Contemporary Family Trends
In The Vanier Institute of the Family's most recent paper, Dr. Meg Luxton, a Professor in the School of Women's Studies From York University, outlines issues about the contemporary family, pinpointing matters of contention and the impact of different understandings of the family evolving family practices.
Games People Play (New York Times)
The US Supreme Court's decision to strike California's ban on selling and renting violent video games to young people raises the obvious question: what are children and teens playing on their computers and digital screens? The answer isn't pretty. Among the most popular "casual" games (so called because they are quick and simple to play) are twisted, violent games with names like Beat Me Up, Bloody Day and Boneless Girl.
Mental Health Services For Everyone
The Ontario government's plan to improve mental health services for children and youth is a good strategic investment, as currently four out of five kids do not get the help they need and 70% of adults with mental health problems begin to have difficulties before they reach adulthood.
B.C. Still Worst in Country on Child Poverty
According to child and youth advocacy coalition First Call British Columbia has registered the highest rate of child poverty in the country for the eighth year in a row. The number of poor children in the province rose from 87 000 in 2008 to 100 000 in 2009.
The Kids Are Not Alright
The employment rate for youth aged 15-24 last month was 55.6%, well down from 60.3% back before the recession in September, 2008 due to an increase in unemployment and an increase in those not looking for work. And the proportion of youth in part-time jobs has risen.
In Defence of Flogging
This isn't a particularly nice item but it deserves to be read. Thanks to Ron Ensom for sharing.
When Religion Does Right!
A short compelling video featuring sex expert Dan Savage.
"I don't care if you're black, white, straight, bisexual, gay, lesbian, short, tall, fat, skinny, rich or poor. If you're nice to me, I'll be nice to you. Simple as that."
Eminem
Something somewhere is waiting to be known...
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Unity Charity
Unity Charity is a youth operated Toronto Arts Based Alternative Education Organization headed by the 24 year old inspirational and talented Mike Prosserman. We invited you to check out Mike's short video describing the value of Hip-hop on his own life and the lives of many youth across Canada. Very Cool!
Be-Bop at the Zoo
For those who haven't already met Zola.
Mental Health Top Issue Facing Schools
In a 2009 study of 1 100 principals in 25 countries, 90% expressed mounting alarm about mental health problems, with Canadian principals more likely than others to say one in five students need help.
Sleep Problems Linked to Bullying
Children who are bullies or are aggressive or have conduct problems at school, are more likely to be sleeping during the day according to a new University of Michigan Medical School study. The study suggests that bullying might be reduced by improving sleep quality. It is recommended that school-aged children sleep 10-11 hours per night.
Research Asks, Is Higher Education Worth It?
A report based on findings from two 2011 Pew Research Centre surveys looks at the views of both the general public and college?university presidents in relation to value, quality and mission of higher education.
"I'm Running Away From Home"
A video about a little boy running away from home. Very funny, if you like British Humour. The Brits have a wonderful sense of humour!
Make Spanking Kids Illegal ( New York Daily News)
Repeated surveys show that about 70% of Americans believe that spanking is sometimes necessary and does not harm children. They also seem to think that the possibility of prohibiting spanking would mark unprecedented government interference in the lives of families. Neither belief is correct.
Kids Under 5 at Higher Risk of Drowning, Report Warns
Child drowning's nearly doubled in Canada last year, according to figures released Tuesday by the Lifesaving Society that show a year to year rise in water deaths across the board.
Unity Charity is a youth operated Toronto Arts Based Alternative Education Organization headed by the 24 year old inspirational and talented Mike Prosserman. We invited you to check out Mike's short video describing the value of Hip-hop on his own life and the lives of many youth across Canada. Very Cool!
Be-Bop at the Zoo
For those who haven't already met Zola.
Mental Health Top Issue Facing Schools
In a 2009 study of 1 100 principals in 25 countries, 90% expressed mounting alarm about mental health problems, with Canadian principals more likely than others to say one in five students need help.
Sleep Problems Linked to Bullying
Children who are bullies or are aggressive or have conduct problems at school, are more likely to be sleeping during the day according to a new University of Michigan Medical School study. The study suggests that bullying might be reduced by improving sleep quality. It is recommended that school-aged children sleep 10-11 hours per night.
Research Asks, Is Higher Education Worth It?
A report based on findings from two 2011 Pew Research Centre surveys looks at the views of both the general public and college?university presidents in relation to value, quality and mission of higher education.
"I'm Running Away From Home"
A video about a little boy running away from home. Very funny, if you like British Humour. The Brits have a wonderful sense of humour!
Make Spanking Kids Illegal ( New York Daily News)
Repeated surveys show that about 70% of Americans believe that spanking is sometimes necessary and does not harm children. They also seem to think that the possibility of prohibiting spanking would mark unprecedented government interference in the lives of families. Neither belief is correct.
Kids Under 5 at Higher Risk of Drowning, Report Warns
Child drowning's nearly doubled in Canada last year, according to figures released Tuesday by the Lifesaving Society that show a year to year rise in water deaths across the board.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Breaking the Silence
In this short 4 minute video JD Schramm talks about his experience with suicide and asks us to break the silence surrounding suicide and suicidal behaviour. Recommended.
Kids and Gender Stereotypes: Can't we Let Boys be Girls and Girls be Boys?
Boys are made of snakes and snails and puppy dog tails while girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice, right? Interesting post from "Huff Women" - Read this current article and while doing so check out the site.
Power Point: UNICEF's 'Eye See' Project
As part of global celebrations for the Day of the African Child UNICEF and Sony have unveiled photographs from the sixth EYE SEE initiative, an annual workshop that gives vulnerable African children the opportunity to learn about photography and tell their stories through images. Beautiful.
How to Land Your Kid in Therapy
Why the obsession with our kids' happiness may be dooming them to unhappy adulthoods. This is a thought provoking item from a therapist and mother. Report and video from The Atlantic.
The Intelligence of Dogs
Lucy had surgery on her head and had to wear the cone of shame so that she would not rip out the stitches. This was the first time she went up the steps unassisted.
Ontario Poverty Rate Up Since Last Election - (Toronto Star June 17)
Almost 1.7 million Ontarians are living in poverty, including almost 400 000 children, according to StatsCan Data.
The Coalition for Children and Youth Mental Health (Toronto Star June 1)
This broad new coalition of hospitals, social workers, children's aid societies, psychologists, teachers, students and trustees cites the turbulent mental health of today's students - from anxiety and depression to suicidal feelings - as the 'number one issue facing schools today.'
Walking on the Edge
Strolling around the CN Tower
In this short 4 minute video JD Schramm talks about his experience with suicide and asks us to break the silence surrounding suicide and suicidal behaviour. Recommended.
Kids and Gender Stereotypes: Can't we Let Boys be Girls and Girls be Boys?
Boys are made of snakes and snails and puppy dog tails while girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice, right? Interesting post from "Huff Women" - Read this current article and while doing so check out the site.
Power Point: UNICEF's 'Eye See' Project
As part of global celebrations for the Day of the African Child UNICEF and Sony have unveiled photographs from the sixth EYE SEE initiative, an annual workshop that gives vulnerable African children the opportunity to learn about photography and tell their stories through images. Beautiful.
How to Land Your Kid in Therapy
Why the obsession with our kids' happiness may be dooming them to unhappy adulthoods. This is a thought provoking item from a therapist and mother. Report and video from The Atlantic.
The Intelligence of Dogs
Lucy had surgery on her head and had to wear the cone of shame so that she would not rip out the stitches. This was the first time she went up the steps unassisted.
Ontario Poverty Rate Up Since Last Election - (Toronto Star June 17)
Almost 1.7 million Ontarians are living in poverty, including almost 400 000 children, according to StatsCan Data.
The Coalition for Children and Youth Mental Health (Toronto Star June 1)
This broad new coalition of hospitals, social workers, children's aid societies, psychologists, teachers, students and trustees cites the turbulent mental health of today's students - from anxiety and depression to suicidal feelings - as the 'number one issue facing schools today.'
Walking on the Edge
Strolling around the CN Tower
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Throne Speech and Budget
The Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children (CCRC) has prepared an analysis of the Throne Speech and Budget that focuses on longer-term issues for children and youth. The CCRC welcomes any suggestions as well as support as they continue to pursue these themes over the coming year.
Outlook is Bleak for Foster Kids 'aging out' of the System (Toronto Star June 11)
While roughly half of their peers between the ages of 18 and 24 are still living with their parents, youth "aging out" foster care don't have that option. Canadian and International research shows that between 40% and 60% of these youth end up homeless. Read more.
Drugs, Alcohol and Graduation
The latest edition of Free Prevention Newsletter which focuses exclusively on youth and alcohol can be found here. The Port Coquitlam Alcohol-Drug Education Service also has an excellent website. Recommended.
CDC Study: Gay, Bisexual Teens Do Riskier Things
Gay and bisexual high school students are more likely than their heterosexual classmates to smoke, drink alcohol or do other risky things, according to a government study released June 6.
Article: Perceptions of Youth - Adam Fletcher
The way adults see young people determines how adults treat young people; the way we treat young people determines the outcomes of our activities with them. It can be hard when we're in the middle of our busy lives and work to stop and reflect on our perceptions of children and youth. This excellent article is a tool that can help make that easier. You may also want to check out the FreeChild website - arguably one of the best youth engagement sites in the world.
Anti-bullying Program to be Expanded in B.C. Schools (Vancouver Sun - Jun 13)
The Roots of Empathy program, which arranges to have babies brought into classrooms to encourage respect and kindness among young students, will be expanded this year into 360 kindergarten classes in B.C.
Synchronized Cats
Needs no introduction - view it here.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Ontario Student Cites Freedom of Speech After Suspension For Online Videos
Jack Christie, a grade 12 student at Donald A Wilson Secondary School in Whitby, Ontario, has been indefinitely suspended for posting surreal, humorous videos to YouTube. See the video and read the excellent June 1ST article from the Globe & Mail.
Interview in India with a Boy from the Streets
In India, between 17 million and 60 million children survive alone on India's urban streets. This is a very short and poignant interview with one of them.
Could Conjoined Twins Share a Mind?
The girls drifted off for the night, to dream, together or apart, their secret dreams. This is a fascinating and beautifully written article from the New York Times.
"First Call for Children"
The Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children is sending a letter to the PM asking for a policy for program review and budgeting. It also advocates for use of child impact assessments to determine the impact of proposed policies for children before adopting them. It is a public call to raise the priority of children in the context of focus on aging society.
Locker Room Culture Turns Boys Off Physical Education: Ottawa Citizen (6/5/11)
The macho culture inside high school locker rooms is turning a growing number of boys off physical education and prompting researchers to delve into issues around body image and challenge popular notions of what it means to be a man. Read More.
Recommended: A New Culture of Learning: Cultivating the Imagination for a World of Constant Change
The book touches on a number of critical issues in digital learning, from the role of remix culture to the importance of tinkering and experimentation in creating, not merely acquiring knowledge. Central to its premise is the idea that play is critical to understanding learning, something we can get behind. check out interviews with authors.
This Guy Makes Some Great Points
Then the creature enters at 23 seconds... Hilarious!
Jack Christie, a grade 12 student at Donald A Wilson Secondary School in Whitby, Ontario, has been indefinitely suspended for posting surreal, humorous videos to YouTube. See the video and read the excellent June 1ST article from the Globe & Mail.
Interview in India with a Boy from the Streets
In India, between 17 million and 60 million children survive alone on India's urban streets. This is a very short and poignant interview with one of them.
Could Conjoined Twins Share a Mind?
The girls drifted off for the night, to dream, together or apart, their secret dreams. This is a fascinating and beautifully written article from the New York Times.
"First Call for Children"
The Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children is sending a letter to the PM asking for a policy for program review and budgeting. It also advocates for use of child impact assessments to determine the impact of proposed policies for children before adopting them. It is a public call to raise the priority of children in the context of focus on aging society.
Locker Room Culture Turns Boys Off Physical Education: Ottawa Citizen (6/5/11)
The macho culture inside high school locker rooms is turning a growing number of boys off physical education and prompting researchers to delve into issues around body image and challenge popular notions of what it means to be a man. Read More.
Recommended: A New Culture of Learning: Cultivating the Imagination for a World of Constant Change
The book touches on a number of critical issues in digital learning, from the role of remix culture to the importance of tinkering and experimentation in creating, not merely acquiring knowledge. Central to its premise is the idea that play is critical to understanding learning, something we can get behind. check out interviews with authors.
This Guy Makes Some Great Points
Then the creature enters at 23 seconds... Hilarious!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Playground Project
The award winning film exposes the industry of child trafficking right in the heart of America. Through one on one interviews with victims and perpetrators alike, the story confronts one to take action. See the trailer and learn more.
The Power of Words
This brilliant and moving short film illustrates the power of words to change your message and your effect upon the world.
Social Media Revolution 2
Social Media Revolution 2 is a refresh of the original video with new and updated social media and mobile statistics that are hard to ignore.
Resting His Eyes
A grandson remembers his Grandfather.
Teen Girls Sues School Alleging Relentless Bullying
A 16 year old girl has sued a small private girls' school in seattle, where she said administrators failed to protect her from two years of assaults, Facebook taunts and near-daily name calling.
Define the Line
This is an excellent new user friendly website about cyber-bullying from researchers at McGill University in Montreal. Recommended!!!
If Pets Could Talk
Ultimate dog tease! You will laugh! Guaranteed!
"Every boy in this land grows to be his own man, in this land, every girl grows to be her own woman."
For all the walls we thought we'd broken down with Free to Be - and all the stereotypes we thought we'd shattered - children today are not free to be anything they want to be, nor anything they are, and they are dying for it. Mario Thomas in Huffington Post
Flash Fiction: Apocryphal Story in Six Words
"For Sale. Baby Shoes. Never Worn."
Attributed to Ernest Hemingway
The award winning film exposes the industry of child trafficking right in the heart of America. Through one on one interviews with victims and perpetrators alike, the story confronts one to take action. See the trailer and learn more.
The Power of Words
This brilliant and moving short film illustrates the power of words to change your message and your effect upon the world.
Social Media Revolution 2
Social Media Revolution 2 is a refresh of the original video with new and updated social media and mobile statistics that are hard to ignore.
Resting His Eyes
A grandson remembers his Grandfather.
Teen Girls Sues School Alleging Relentless Bullying
A 16 year old girl has sued a small private girls' school in seattle, where she said administrators failed to protect her from two years of assaults, Facebook taunts and near-daily name calling.
Define the Line
This is an excellent new user friendly website about cyber-bullying from researchers at McGill University in Montreal. Recommended!!!
If Pets Could Talk
Ultimate dog tease! You will laugh! Guaranteed!
"Every boy in this land grows to be his own man, in this land, every girl grows to be her own woman."
For all the walls we thought we'd broken down with Free to Be - and all the stereotypes we thought we'd shattered - children today are not free to be anything they want to be, nor anything they are, and they are dying for it. Mario Thomas in Huffington Post
Flash Fiction: Apocryphal Story in Six Words
"For Sale. Baby Shoes. Never Worn."
Attributed to Ernest Hemingway
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The Kids are Listening
The American Bar Association launches a national awareness campaign this week, "the Kids Are Listening," that's designed for lawyers, judges, educators, and community members to support LGBT youth and put an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Check out the PSA.
Recommended: The Promise of Youth - European Zeitgeist 2011
60% of the world's population is now aged under 30, making youth the world's largest demographic. What impact is this having on society? In this inspirational panel session, youth change-makers converse with business leaders and opinion formers to share their experiences and discuss solutions to the challenges of tomorrow.
Mental Health of Youth Improving - BC Study
The McCreary study in British Columbia states that today's youth report lower rates of considering and attempting suicide compared to their peers at any time since 1992. However, 56% of youth who reported a mental or emotional health condition said they had not accessed the mental health services they felt they needed in the past year.
Hip Hop Genius: Remixing High School Education
The video illustrates (literally!) the concept of Hip Hop and its relationship to education. Fascinating!
Starting Young
You have to love this 8 month old bon jovi baby!
Children's Rights in Canada 2011
Canada submitted its official Third and Fourth Report on implementation of the Convention on November 20 2009 canadas-third-and-fourth-report-on-crc.
Number of Kids Who Die in Government Care Still on Rise: Children's Advocate
The number of Saskatchewan children who died or were critically injured while in the care of the government continues to increase, says the latest report of Saskatchewan children's advocate.
Best Videos
Some people have nothing better to do than compile their best videos of 2010. You won't be totally wasting your time by giving it a quick glance.
The American Bar Association launches a national awareness campaign this week, "the Kids Are Listening," that's designed for lawyers, judges, educators, and community members to support LGBT youth and put an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Check out the PSA.
Recommended: The Promise of Youth - European Zeitgeist 2011
60% of the world's population is now aged under 30, making youth the world's largest demographic. What impact is this having on society? In this inspirational panel session, youth change-makers converse with business leaders and opinion formers to share their experiences and discuss solutions to the challenges of tomorrow.
Mental Health of Youth Improving - BC Study
The McCreary study in British Columbia states that today's youth report lower rates of considering and attempting suicide compared to their peers at any time since 1992. However, 56% of youth who reported a mental or emotional health condition said they had not accessed the mental health services they felt they needed in the past year.
Hip Hop Genius: Remixing High School Education
The video illustrates (literally!) the concept of Hip Hop and its relationship to education. Fascinating!
Starting Young
You have to love this 8 month old bon jovi baby!
Children's Rights in Canada 2011
Canada submitted its official Third and Fourth Report on implementation of the Convention on November 20 2009 canadas-third-and-fourth-report-on-crc.
Number of Kids Who Die in Government Care Still on Rise: Children's Advocate
The number of Saskatchewan children who died or were critically injured while in the care of the government continues to increase, says the latest report of Saskatchewan children's advocate.
Best Videos
Some people have nothing better to do than compile their best videos of 2010. You won't be totally wasting your time by giving it a quick glance.
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