What If They Declared and Emergency and No One Came?
It's been three weeks since Attawapiskat First Nation took the extraordinary step of declaring a state of emergency. Since then, not a single federal or provincial official has even bothered to visit the community. No aid agencies have stepped forward. No disaster management teams have offered help. Read the report by Charlie Angus that got everyone talking.
Marriage Discrimination
It's a short 2min video that has an interesting ending. Recommended!
Canada Ranks Third in World for Number of Overweight Children
One in four Canadian children is considered overweight - among the highest rates in developed countries, according to a report published Wednesday by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Read more..
"Break the Habit"
A strong, some might say too strong PSA drawing attention to the epidemic of childhood obesity.
Frankie Does the Dishes
Frankie asked if I could put "Smooth Criminal on while he did the dishes. Wasn't long before I heard the rustling coming from the kitchen.
Suicide and Mental Health First Aid
The Jack Project will combat the massive stigma associated with mental illness and improve the services for young people struggling with anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide. You may have heard of Jack Windler before - we think this is worth watching more than once.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes on Part 2
"Guess why I smile a lot? Because it's worth it." - Marcel the Philosopher
Canada Child Exploitation - Needs National Strategy
The federal government needs to take the lead in fighting child exploitation in Canada starting with a national databank on the problem, a Senate committee Huffington Post Item.
Something somewhere is waiting to be known...
Monday, November 28, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Child & Youth Participation
UNICEF Canada has released a new Handbook on Child Participation in Parliament, a joint effort of parliamentarians in the inter-Parliamentary Union and UNICEF. It offers a range of ideas to appropriately seek and represent children's perspectives in public policy. It's an excellent document but perhaps a little too long.
Teenagers Having Sex Are Now a Minority
About 43 percent of unmarried teenage girls and 42 percent of unmarried teenage boys have had sexual intercourse at least once, according to new research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US. In 2002, the last year such a report was published, 51.1 percent of girls and 60.4 percent of boys had had sex by 19.
Teasing pushed 10 year old to Suicide
The family of a 10-year-old Illinois girl found hanging in her closet believes teasing and bullying by classmates drove the little girl to kill herself. Read article.
What is the Purpose of Education?
A short talk by internationally renowned education expert Barry MacDonald on "Making Sense of Learning for Boys"...Fascinating!
Cute Kid Videos: Where Real Life Meets the Internet Meets Parenting
What is the difference between those early"cute kid video stars" and the ones posted now? Item from Huffington Post
A Wonderful Way to Calm a Crying Baby
Not Sure if all kiddie videos are bad ...it's 20 seconds at most but it's an ever so cute video.
Young Lives Bullied to Death
Recent child suicides illustrate anti-bullying initiatives are not working for everyone. The Toronto District School Board recently had the most ridiculous and extravagant proposal to spend $100,000 on an entertainer who does bullying prevention shows for students. Are we really making any headway in this area? Read the Full Article.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Hear 7 year old Adam speak the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - a short animated video from the Children's Rights Alliance (www.childrensrights.ie on the (UNCRC).
Teen Sexting Linked to Psychological Distress
Teens involved in sexting are not only more likely to report a suicide attempt, they also have twice the odds of reporting depressive symptoms.
Online Bullying: Still Way Less Common than in Real Life
A just released study from the Pew Internet and American Life Project found that "69% of social media-using teens think that peers are mostly kind to each other on social networking sites."
Rick's Rant
For those who haven't had the opportunity to see Rick Mercer's rant on teen suicide.
US: Number of Gay Couples Who Adopt Nearly Tripled Over the Last 10 Years
The number of gays adopting children in the United States nearly tripled in the last decade, in part due to lessened restrictions and increased social acceptability, according to a report by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. About 21 740 same-sex couples adopted children in 2009, which was an enormous jump from 6,4777 in 2000, the report said.
My Friend Jason
"Live simply so others people can simply live." A simple and beautiful video.
Skype Postpones Sweet Sorrow
"We would usually Skype for about three hours a day," said Ms. Brown of the couples first months apart. Once, she said, they both fell asleep on their beds next to their computers. "At one point I just listened to him sleep," she said.
Laughing Llamas
It's only 30 seconds...30 very funny seconds!
Hear 7 year old Adam speak the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - a short animated video from the Children's Rights Alliance (www.childrensrights.ie on the (UNCRC).
Teen Sexting Linked to Psychological Distress
Teens involved in sexting are not only more likely to report a suicide attempt, they also have twice the odds of reporting depressive symptoms.
Online Bullying: Still Way Less Common than in Real Life
A just released study from the Pew Internet and American Life Project found that "69% of social media-using teens think that peers are mostly kind to each other on social networking sites."
Rick's Rant
For those who haven't had the opportunity to see Rick Mercer's rant on teen suicide.
US: Number of Gay Couples Who Adopt Nearly Tripled Over the Last 10 Years
The number of gays adopting children in the United States nearly tripled in the last decade, in part due to lessened restrictions and increased social acceptability, according to a report by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. About 21 740 same-sex couples adopted children in 2009, which was an enormous jump from 6,4777 in 2000, the report said.
My Friend Jason
"Live simply so others people can simply live." A simple and beautiful video.
Skype Postpones Sweet Sorrow
"We would usually Skype for about three hours a day," said Ms. Brown of the couples first months apart. Once, she said, they both fell asleep on their beds next to their computers. "At one point I just listened to him sleep," she said.
Laughing Llamas
It's only 30 seconds...30 very funny seconds!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Dieppe
Thirty seconds and it requires no explanation.
Love is Louder - Kid's Voices
A simple and short poignant video made and presented by young people.
Children's Rights: New Report
The Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children has just released its monitoring report about child right. After three years of work involving advocates, organizations and young people across the country. It is an informative document about the situation of children in the country. It's an interesting read.
Alberta's Youth and Child Advocate to Get Greater Independence
Following a disturbing number of deaths and injuries in government care, the Redford government is moving to give the province's child and youth advocate greater autonomy to speak out for Alberta's most vulnerable. Read more here.
Britain's Children: Breaking with UN Convention
It has been three years since the UK was admonished for failing to comply with its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The UN Committee responsible for the convention recommended that the UK government take 'urgent measures' to address a 'general climate of intolerance and negative public attitudes towards children, especially adolescents'. Yet it is fair to say that, since then, the UK has failed to act on the Committee's concerns. Read More here.
Almost Half of all Britons Think Children are Becoming 'Feral"
British adults are turning their backs on children and young people and see them as violent animals who are beyond help, according to children's charity Barnardos. Here is the article.
Solving America's Teen Sex Problem
The Dutch have dramatically reduced adolescent pregnancies, abortions and STDs. What do they know that we don't?
I Was a Drunk Mom
After my son was born, I told myself I was just trying to unwind. But the truth was much darker than that. Read full story here.
Welcome to Kitty City
Clever and very weird!
Thirty seconds and it requires no explanation.
Love is Louder - Kid's Voices
A simple and short poignant video made and presented by young people.
Children's Rights: New Report
The Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children has just released its monitoring report about child right. After three years of work involving advocates, organizations and young people across the country. It is an informative document about the situation of children in the country. It's an interesting read.
Alberta's Youth and Child Advocate to Get Greater Independence
Following a disturbing number of deaths and injuries in government care, the Redford government is moving to give the province's child and youth advocate greater autonomy to speak out for Alberta's most vulnerable. Read more here.
Britain's Children: Breaking with UN Convention
It has been three years since the UK was admonished for failing to comply with its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The UN Committee responsible for the convention recommended that the UK government take 'urgent measures' to address a 'general climate of intolerance and negative public attitudes towards children, especially adolescents'. Yet it is fair to say that, since then, the UK has failed to act on the Committee's concerns. Read More here.
Almost Half of all Britons Think Children are Becoming 'Feral"
British adults are turning their backs on children and young people and see them as violent animals who are beyond help, according to children's charity Barnardos. Here is the article.
Solving America's Teen Sex Problem
The Dutch have dramatically reduced adolescent pregnancies, abortions and STDs. What do they know that we don't?
I Was a Drunk Mom
After my son was born, I told myself I was just trying to unwind. But the truth was much darker than that. Read full story here.
Welcome to Kitty City
Clever and very weird!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Taxing The Kindness of Strangers
An excellent article from the Washington Post about foster care.
Left Brian - Right Brain
Iain McGilchrist explores the differences between the left and right halves of the human brain. It's not simply "emotion on the right, reason on the left..." Highly recommended!
Slam!
"Letter to My 16 Year-old Self" by George Watsky: Brilliant!
Letter to a Nation
Canadian song writer, performer and advocate Raffi recorded "Letter To a Nation" a tribute to Jack Layton, on Salt Spring Island where Raffi lives. After sharing the song demo with Olivia Chow (Layton's wife), she gave the song her blessing and expressed her support for it's sharing. Check it out at Raffi's Child Honouring website.
Kid Videos That Go Viral
Getting rich of your kids yet? No? Maybe it's time to set up that YouTube account.
Not Sure What This Does to His Teeth!
7 year-old Nana Kyel demonstrates why he's known as "Mr. Rhythm Machine" in his native Ghana.
Trick or Treat
Spotted yesterday, a cool chinchilla tank!
An excellent article from the Washington Post about foster care.
Left Brian - Right Brain
Iain McGilchrist explores the differences between the left and right halves of the human brain. It's not simply "emotion on the right, reason on the left..." Highly recommended!
Slam!
"Letter to My 16 Year-old Self" by George Watsky: Brilliant!
Letter to a Nation
Canadian song writer, performer and advocate Raffi recorded "Letter To a Nation" a tribute to Jack Layton, on Salt Spring Island where Raffi lives. After sharing the song demo with Olivia Chow (Layton's wife), she gave the song her blessing and expressed her support for it's sharing. Check it out at Raffi's Child Honouring website.
Kid Videos That Go Viral
Getting rich of your kids yet? No? Maybe it's time to set up that YouTube account.
Not Sure What This Does to His Teeth!
7 year-old Nana Kyel demonstrates why he's known as "Mr. Rhythm Machine" in his native Ghana.
Trick or Treat
Spotted yesterday, a cool chinchilla tank!
Monday, October 24, 2011
I Support You
This is an excellent and courageous video by an Ottawa student relating to the suicide of Jamie Hubley.
TV Time Discouraged for Kids Under 2
Parents should limit children under the age of two from watching TV, say paediatricians who advise against having it on in the background. See full article.
Meet The Boy the Bullies Broke - Heather Mallick
Jamie was only 15, which is why I'm journalist ethics-wise allowed to refer to him by his first name, as if her were a friend of mine. And how I wish he had been. This kid could have helped my sadness, I could have helped his, he would have brought credit and affection and candour to everyone who knew him, but now he's dead, no chance now. See the full article.
Foster Child Suicide Decreases With Time
A study by researchers at the University of Manitoba suggests that foster children are much more likely to commit suicide than other kids, but that likelihood decreases as they spend time in care.
Falling with Style...
If you like adventure...Cool video with music from AWOLNATION
Sesame Street Takes on Bullying
It's not just a 'bandwagon' effort and it works on many levels. This is the program that had to be temporarily taken down due to hacking. The "Shaping Youth" website is also excellent.
Metropolis - A New York Timelapse
Watch this in full screen if you can - Breathtaking! YOu might also like the soundtrack.
This is an excellent and courageous video by an Ottawa student relating to the suicide of Jamie Hubley.
TV Time Discouraged for Kids Under 2
Parents should limit children under the age of two from watching TV, say paediatricians who advise against having it on in the background. See full article.
Meet The Boy the Bullies Broke - Heather Mallick
Jamie was only 15, which is why I'm journalist ethics-wise allowed to refer to him by his first name, as if her were a friend of mine. And how I wish he had been. This kid could have helped my sadness, I could have helped his, he would have brought credit and affection and candour to everyone who knew him, but now he's dead, no chance now. See the full article.
Foster Child Suicide Decreases With Time
A study by researchers at the University of Manitoba suggests that foster children are much more likely to commit suicide than other kids, but that likelihood decreases as they spend time in care.
Falling with Style...
If you like adventure...Cool video with music from AWOLNATION
Sesame Street Takes on Bullying
It's not just a 'bandwagon' effort and it works on many levels. This is the program that had to be temporarily taken down due to hacking. The "Shaping Youth" website is also excellent.
Metropolis - A New York Timelapse
Watch this in full screen if you can - Breathtaking! YOu might also like the soundtrack.
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Unicorn
Such a beautiful film...No more than 6 lines of script or 3 minutes was the rule of the contest.
Time to End the Slut Wars
SlutWalk is a worldwide grassroots movement challenging rape culture, victim-blaming and working to end sexual violence. It started in January 2011, when a Toronto cop warned students that to avoid getting raped they shouldn't dress like sluts.
Teenagers Want to Have More Say in the Content of Sex Education
A poll of 2 000 14 to 18 year olds found 78% did not have the chance to influence the content of these lessons, but 72% thought they should. Here is the report.
Is the UN Ready for Serious Youth Involvement?
We feel that they never moved beyond the rhetoric. Indeed this item could have been written ten years ago!
Native Youth Suicide Rates Prompt Former Lieutenant Governor to Write Novel.
"One 12 or 13 year old girl hanged herself in a tree outside of the school so the other students could see her when they came into the school in the morning. It was part of a suicide pact with two other kids."
Here's the link.
Back to the Start...Cultivate a Better World
Clever marketing or a company with a social conscience? See Video.
The Blind cat and the Hair Dryer
Such determination!
And While on the Subject...
No one believed her so she filmed it!
Such a beautiful film...No more than 6 lines of script or 3 minutes was the rule of the contest.
Time to End the Slut Wars
SlutWalk is a worldwide grassroots movement challenging rape culture, victim-blaming and working to end sexual violence. It started in January 2011, when a Toronto cop warned students that to avoid getting raped they shouldn't dress like sluts.
Teenagers Want to Have More Say in the Content of Sex Education
A poll of 2 000 14 to 18 year olds found 78% did not have the chance to influence the content of these lessons, but 72% thought they should. Here is the report.
Is the UN Ready for Serious Youth Involvement?
We feel that they never moved beyond the rhetoric. Indeed this item could have been written ten years ago!
Native Youth Suicide Rates Prompt Former Lieutenant Governor to Write Novel.
"One 12 or 13 year old girl hanged herself in a tree outside of the school so the other students could see her when they came into the school in the morning. It was part of a suicide pact with two other kids."
Here's the link.
Back to the Start...Cultivate a Better World
Clever marketing or a company with a social conscience? See Video.
The Blind cat and the Hair Dryer
Such determination!
And While on the Subject...
No one believed her so she filmed it!
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