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Mike Simpson, Principal |
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The Asset Approach to Healthy Adolescent Development Recent research has shown that the key to raising responsible kids lies in something called The 40 Developmental Assets. Created by Search Institute® and grounded in scientific research, Developmental Assets are the building blocks for children and teens.
The 40 assets focus on the strengths of children and youth, rather than problems.
There is a strong relationship between the number of assets present in young people’s lives and their ability to develop in positive and healthful ways. In fact, the more assets a child has, the more positive and successful their development. The fewer the number of assets present, the greater the possibility youth will engage in risky behaviours such as drug use, unsafe sex, and violence.
Can Anything Be Done to Increase the Assets Young People Experience? Yes! Building assets in children is something everyone can do: parents, nurses, teachers, friends, neighbours, bus drivers, cafeteria, and restaurant staff and business owners–all community members.
Youth and adults—in big cities and small towns—are beginning to understand in growing numbers the
awesome power they have in making positive and lasting impact on the lives of young people.
Individually and together, they can be actively engaged in the movement to grow healthy communities
and healthy youth.
For more information on the Development Assets go to MVParents.com Positive Parenting Promotes Healthy Adolescent Behaviours How important is it for parents of high school aged children to be closely involved with their children’s day-to-day activities? As children transition from elementary to secondary school, communication between parents and school and parents and children often diminishes.
According to a recent national report, “Improving the Health of Young Canadians” (2005) by the
Canadian Population Health Initiative, it is critical for parents to remain involved in their children’s lives
even as they move from childhood to young adulthood. “Higher levels of family connectedness and
more positive relationships with parents are associated with a lower likelihood of engaging in
unprotected sex, lower levels of teen pregnancy, less violence and substance use, less likelihood of
experiencing emotional distress and higher self-rated health status.” “Adolescents with secure parental attachments are less likely to engage in drug use, excessive drinking, and risky sexual behaviours. They are also less likely to have mental health problems, weight- related concerns, and eating disorders...”
How do parents support these secure attachments with their adolescents, especially when teen years can seem to make it even more difficult to be close to your kids? Research suggests that parents: • be attentive, active listeners • monitor behaviour, set limits • negotiate rules and responsibilities • accept individuality • maintain “connectedness” even when disagreeing on important issues
More information is found at The Canadian Institute for Health Information
Did you know...?
The Niagara Regions Public Health Department assigns a school nurse to every elementary and secondary school within Niagara. Each nurse works together with their schools by providing support and resources to teachers, students, and parents on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. the nurse's role is mandated by the provincial government and is therefore closely related to the Ontario Health and Physical Education curriculum.
The school nurse offers each school support and resources on a variety of health related topics, including:
The School Health Program is dedicated to encouraging every school within Niagara to create an environment that supports the optimal health of all students, staff, and their families.
To learn more about the role of the school nurse and School Health Programs, please call (905 688-8248 ext. 7156 or visit us at Regional Niagara.
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