to International Summit
Dawn Lamothe knows what it's like to be in a foster home. And she wants to take her positive experience and help others achieve the same. Lamothe, 21 was one of 30 youth from around the world at the International Summit on Youth Care in Washington, D.C., last week.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
IACAPAP Textbook of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
An electronic textbook on child and adolescent mental health that is free of charge and downloadable is now available on the website of the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP). It is based on best clinical practice, reflects the latest research, will be updated regularly and strives to be culturally sensitive. Visit the site:
Teens With Anxiety and Depression Can Skip Referrals
Teens and young adults in Ontario with depression and anxiety disorders are gaining faster access to psychiatric care in a program that is drawing national attention. Read Item:
Clever Video
32 year old man has a conversation with his 12 year old self! Watch the video!
Uncontrollable Anger Prevalent Among Youth
Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adolescents have experienced an anger attack that involved threatening violence, destroying property or engaging in violence toward others at some point in their lives. These severe attacks of uncontrollable anger are much more common among adolescents than previously recognized, a new study led by researchers from Harvard Medical School finds.
Interview With Dr. Bruce Ferguson on Children's Mental Health
TVO Parents host Cheryl Jackson interviews Dr. Bruce Ferguson, director of the Hospital for Sick Children's Community Health Systems Resource Group about kids' mental health. Watch video.
An electronic textbook on child and adolescent mental health that is free of charge and downloadable is now available on the website of the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP). It is based on best clinical practice, reflects the latest research, will be updated regularly and strives to be culturally sensitive. Visit the site:
Teens With Anxiety and Depression Can Skip Referrals
Teens and young adults in Ontario with depression and anxiety disorders are gaining faster access to psychiatric care in a program that is drawing national attention. Read Item:
Clever Video
32 year old man has a conversation with his 12 year old self! Watch the video!
Uncontrollable Anger Prevalent Among Youth
Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adolescents have experienced an anger attack that involved threatening violence, destroying property or engaging in violence toward others at some point in their lives. These severe attacks of uncontrollable anger are much more common among adolescents than previously recognized, a new study led by researchers from Harvard Medical School finds.
Interview With Dr. Bruce Ferguson on Children's Mental Health
TVO Parents host Cheryl Jackson interviews Dr. Bruce Ferguson, director of the Hospital for Sick Children's Community Health Systems Resource Group about kids' mental health. Watch video.
Toronto Task Force Split on Future of Daycare
Nearly a year after Toronto Mayor Rob Ford appointed a task force to find " alternative sources of funding" for the city's cash-strapped daycares, the committee is limping across the finish line with a slim report, recycled recommendations and a major disagreement over whether the city should get out of the child-care business. Read more.
Tories Slash Funding for Youth Justice Programs Across Canada
The Conservative government has slashed 20 per cent of federal funding for youth justice programs in Canada, cutting $35.6 million used to supervise and rehabilitate young offenders.
Eleven Children Died While in Province's Care
Alberta child welfare officials must be more accountable to the public when children die while in the province's care - as 11 did last year. The province's Human Services Department released it's annual report last week, detailing the 11 deaths and 17 additional cases where children required hospitalization after being injured while in care. For More:
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Old vs Young - New York Times...Recommended
Draw it at the age of 65, 50 or 40. Wherever the line is, the people on either side of it end up looking very different, both economically and politically. The generation gap may not be a pop culture staple, as it was in the 1960's, but it is probably wider than it has been at any time since then. More:
Students Tricked into Eating Moose Poop by School Staff
Some parents are furious after learning their children were tricked by school leaders into chewing moose droppings on a class canoe trip in Manitoba. Article and video.
Youth Homelessness
Homelessness continues to be an unacceptable reality in many Canadian communities and youth are one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population. It is estimated that 65,000 young people experience homelessness at some time during the year. More:
Only Boys Aloud
A boy band with a difference - If it doesn't inspire then nothing will!
Child Prodigies: 20 Astounding Young Wunderkinds
From a seven-year old surgeon to a 16 year old who speaks 23 languages, the seemingly superhuman intelligence of child prodigies has long been a subject of public fascination.
Donor Siblings, and a New Kind of Family
...I posted eight words to the Donor Sibling Registry, a Web site that helps form connections among the children conceived by sperm, egg or embryo donations. I was required to enter one other key piece of information: the name of the sperm bank and ID number of the donor that we used to conceive our children. The match popped up instantly...
The Fight to End Fighting in Youth Hockey
The extent to which youth hockey has so far allowed -- even tacitly encouraged -- fighting in some youth leagues for plays from 16 to 20.
After the Agony of Youth, the Ecstasy of Surfing
We watched as he paddled out and, sometimes later, caught a wave. He has been such a graceful surfer when I knew him. Now he didn't manage to get to his feet until he reached the bottom. He looked like a newborn foal struggling to rise. But he was doing it, the thing they said he'd never do again.
Draw it at the age of 65, 50 or 40. Wherever the line is, the people on either side of it end up looking very different, both economically and politically. The generation gap may not be a pop culture staple, as it was in the 1960's, but it is probably wider than it has been at any time since then. More:
Students Tricked into Eating Moose Poop by School Staff
Some parents are furious after learning their children were tricked by school leaders into chewing moose droppings on a class canoe trip in Manitoba. Article and video.
Youth Homelessness
Homelessness continues to be an unacceptable reality in many Canadian communities and youth are one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population. It is estimated that 65,000 young people experience homelessness at some time during the year. More:
Only Boys Aloud
A boy band with a difference - If it doesn't inspire then nothing will!
Child Prodigies: 20 Astounding Young Wunderkinds
From a seven-year old surgeon to a 16 year old who speaks 23 languages, the seemingly superhuman intelligence of child prodigies has long been a subject of public fascination.
Donor Siblings, and a New Kind of Family
...I posted eight words to the Donor Sibling Registry, a Web site that helps form connections among the children conceived by sperm, egg or embryo donations. I was required to enter one other key piece of information: the name of the sperm bank and ID number of the donor that we used to conceive our children. The match popped up instantly...
The Fight to End Fighting in Youth Hockey
The extent to which youth hockey has so far allowed -- even tacitly encouraged -- fighting in some youth leagues for plays from 16 to 20.
After the Agony of Youth, the Ecstasy of Surfing
We watched as he paddled out and, sometimes later, caught a wave. He has been such a graceful surfer when I knew him. Now he didn't manage to get to his feet until he reached the bottom. He looked like a newborn foal struggling to rise. But he was doing it, the thing they said he'd never do again.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Aboriginal Leaders Troubled By Rash of Youth Suicides
Aboriginal leaders in Manitoba say five suicides in six weeks indicate levels of despair are rising among First Nations teens and young adults in the province. For More:
Ontario Youth Set Volunteering Record
A record-breaking 28 000 high school students from across the province made a difference in their communities by participating in the 2012 Ontario ChangeTheWorld Youth Volunteer Challenge.
Canadian Efforts to Limit Minors from Utilizing Tanning Beds
Across the Canadian provinces legislation is being introduced to prohibit the use of artificial tanning beds by minors.
Youth Creativity to be Honoured at Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Last Friday, the Michaelle Jean Foundation (FMJF) and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) jointly announce their effort to profile the artwork and social commentary of youth in Winnipeg.
Study: Absence of Male Role-Models Not Affecting Teenage Children of Lesbian Parents
The absence of male role models did not adversely affect the psychological adjustment in a group of nearly eighty 17 year-olds raised in lesbian-headed households, this according to the Williams Institute.
At Rio+20, Severn Cullis-Suzuki Revisits Historic '92 Speech, Fights for Next Generation's Survival
In 1992, 12-year-old Severn Cullis-Suzuki (daughter of David) became known as "the girl who silenced the world for six minutes" after she addressed delegates in Rio de Janeiro. Watch Cullis-Suzuki's historic address and hear from her now at the Rio+20 summit.
Henri 2, Paw de Deux
An oldie but goodie and music is beautiful. Watch here.
Fifty Percent of First Nations Population in Ontario is Youth
Some video highlights from the The Ontario First Nation Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC) and Chiefs of Ontario recent. Indigenous Youth Forums held throughout the province in 2011 and 2012.
Aboriginal leaders in Manitoba say five suicides in six weeks indicate levels of despair are rising among First Nations teens and young adults in the province. For More:
Ontario Youth Set Volunteering Record
A record-breaking 28 000 high school students from across the province made a difference in their communities by participating in the 2012 Ontario ChangeTheWorld Youth Volunteer Challenge.
Canadian Efforts to Limit Minors from Utilizing Tanning Beds
Across the Canadian provinces legislation is being introduced to prohibit the use of artificial tanning beds by minors.
Youth Creativity to be Honoured at Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Last Friday, the Michaelle Jean Foundation (FMJF) and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) jointly announce their effort to profile the artwork and social commentary of youth in Winnipeg.
Study: Absence of Male Role-Models Not Affecting Teenage Children of Lesbian Parents
The absence of male role models did not adversely affect the psychological adjustment in a group of nearly eighty 17 year-olds raised in lesbian-headed households, this according to the Williams Institute.
At Rio+20, Severn Cullis-Suzuki Revisits Historic '92 Speech, Fights for Next Generation's Survival
In 1992, 12-year-old Severn Cullis-Suzuki (daughter of David) became known as "the girl who silenced the world for six minutes" after she addressed delegates in Rio de Janeiro. Watch Cullis-Suzuki's historic address and hear from her now at the Rio+20 summit.
Henri 2, Paw de Deux
An oldie but goodie and music is beautiful. Watch here.
Fifty Percent of First Nations Population in Ontario is Youth
Some video highlights from the The Ontario First Nation Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC) and Chiefs of Ontario recent. Indigenous Youth Forums held throughout the province in 2011 and 2012.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Suicide and Bullying
This brief from the Suicide Prevention Resource Centre examines the relationship between suicide and bullying among children and adolescents, with special attention to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. It also explores strategies for preventing these problems.
Teen Inmates Pen Graphic Novel About Escaping Criminal Life
Researchers are hopping that a graphic novel written by six adolescents in a British Columbia jail can help break the revolving-door syndrome in prisons and encourage literacy among young offenders.
Let's Look At The World A Little Differently
In a new ad by Coca Cola, they encourage us to look at the world differently by using security cameras to capture people performing random acts of kindness (some even putting their own lives in danger.) Worth it for the music.
The Rise Of The Good Grade Pill
A June 10, 2012 New Your times front page story provides a jolting view into today's competitive and stress-filled teenage existence -- too often fuelled by prescription drug abuse.
Ontario Wills Subsidize Adoption of Kids Over 10
Ontarian's who adopt or assume legal custody of Crown wards over age 10, or sibling groups of any age, are now eligible for on-going financial support from Queen's Park. Starting June 15, adoptive parents with net family incomes below $85,000 will receive $950 per child, per month = $11 400 annually.
Digital Literacy Includes Learning to Unplug
The new digital divide isn't between children who have access to computers and devices and those who do not. It's between kids whose parents are saying "turn that thing off" and those whose parent don't limit their access -- because they don't know how, or because they're not available to do it.
Ontario City Baffled by Cluster of Teen Suicides
Why are so many teenager in Sarnia, Ontario taking their lives? That's what the city is wondering after nine teens in the quiet, middle-class town died by suicide in less than two years.
First Nations, Low Income Kids in Alberta Turn to ERs for Mental Health Care
A new study says children and teens from First Nations communities and families on welfare were more likely to use hospital emergency departments for mental health crises than other kids their age.
This brief from the Suicide Prevention Resource Centre examines the relationship between suicide and bullying among children and adolescents, with special attention to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. It also explores strategies for preventing these problems.
Teen Inmates Pen Graphic Novel About Escaping Criminal Life
Researchers are hopping that a graphic novel written by six adolescents in a British Columbia jail can help break the revolving-door syndrome in prisons and encourage literacy among young offenders.
Let's Look At The World A Little Differently
In a new ad by Coca Cola, they encourage us to look at the world differently by using security cameras to capture people performing random acts of kindness (some even putting their own lives in danger.) Worth it for the music.
The Rise Of The Good Grade Pill
A June 10, 2012 New Your times front page story provides a jolting view into today's competitive and stress-filled teenage existence -- too often fuelled by prescription drug abuse.
Ontario Wills Subsidize Adoption of Kids Over 10
Ontarian's who adopt or assume legal custody of Crown wards over age 10, or sibling groups of any age, are now eligible for on-going financial support from Queen's Park. Starting June 15, adoptive parents with net family incomes below $85,000 will receive $950 per child, per month = $11 400 annually.
Digital Literacy Includes Learning to Unplug
The new digital divide isn't between children who have access to computers and devices and those who do not. It's between kids whose parents are saying "turn that thing off" and those whose parent don't limit their access -- because they don't know how, or because they're not available to do it.
Ontario City Baffled by Cluster of Teen Suicides
Why are so many teenager in Sarnia, Ontario taking their lives? That's what the city is wondering after nine teens in the quiet, middle-class town died by suicide in less than two years.
First Nations, Low Income Kids in Alberta Turn to ERs for Mental Health Care
A new study says children and teens from First Nations communities and families on welfare were more likely to use hospital emergency departments for mental health crises than other kids their age.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Academy School Mental Health
On July 9-11 the Sun Life Financial Chair in Adolescent Mental Health will be hosting the second annual Academy in School Mental Health. The three day interactive workshop will provide attendees with opportunities to learn more about teen mental health. The goal is to provide educators with an arsenal of tools, information and techniques that they can use with their students, in the classroom and feel empowered to teach their students about mental health. The Academy is hosted in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Click here for more information.
Check it out - So Very, Very cool!
Adobe Youth Voices is the signature philanthropic effort of the Adobe Foundation intended to empower youth and educators through media making experiences that promote social change. The Adobe Youth Voices Aspire Awards celebrates the extraordinary work of young medial artists from around the world by recognizing top talent in media production. You can vote for your choice.
New Data Suggests One in Two of us Experience Mental Illness in our Life-Times
Interesting new research debunks the claim that one in four of us will experience a mental illness at some point in our life-times. It's worse than that...
Mister Rogers Remixed
Garden of Your Mind - A trip down memory lane like you've never heard before! Awesome!
A Warning to Teenagers Before They Start Dating
Over a decade ago we learned it was young people (age 16-24) that endured the highest rates of dating violences which catapulted a variety of programs in an effort to decrease the disastrous rates at which young people were experiencing intimate partner violence. Ten years later it appears little has changed.
Now Available: Evergreen Framework: A Child and Youth Mental Health Strategy
The Evergreen Framework serves as a complement to the Mental Health Strategy for Canada. Authored by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and The Sun Life Financial Chair in Adolescent Mental Health, the Framework is a resource for government, institutions and organizations to help develop child and youth mental health initiatives. It can also be used by young people, parents, professionals and others to assist in their choices and priorities regarding child and youth mental health policies, plans, programs and services.
Not all Teasing is Bad
You can call some teasing starter bullying, or even bullying outright. The teasers may laugh, or even mean very little by it, but the teased don't always see it that way. Research shows that while teasers describe the interactions as lighthearted and fun, those teased often described the same situation as malicious and annoying.
On July 9-11 the Sun Life Financial Chair in Adolescent Mental Health will be hosting the second annual Academy in School Mental Health. The three day interactive workshop will provide attendees with opportunities to learn more about teen mental health. The goal is to provide educators with an arsenal of tools, information and techniques that they can use with their students, in the classroom and feel empowered to teach their students about mental health. The Academy is hosted in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Click here for more information.
Check it out - So Very, Very cool!
Adobe Youth Voices is the signature philanthropic effort of the Adobe Foundation intended to empower youth and educators through media making experiences that promote social change. The Adobe Youth Voices Aspire Awards celebrates the extraordinary work of young medial artists from around the world by recognizing top talent in media production. You can vote for your choice.
New Data Suggests One in Two of us Experience Mental Illness in our Life-Times
Interesting new research debunks the claim that one in four of us will experience a mental illness at some point in our life-times. It's worse than that...
Mister Rogers Remixed
Garden of Your Mind - A trip down memory lane like you've never heard before! Awesome!
A Warning to Teenagers Before They Start Dating
Over a decade ago we learned it was young people (age 16-24) that endured the highest rates of dating violences which catapulted a variety of programs in an effort to decrease the disastrous rates at which young people were experiencing intimate partner violence. Ten years later it appears little has changed.
Now Available: Evergreen Framework: A Child and Youth Mental Health Strategy
The Evergreen Framework serves as a complement to the Mental Health Strategy for Canada. Authored by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and The Sun Life Financial Chair in Adolescent Mental Health, the Framework is a resource for government, institutions and organizations to help develop child and youth mental health initiatives. It can also be used by young people, parents, professionals and others to assist in their choices and priorities regarding child and youth mental health policies, plans, programs and services.
Not all Teasing is Bad
You can call some teasing starter bullying, or even bullying outright. The teasers may laugh, or even mean very little by it, but the teased don't always see it that way. Research shows that while teasers describe the interactions as lighthearted and fun, those teased often described the same situation as malicious and annoying.
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