The Hardest Job in the World is the Best Job in the World
This commercial honours everything that all moms do to help their children succeed by showcasing the amazing moms behind Olympic athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Might make you cry!
"Service is Power!"
The Huffington Post will announce, one-by-one, for 25 days - April 20 to May 14 the 25 most powerful and influential young people in the world. Each Honouree will have a platform on The Huffington Post to tell her story, share her inspirations, inspire others, and rally support for her cause. There are four young leaders announced already at the Youth Service America website.
Canada: Kids Get Less Physical Activity Than Parents Believe
Children aren't getting enough physical activity and move even less than their parents believe, a new report released today suggests. Statistics Canada researchers measured the physical activity levels of children and recorded the times and days of the week the youngsters were sedentary.
Earth Rangers and Newfoundland Pine Martins
This is a cool site for young environmentalists. Check out the short PSA and the charming young man who presents it on behalf of the Newfoundland Pine Martins.
Ten Children Died in Alberta Foster Care Last Year
For the first time, the Alberta government has released the full number of children who died while in provincial care, and the number is much higher than previously reported.
Center for Effective Discipline
This is a website and excellent resource library of facts, direction, guides, examples, arguments, and responses on the subject of effective discipline.
Drew (6 years) Raises $10 000 at Lemonade Stand for Sick Dad
When Randy Cox, a father of three from Gladewater, Texas was diagnosed with Seminoma cancer three months ago, his 6 year old son, Drew knew he had to help in any way he could.
Something somewhere is waiting to be known...
Monday, April 23, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Youth Suicide Rate Rising Among Canadian Girls
The number of girls committing suicide in Canada has risen in the past 30 years, a trouble trend that's prompting some experts to question the role played by social media. Be sure to read the comments following the article.
Opposing Kirk Cameron
Kirk Cameron's controversial remarks on homosexuality may have angered many in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community as well as fellow celebrities. But now, it's another segment of the population that speaking out.
Alberta's Child Advocate Marks Independence
For Del Graff, Sunday was independence day - the first day Alberta's child and youth advocate became a fully independent officer of the legislature, instead of reporting to a cabinet minister.
A 9-Year Old Built his own Arcade, and Charges $2 for entry
9 year old Caine Monroy, who built an elaborate cardboard arcade inside his dad's used auto parts store, is about to have the best day of his life. Thanks to Denis at the Laidlaw Foundation for sending this along. You'll possibly in love with Caine!
The Effects of "Screen Time" on Childhood Obesity
It's likely that the kinds of households in which kids watch hours of television per day happen to be the same ones where healthy food options are hard to come by, or ones in which parents are not well educated in how to good dietary choices. Though it seems like a convenient cure, just disconnecting the cable service isn't going to fix those problems. Read this article from Slate.
One in Five Children Hear Voices
As many as one in five children between the ages of 11 and 13 hear voices in their head, research published by the British Journal of Psychiatry has found. Just more than half (57%) of the younger adolescents who heard voices were found to have a psychiatric disorder following clinical assessment.
Missing Pieces in Budget 2012
Developing the full potential of every child needs more attention across Canada. There is undeniable evidence that failing to do so limits productivity and creates hight social costs. This focus is missing in Budget 2012. Read This item.
The number of girls committing suicide in Canada has risen in the past 30 years, a trouble trend that's prompting some experts to question the role played by social media. Be sure to read the comments following the article.
Opposing Kirk Cameron
Kirk Cameron's controversial remarks on homosexuality may have angered many in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community as well as fellow celebrities. But now, it's another segment of the population that speaking out.
Alberta's Child Advocate Marks Independence
For Del Graff, Sunday was independence day - the first day Alberta's child and youth advocate became a fully independent officer of the legislature, instead of reporting to a cabinet minister.
A 9-Year Old Built his own Arcade, and Charges $2 for entry
9 year old Caine Monroy, who built an elaborate cardboard arcade inside his dad's used auto parts store, is about to have the best day of his life. Thanks to Denis at the Laidlaw Foundation for sending this along. You'll possibly in love with Caine!
The Effects of "Screen Time" on Childhood Obesity
It's likely that the kinds of households in which kids watch hours of television per day happen to be the same ones where healthy food options are hard to come by, or ones in which parents are not well educated in how to good dietary choices. Though it seems like a convenient cure, just disconnecting the cable service isn't going to fix those problems. Read this article from Slate.
One in Five Children Hear Voices
As many as one in five children between the ages of 11 and 13 hear voices in their head, research published by the British Journal of Psychiatry has found. Just more than half (57%) of the younger adolescents who heard voices were found to have a psychiatric disorder following clinical assessment.
Missing Pieces in Budget 2012
Developing the full potential of every child needs more attention across Canada. There is undeniable evidence that failing to do so limits productivity and creates hight social costs. This focus is missing in Budget 2012. Read This item.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
A 7-Year Old Aboriginal Girl's Battle to Tell the Truth at School
Ruby was seven year old and in Grade 2. She was to prepare a class presentation on a topic of her choice, and decided she wanted to tell the story of why she doesn't speak her First Nations language. Full article and interview with Ruby.
Felix Finkbeiner the 13 Year Old Tree Ambassador
He planted a million trees in Germany by the time he was nine! He wants to plant a million trees in every country. Felix's organization called Plant for the Planet is now doing work in 70 countries. See him address the United Nations.
The Atlantic: 5 Research Based Ways to Turn Your Preschooler into a Math Whiz.
Turns out, Tetris isn't such a waste of time after all. Read Full Article.
The Absolute Power of Youth
"Mambo" played brilliantly by the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela conducted by the amazing Gustavo Dudamel at the Royal Albert Hall, Sunday 19 August 2007. This will light up your day!
Study: Young Consumers Switch Media 27 Times an Hour
A recent study found that consumers in their 20's ('digital natives') switch media venues about 27 times per non-working hour - the equivalent of more than 13 times during a standard half-hour TV show.
Anyone Know the Stats for Canada?
Around 400 sexual offences against children are reported to police each week in the UK but less than one in ten results in a conviction, according to figures obtained by the NSPCC. 10% of sex offences result in conviction. Read More.
This Would Never Happen in Scotland
A senior high school student in southwestern Illinois will be resigned to wearing pants to his prom, after a recent decision by the school board banned him from wearing a kilt to the event.
Baby Rock Climbing
This strikes us as a tad dangerous - not to mention foolish. You may have the opposite opinion. See video.
Ruby was seven year old and in Grade 2. She was to prepare a class presentation on a topic of her choice, and decided she wanted to tell the story of why she doesn't speak her First Nations language. Full article and interview with Ruby.
Felix Finkbeiner the 13 Year Old Tree Ambassador
He planted a million trees in Germany by the time he was nine! He wants to plant a million trees in every country. Felix's organization called Plant for the Planet is now doing work in 70 countries. See him address the United Nations.
The Atlantic: 5 Research Based Ways to Turn Your Preschooler into a Math Whiz.
Turns out, Tetris isn't such a waste of time after all. Read Full Article.
The Absolute Power of Youth
"Mambo" played brilliantly by the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela conducted by the amazing Gustavo Dudamel at the Royal Albert Hall, Sunday 19 August 2007. This will light up your day!
Study: Young Consumers Switch Media 27 Times an Hour
A recent study found that consumers in their 20's ('digital natives') switch media venues about 27 times per non-working hour - the equivalent of more than 13 times during a standard half-hour TV show.
Anyone Know the Stats for Canada?
Around 400 sexual offences against children are reported to police each week in the UK but less than one in ten results in a conviction, according to figures obtained by the NSPCC. 10% of sex offences result in conviction. Read More.
This Would Never Happen in Scotland
A senior high school student in southwestern Illinois will be resigned to wearing pants to his prom, after a recent decision by the school board banned him from wearing a kilt to the event.
Baby Rock Climbing
This strikes us as a tad dangerous - not to mention foolish. You may have the opposite opinion. See video.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Tedx: Brene Brown: The Power of Vulnerability
"Maybe stories are just data with a soul." This is a super talk; it's funny, poignant and strongly recommended.
Puberty Before Age 10: A New 'Normal'?
For many parents of early-developing girls, "normal" is a crazy-making word, especially when uttered by a doctor; it implies that the patient, or patient's mother, should quit being neurotic and accept that not much can be done. An excellent item from this week's New York Times.
Could it Happen in Canada?
U.K. schools may be trying to curb bullying with 'best friend' ban.
Young People Tuning Out the Environment
Despite their green reputation, a new Canadian report suggests today's young people are actually far less environmentally minded than previous generations. Check out the feedback to the item.
Teens, Smartphones & Texting
The volume of texting among teens has risen from 50 texts a day in 2009 to 60 texts for the median teen text user. In addition, smartphones are gaining teenage users. Some 23% of all those ages 12-17 say they have a smartphone and ownership is highest among older teens: 31% of those ages 14-17 have a smartphone, compared with just 8% of youth ages 12-13. See the report.
"Maybe stories are just data with a soul." This is a super talk; it's funny, poignant and strongly recommended.
Puberty Before Age 10: A New 'Normal'?
For many parents of early-developing girls, "normal" is a crazy-making word, especially when uttered by a doctor; it implies that the patient, or patient's mother, should quit being neurotic and accept that not much can be done. An excellent item from this week's New York Times.
Could it Happen in Canada?
U.K. schools may be trying to curb bullying with 'best friend' ban.
Young People Tuning Out the Environment
Despite their green reputation, a new Canadian report suggests today's young people are actually far less environmentally minded than previous generations. Check out the feedback to the item.
Teens, Smartphones & Texting
The volume of texting among teens has risen from 50 texts a day in 2009 to 60 texts for the median teen text user. In addition, smartphones are gaining teenage users. Some 23% of all those ages 12-17 say they have a smartphone and ownership is highest among older teens: 31% of those ages 14-17 have a smartphone, compared with just 8% of youth ages 12-13. See the report.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
"I Cried Because I had no Shoes"
If you watch one video today then make it this one.
Restorative Justice Make Little Impact on Likelihood of Reoffending (Australia)
A program designed to bring young offenders face to face with the victims of their crime and encourage them to accept responsibility for their offending is no more effective than the NSW Children's Court at reducing juvenile reoffending, according to new research released this month by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)
Does Daydreaming Make You Smarter?
Kids who spend class time letting their minds wander usually get in trouble. But new research makes the case that spacing out can actually be a good thing.
UNICEF Video (3 Min) ; "2 Lives: 2 Miles Apart"
"2 Lives: 2 Miles Apart" is a series produced by 8 young local filmmakers about the different challenges children face in urban areas around the world. This episode introduces Mariana and Bayan: Both left their homes to find a better future in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the 10th biggest city in the world.
Study Shows a Healthy Teenager is a Happy Teenager
Teenagers who turn their backs on a healthy lifestyle and turn to drink, cigarettes and junk food are significantly unhappier than their healthier peers. New research also shows that 12-13 is a catalyst age when young people turn away from the healthy habits of their younger years and start to get involved in risky behaviours.
Syria
From a dog's perspective:
Jailhouse Rock
See Two Year Old William Dance:
File "It's about time!" UN Youth Rep to Become a Reality!
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, announced at the end of January that he would appoint a new Special Representative for Youth.
If you watch one video today then make it this one.
Restorative Justice Make Little Impact on Likelihood of Reoffending (Australia)
A program designed to bring young offenders face to face with the victims of their crime and encourage them to accept responsibility for their offending is no more effective than the NSW Children's Court at reducing juvenile reoffending, according to new research released this month by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)
Does Daydreaming Make You Smarter?
Kids who spend class time letting their minds wander usually get in trouble. But new research makes the case that spacing out can actually be a good thing.
UNICEF Video (3 Min) ; "2 Lives: 2 Miles Apart"
"2 Lives: 2 Miles Apart" is a series produced by 8 young local filmmakers about the different challenges children face in urban areas around the world. This episode introduces Mariana and Bayan: Both left their homes to find a better future in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the 10th biggest city in the world.
Study Shows a Healthy Teenager is a Happy Teenager
Teenagers who turn their backs on a healthy lifestyle and turn to drink, cigarettes and junk food are significantly unhappier than their healthier peers. New research also shows that 12-13 is a catalyst age when young people turn away from the healthy habits of their younger years and start to get involved in risky behaviours.
Syria
From a dog's perspective:
Jailhouse Rock
See Two Year Old William Dance:
File "It's about time!" UN Youth Rep to Become a Reality!
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, announced at the end of January that he would appoint a new Special Representative for Youth.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Thanks to those of you who have been contacting us! We really enjoy hearing from you and sharing your information. Please feel free to email us at beyond2020@rogers.com with what you have been hearing or what you would like us to know about children and youth in Canada.
Youth Opportunities Unlimited
Since 1982 Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) has done an amazing job of leading youth in London and Middlesex County toward career success. We particularly like their new food services program funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation that provides formal and extensive hands-on training for up to 40 youth per year to work in a functioning cafe. This social enterprise project (Cornerstone) is been launched in a historical building in the heart of London. Visit the site.
How Does an Organization Know When it is Engaging Youth?
There is no fixed approach to youth programming that engages youth. Youth engagement is a spectrum of approaches that are reciprocal, dynamic and interactive. They range from programs that target young people to programs for youth, run by youth. Check out this interesting item from the Trillium Foundation.
Counting To Twenty
John John is a mini Bill Cosby... Check out #s 14 and up. Defines cuteness.
UN Releases 'Children's Rights and Business Principles'
The 'Children's Rights and Business Principles' represents the first set of principles to guide companies on the full range of actions they can take to respect and support children's rights. Look here for more.
Prescriptions of ADHD Meds Also on the Rise in Canada
The upward trend in the prevalence of diagnoses of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and of the prescribing of medications to treat ADHD seen in the United States and other developed countries is also occurring in Canada, except in pre-school-aged children, according to a new study published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. (Free membership may be required - it's a good site and a source of information)
How Supportive Parenting Impacts Your Child's Brain
A recent study by experts at Washington University illustrates why good parenting skills and parent wellbeing is so important that it can even affect the size of an important part of the brain - the hippocampus.
Teacher Abuse is on the Increase
The days of teachers getting an apple have been replaced with verbal abuse, racial and sexist slurs, repeated intimidation, threats of physical violence, vandalism of personal belongings and persistent classroom disruption.
38% of all teachers are reporting being a victim of a student's disrespectful behaviour.
27% of teachers have been physically assaulted
16% are verbally abused.
11% have been subjected to repeated racial, sexual and religious slurs.
University First to Offer Tuition Waivers for Youth in Care in Manitoba
The University of Winnipeg launched the Youth in Care Tuition Waiver Program to ensure that youth who have grown up in care can dream about and plan for their academic future at UWinnipeg regardless of socio-economic background. This is the first program of its kind in Manitoba and believed to be unique for a University in Canada.
Youth Opportunities Unlimited
Since 1982 Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) has done an amazing job of leading youth in London and Middlesex County toward career success. We particularly like their new food services program funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation that provides formal and extensive hands-on training for up to 40 youth per year to work in a functioning cafe. This social enterprise project (Cornerstone) is been launched in a historical building in the heart of London. Visit the site.
How Does an Organization Know When it is Engaging Youth?
There is no fixed approach to youth programming that engages youth. Youth engagement is a spectrum of approaches that are reciprocal, dynamic and interactive. They range from programs that target young people to programs for youth, run by youth. Check out this interesting item from the Trillium Foundation.
Counting To Twenty
John John is a mini Bill Cosby... Check out #s 14 and up. Defines cuteness.
UN Releases 'Children's Rights and Business Principles'
The 'Children's Rights and Business Principles' represents the first set of principles to guide companies on the full range of actions they can take to respect and support children's rights. Look here for more.
Prescriptions of ADHD Meds Also on the Rise in Canada
The upward trend in the prevalence of diagnoses of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and of the prescribing of medications to treat ADHD seen in the United States and other developed countries is also occurring in Canada, except in pre-school-aged children, according to a new study published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. (Free membership may be required - it's a good site and a source of information)
How Supportive Parenting Impacts Your Child's Brain
A recent study by experts at Washington University illustrates why good parenting skills and parent wellbeing is so important that it can even affect the size of an important part of the brain - the hippocampus.
Teacher Abuse is on the Increase
The days of teachers getting an apple have been replaced with verbal abuse, racial and sexist slurs, repeated intimidation, threats of physical violence, vandalism of personal belongings and persistent classroom disruption.
38% of all teachers are reporting being a victim of a student's disrespectful behaviour.
27% of teachers have been physically assaulted
16% are verbally abused.
11% have been subjected to repeated racial, sexual and religious slurs.
University First to Offer Tuition Waivers for Youth in Care in Manitoba
The University of Winnipeg launched the Youth in Care Tuition Waiver Program to ensure that youth who have grown up in care can dream about and plan for their academic future at UWinnipeg regardless of socio-economic background. This is the first program of its kind in Manitoba and believed to be unique for a University in Canada.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Help us make this the newsletter you want to see in your inbox each week!! Feel free to send us your interesting articles, videos and latest information from around Canada that highlights children and youth! We would love to hear from you! Simply email us at beyond2020@rogers.com!
TED-ED Launched
Ted-Ed harnesses the talent of the world's best teachers and visualizers, extending great lessons beyond a single classroom to anyone with internet access. In the first stage TED-Ed launches a new education channel on YouTube today that offers up original video content that marries the talent of great teachers with top animators.
Youth Suicide Rate Decrease After Entrance Into Canadian Foster Care
Using data from more than 8 000 children ranging in age from 5 to 17, Katz found that 2 years prior to being placed into care, future foster children were more likely to commit suicide, attempt suicide or be hospitalized, than the general population. However, the results showed that these rates decreased after the children had been placed into care.
Shannen's Dream will Continue to Have a Positive Impact
"I want to have a better education because I want to follow my dreams and grow up and study to be a lawyer. for the last eight years, I have never been in a real school since I've started my education. For what inspired me was when I realized in great eight that I've been going to school in these portables for eight long struggling years." Read More.
For Youth, Economic Recovery was "Almost Non-existent"
"The economic recovery has been almost non-existent for younger Canadians, (those aged 15-24 years). They accounted for more than half of all net job losses during the recession and employment still stands some 250 000 below its pre-recession peak. In contrast, jobs held by those over the age of 25 hers are more than 400 000 above it's level prior to the downturn." Read article:
Adventures of a Teenage Polyglot
SOME people pick up a little Hebrew before their bar mitzvahs, or learn Spanish from their mothers, or can speak some Japanese from a semester abroad. What about the high school student who speaks more than 16 languages for the fun of it!
How You Should Feel About Kony 2012
If you have been awake over the past week, you've probably heard something about "Kony 2012," a new campaign aimed at raising awareness of Ugandan guerrilla leader and war criminal Joseph Kony. It seems everyone has one of the following opinions about Kony and Invisible Children's campaign - see them here:
Video Goes Viral
This time-lapse video of a pregnant mom and expecting father encapsulates nine-months in just under two minutes.
TED-ED Launched
Ted-Ed harnesses the talent of the world's best teachers and visualizers, extending great lessons beyond a single classroom to anyone with internet access. In the first stage TED-Ed launches a new education channel on YouTube today that offers up original video content that marries the talent of great teachers with top animators.
Youth Suicide Rate Decrease After Entrance Into Canadian Foster Care
Using data from more than 8 000 children ranging in age from 5 to 17, Katz found that 2 years prior to being placed into care, future foster children were more likely to commit suicide, attempt suicide or be hospitalized, than the general population. However, the results showed that these rates decreased after the children had been placed into care.
Shannen's Dream will Continue to Have a Positive Impact
"I want to have a better education because I want to follow my dreams and grow up and study to be a lawyer. for the last eight years, I have never been in a real school since I've started my education. For what inspired me was when I realized in great eight that I've been going to school in these portables for eight long struggling years." Read More.
For Youth, Economic Recovery was "Almost Non-existent"
"The economic recovery has been almost non-existent for younger Canadians, (those aged 15-24 years). They accounted for more than half of all net job losses during the recession and employment still stands some 250 000 below its pre-recession peak. In contrast, jobs held by those over the age of 25 hers are more than 400 000 above it's level prior to the downturn." Read article:
Adventures of a Teenage Polyglot
SOME people pick up a little Hebrew before their bar mitzvahs, or learn Spanish from their mothers, or can speak some Japanese from a semester abroad. What about the high school student who speaks more than 16 languages for the fun of it!
How You Should Feel About Kony 2012
If you have been awake over the past week, you've probably heard something about "Kony 2012," a new campaign aimed at raising awareness of Ugandan guerrilla leader and war criminal Joseph Kony. It seems everyone has one of the following opinions about Kony and Invisible Children's campaign - see them here:
Video Goes Viral
This time-lapse video of a pregnant mom and expecting father encapsulates nine-months in just under two minutes.
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