children

Cannabis use in teenagers is linked to psychosis

Teenagers who use cannabis in their early teens are more likely to experience hallucinations or delusions. This is the findings of a new study conducted by John McGrath, M.D., Ph.D., F.R.A.N.Z.C.P., of the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), University of Queensland, Australia. Due to be published in May in the Archives of General Psychiatry, a medical [...]

Cutting – a symptom or a mental health issue?

The term ‘cutting’ refers to the widespread practice of cutting yourself with a sharp object with the purpose of injuring and scaring  the skin. Although it is not much talked about in the media, this form of self harm has a growing following within the teenage population, especially girls. It is also alarming that tweens are beginning [...]

Helping a Teenager with their diet and lifestyle choices

It is crucial that adolescents receive the required nutrients while growing and developing. However it is also just as important to take action if a teenager is above a normal healthy weight. It is sometimes difficult to find a balance when there is so much in the media about diets and body image; when all [...]

Violence in school yards on the increase

Violence in the school yard is becoming more prolific with the incidents becoming more serious and increasingly involving weapons of some kind. New figures from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research showed an 8% increase in assaults occurring at schools during 2009, compared to 2008. During 2009 134 of the general assaults occurring [...]

Ethical lessons for Years 5 and 6

Year 5 and 6 students will shortly be able to attend classes on ‘ethical discussions’ that are being introduced on a trial basis in ten NSW government schools across Sydney. These schools include Haberfield, Darlinghurst, Crown Street, Leichhardt and Hurstville. In April students at these schools who do not currently attend scripture lessons can participate [...]

New drug "Meow" set to hit the streets

There are growing concerns over a new drug on the streets commonly known as “Meow” that is becoming very popular on the clubbing scene. The fear is that many teenagers new to night clubs and drugs might underestimate the strength and harmful effects this drug can hand out. The greatest danger lies in its addictive nature [...]

Tweens play minx on sordid website

Sleazy lifestyle games website for tweens. A new website was launched in the UK shortly before Christmas aimed at the 'tweens' called My Minx and already it has attracted over 20,000 members, some as young as seven years old. Originally billed as ''Barbie meets Chanel''  the games' creators also made Miss Bimbo, which has over two million members [...]

Stabbing death highlights increased violence in schools

The tragic circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing of 12-year-old school boy Elliott Fletcher during a school yard fracas at St Patrick’s College at Shorncliffe Brisbane on Monday 15 February has sent shock waves around the country. It has prompted new calls for more security at the school gate and the introduction of metal detectors. However [...]

Recent Findings: the facts about cereal nutrition for children

The Facts about cereal nutrition and food marketing to children. Published in "Journal Watch Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine", November 15 2009 Cereal companies worldwide speak to children early through everything from TV advertising and product placement on their favourite foods and clothing to the DVD's they watch and the games they play. Their campaigns are aggressive, direct and most [...]

National poll on raising the legal drinking age to 21

AUSTRALIA should increase the legal drinking age to 21, according to a national online poll. Kevin Rudd has again sparked outrage on the ABC's Q&A by suggesting that he 'personally' supports an older drinking limit and sees 21 years old as quite reasonable and feasible. Suprisingly this view was also later supported by an online [...]

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