One Town's War on Gay Teens
In Michele Bachmann's home district, evangelicals have created an extreme anti-gay climate. After a rash of suicides, the kids are fighting back. This is a powerful article from the current edition of a Rolling Stone and not an easy read. It should be read by all who have a connection to youth and education. It should be read by all...be prepared to be angered and nauseated.
Bullying Link to Suicide Rate
A bullying prevention charity has called for more official data on child suicide and research into its causes.
Teens Slowly Migrating to Twitter
That's been the prediction for a while now, born of numbers showing that fewer than one in 10 teens were using Twitter early on. But then their parents, grandparents, neighbours, parents' friends and anyone in-between started friending them on Facebook, the social networking site of choice for many - and a curious thing began to happen. Read Article.
Children Who Get Physical Punishment Tend Toward Aggression
Spanking, yelling at, or shaking children could tend to make them more aggressive towards others, a review of 20 years of studies into physical punishment according to Canadian Research.
Convicted Leader Continued With Scouts Movement
A twice-convicted pedophile was welcomed as a member of a Scouts alumni association for decades, even after officials became aware of at least one of his convictions. Read Report.
Canada Needs Strategy for Aboriginal Children
Canada must develop a comprehensive plan to improve the lives of Aboriginal children, says a national coalition of youth advocates.
Poverty Costs in Alberta
An economic case for a preventative poverty reduction strategy in Alberta. Excellent video.
Take on Me
for those with a soft spot for the accordion! Spoiler alert, you may end up humming this for the rest of the day!
Something somewhere is waiting to be known...
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Slam Social Worker
He doesn't do it for the money. Bobby Lefebre, and award-winning spoken word artists, actor and social worker, reveals in this tremendous slam poetry performance his passion for impacting change through his profession as a social worker.
The Most Famous School in the World...and it's Still Around
Summerhill - the story of the most famous, free, libertarian school in the world founded by the great educationist A.S. Neill. The existence and continuation of such a school for over 80 ears bodes well for humankind!
Lady Gaga Launches "Born This Way" Foundation
Lady Gaga announced this past Thursday that she will launch her Born This Way Foundation (BTWF) at a kickoff event at Harvard University on Feb. 29th. The foundation will "explore the best ways to reach youth and create a new culture of kindness, bravery, acceptance and empowerment".
Crackling Teenagers Online Codes
"We need to give kids the freedom to explore and experience things online that might actually help them," she added. "What scares me is that we don't want to look at the things that make us uncomfortable. So rather than see what teenagers are showing us online about bullying and suicide and the problems they're dealing with and using that information to help them, we're making ourselves blind to it." Great Article - excellent profile.
Weetabix!
The new ad for Weetabix stars nine-year old UK Streetdance phenomenon Arizona Snow, popping", "locking" and "tutting" her way through a high energy street dance routine in her bedroom. A fun way to spend 30 seconds.
Raffi Does TED
Raffi Cavoukian + Respecting Earth and Child: Connecting the Dots - A TEDxVictoria talk.
Obese Teen Girls More Likely to be Bullies - Overweight Boys Often Victimized
Obese teens not only make easy targets for bullies, in the case of girls, they're more likely to turn into bullies themselves, according to the findings of a Canadian Study on the social fallout of being overweight.
He doesn't do it for the money. Bobby Lefebre, and award-winning spoken word artists, actor and social worker, reveals in this tremendous slam poetry performance his passion for impacting change through his profession as a social worker.
The Most Famous School in the World...and it's Still Around
Summerhill - the story of the most famous, free, libertarian school in the world founded by the great educationist A.S. Neill. The existence and continuation of such a school for over 80 ears bodes well for humankind!
Lady Gaga Launches "Born This Way" Foundation
Lady Gaga announced this past Thursday that she will launch her Born This Way Foundation (BTWF) at a kickoff event at Harvard University on Feb. 29th. The foundation will "explore the best ways to reach youth and create a new culture of kindness, bravery, acceptance and empowerment".
Crackling Teenagers Online Codes
"We need to give kids the freedom to explore and experience things online that might actually help them," she added. "What scares me is that we don't want to look at the things that make us uncomfortable. So rather than see what teenagers are showing us online about bullying and suicide and the problems they're dealing with and using that information to help them, we're making ourselves blind to it." Great Article - excellent profile.
Weetabix!
The new ad for Weetabix stars nine-year old UK Streetdance phenomenon Arizona Snow, popping", "locking" and "tutting" her way through a high energy street dance routine in her bedroom. A fun way to spend 30 seconds.
Raffi Does TED
Raffi Cavoukian + Respecting Earth and Child: Connecting the Dots - A TEDxVictoria talk.
Obese Teen Girls More Likely to be Bullies - Overweight Boys Often Victimized
Obese teens not only make easy targets for bullies, in the case of girls, they're more likely to turn into bullies themselves, according to the findings of a Canadian Study on the social fallout of being overweight.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The Bleakness of the Bullied
"I too, was bullied as a child. And I, too considered taking my life. I was 8 years old." Read item.
Looking Back
The 45 most Powerful Images of 2011
Facebook's New Suicide Prevention Tool Has Both Fans and Critics
The social networking site which supplanted MySpace as the most popular in the world, Facebook, has launched a new suicide prevention tool.
Led by the Children Who Knew!
The twin boys were identical in every way but one. Wyatt was a girl to the core, and now lives as one, with the help of a brave, loving family and a path-breaking doctors care. Read Item.
Autism and Blinking Examined in New Study
Eyes may be the ket to the soul, but the act of opening and closing them - and the rate at which children do it - may provide clues to the mind. According to a new study, "blinking patterns" might contain new insights into how children with autism think.
The Chief Public Health Officer's Report on the State of Public Health in Canada, 2011
This federal report presents a demographic profile of youth and young adults, and looks at the current physical and mental health status of the population. It provides details of health risk behaviours, including risky sexual behaviours and substance use and abuse. It also looks at socio-economic determinants of health and their relationship with health status and well-being.
Cyber Bullying
"The night I heard my 16 year old tough guy sobbing..."
Thanks to Madison Goodacre For this Link
The Internet, mobile phones and other digital media provide children and young people with many educational and social benefits - and also with risks. For most children, online activity does not lead to harm. but the increased risk of sexual abuse, exploitation and other forms of harm in both online and offline settings demands a coordinated response by governments, parents, professionals, business and young themselves.
UNICEF's report, Child Safety Online: Global Challenges and Strategies, reviews global evidence and practice, and answers questions "What are the risks to children online?" and "what are the most effective responses to make them safer?" The report exposes myths and provides evidence to equip policymakers, professionals, families and business to respond.
"I too, was bullied as a child. And I, too considered taking my life. I was 8 years old." Read item.
Looking Back
The 45 most Powerful Images of 2011
Facebook's New Suicide Prevention Tool Has Both Fans and Critics
The social networking site which supplanted MySpace as the most popular in the world, Facebook, has launched a new suicide prevention tool.
Led by the Children Who Knew!
The twin boys were identical in every way but one. Wyatt was a girl to the core, and now lives as one, with the help of a brave, loving family and a path-breaking doctors care. Read Item.
Autism and Blinking Examined in New Study
Eyes may be the ket to the soul, but the act of opening and closing them - and the rate at which children do it - may provide clues to the mind. According to a new study, "blinking patterns" might contain new insights into how children with autism think.
The Chief Public Health Officer's Report on the State of Public Health in Canada, 2011
This federal report presents a demographic profile of youth and young adults, and looks at the current physical and mental health status of the population. It provides details of health risk behaviours, including risky sexual behaviours and substance use and abuse. It also looks at socio-economic determinants of health and their relationship with health status and well-being.
Cyber Bullying
"The night I heard my 16 year old tough guy sobbing..."
Thanks to Madison Goodacre For this Link
The Internet, mobile phones and other digital media provide children and young people with many educational and social benefits - and also with risks. For most children, online activity does not lead to harm. but the increased risk of sexual abuse, exploitation and other forms of harm in both online and offline settings demands a coordinated response by governments, parents, professionals, business and young themselves.
UNICEF's report, Child Safety Online: Global Challenges and Strategies, reviews global evidence and practice, and answers questions "What are the risks to children online?" and "what are the most effective responses to make them safer?" The report exposes myths and provides evidence to equip policymakers, professionals, families and business to respond.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Child Maltreatment Shows no Signs of Significant Decrease
New research published in The Lancet (9 December 2011) shows no consistent decrease in the maltreatment of children across several countries over the last two decades.
Teen Suicides Rock Eastern Ontario City
Residents of Pembroke, Ont., are devastated and looking for answers after three teenagers committed suicide over the last four months. Article and Video.
Teen Sexting
A new report from the prestigious Crimes Against Children Research Center (CACRC) at the University of New Hampshire should put to rest the notion that children routinely sending around naked pictures of themselves.
The Swedish Chef
A recipe for popcorn.
What We Can Learn From the Dutch About Teen Sex
Teen birth rates are eight times higher in the U.S. than in Holland. Abortion rates are twice as high. The American AIDS rate is three times greater than that of the Dutch. What are they doing right that we're not?
Bullying/Suicide: Another Tragedy
A Tennessee teen has taken his own life after being subjected to anti-gay bullying which, friends say, officials at his high school did little to prevent.
Georgia on my Mind
Like you have never heard it before!
Note & Neurons
An oldie but goodie from Bobby McFerrin.
New research published in The Lancet (9 December 2011) shows no consistent decrease in the maltreatment of children across several countries over the last two decades.
Teen Suicides Rock Eastern Ontario City
Residents of Pembroke, Ont., are devastated and looking for answers after three teenagers committed suicide over the last four months. Article and Video.
Teen Sexting
A new report from the prestigious Crimes Against Children Research Center (CACRC) at the University of New Hampshire should put to rest the notion that children routinely sending around naked pictures of themselves.
The Swedish Chef
A recipe for popcorn.
What We Can Learn From the Dutch About Teen Sex
Teen birth rates are eight times higher in the U.S. than in Holland. Abortion rates are twice as high. The American AIDS rate is three times greater than that of the Dutch. What are they doing right that we're not?
Bullying/Suicide: Another Tragedy
A Tennessee teen has taken his own life after being subjected to anti-gay bullying which, friends say, officials at his high school did little to prevent.
Georgia on my Mind
Like you have never heard it before!
Note & Neurons
An oldie but goodie from Bobby McFerrin.
Monday, December 5, 2011
My Aboriginal Education
In this moving talk, John Reilly (At age 30, was the youngest Provincial Court Judge ever appointed in Alberta) shares stories of how he came to have a deeper understanding of what real justice is beyond simple punishment and deterrence.
Canada's Poverty Problem is Not Going to Fix Itself
It's been 22 years since the House of Commons voted unanimously to eradicate child poverty in Canada by 2000. However, a new report from Campaign 2000 reveals that over two decades later, 639 000 children are still living in poverty. A recent article from Senator Art Eggleton.
Christie Blatchford: Little Hope for Change in Attawapiskat
The truth is that neither Canadian political leaders nor Canadians themselves have the stomach for an honest conversation about the disgrace that is the state of too many First Nations, the grotesque and bewildering array of rules which govern the federal-aboriginal relationship and the paternalistic and ultimately poisonous nature of that relationship in the first place. Read the article here.
Hard Times Generation: Families Living in Cars
What everyone is talking about. Scott Pelley brings "60 minutes" cameras back to central Florida to document another form of family homelessness: kids and their parents forced to live in cars. A "must see."
A Fourth of Canadian Children Overweight
A new international study has found that one in four Canadian children are overweight. In contrast to developing countries, obesity and poverty in Canada are inextricably linked.
Child Poverty Highest in B.C.
For the eighth year in a row, B.C. has the worst child poverty rate in Canada, impacting students' academic success, social development and emotional wellbeing in profound ways.
A Commentary on Gay Marriage and a Great Speech
Zach Wahls, a 19-year-old University of Iowa student and son of two mothers speaks about the strength of his family during a public forum.
The 5 Best Toys of All Time
Five items that no kids should be without! All five should fit easily within any budget, and are appropriate for a wide age range so you get the most play out of each one. These are time tested and kid approved! And as a bonus, these five can be combined for extra-super-happy-fun-time.
In this moving talk, John Reilly (At age 30, was the youngest Provincial Court Judge ever appointed in Alberta) shares stories of how he came to have a deeper understanding of what real justice is beyond simple punishment and deterrence.
Canada's Poverty Problem is Not Going to Fix Itself
It's been 22 years since the House of Commons voted unanimously to eradicate child poverty in Canada by 2000. However, a new report from Campaign 2000 reveals that over two decades later, 639 000 children are still living in poverty. A recent article from Senator Art Eggleton.
Christie Blatchford: Little Hope for Change in Attawapiskat
The truth is that neither Canadian political leaders nor Canadians themselves have the stomach for an honest conversation about the disgrace that is the state of too many First Nations, the grotesque and bewildering array of rules which govern the federal-aboriginal relationship and the paternalistic and ultimately poisonous nature of that relationship in the first place. Read the article here.
Hard Times Generation: Families Living in Cars
What everyone is talking about. Scott Pelley brings "60 minutes" cameras back to central Florida to document another form of family homelessness: kids and their parents forced to live in cars. A "must see."
A Fourth of Canadian Children Overweight
A new international study has found that one in four Canadian children are overweight. In contrast to developing countries, obesity and poverty in Canada are inextricably linked.
Child Poverty Highest in B.C.
For the eighth year in a row, B.C. has the worst child poverty rate in Canada, impacting students' academic success, social development and emotional wellbeing in profound ways.
A Commentary on Gay Marriage and a Great Speech
Zach Wahls, a 19-year-old University of Iowa student and son of two mothers speaks about the strength of his family during a public forum.
The 5 Best Toys of All Time
Five items that no kids should be without! All five should fit easily within any budget, and are appropriate for a wide age range so you get the most play out of each one. These are time tested and kid approved! And as a bonus, these five can be combined for extra-super-happy-fun-time.
Monday, November 28, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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