The Toronto Star – Catherine Little
“According to survey released by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health recently, one third of Ontario adolescents in Grades 7 to 12 reported signs of “psychological distress.” This is a 10 per cent increase since the last survey in 2013. Dr. Robert Mann, co-lead investigator of the survey speculated that part of the reason could be life is “much more complex now than it was 20, 30 years ago.” I agree. Things are a lot more complex — for teens as well as the adults. And I suspect at least part of the issue may be the mixed messages we send our children about this complex life and the choices they have to make at increasingly early ages. We say we want children to have fun … play outside. Toronto city council just lifted the ban on street hockey and basketball, citing children should be active without risking a fine. Parents, teachers and other significant adults have been known to give children the advice to follow their dreams, do what they are good at and life will unfold as it should. But do we really mean it?.”(more)