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.
Something somewhere is waiting to be known...
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
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.
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