Healthy Child Development
One-third of Canadians are under the age of 25. The following is a synopsis of initiatives offering data and research findings as well as policy-related tools in regard to healthy child development and the youth agenda.
Basic Needs
Early Learning and Child Care
Middle Childhood Matters
Adolescence and Development
Inclusion
CNA Speaks out on Federal Legislation Targeting Youth Smoking
In May 2009, the federal government proposed changes to the Tobacco Act, aimed at preventing youth from smoking (see Bill C-32). CNA wrote to members of Parliament (MPs) and senators supporting the legislation and pointing out the positive impact it would have on Canadians’ health and on nursing care. While MPs passed the bill, it still needs the approval of the Senate before it can become law. CNA encourages registered nurses to talk to MPs and senators about this issue when Parliament reconvenes this fall. Tips on writing letters and arranging meetings with federal politicians are available here. The government’s Federal Tobacco Control Strategy is up for renewal in 2011. Please send us your comments on the strategy and tell us “how tobacco use impacts your nursing practice.”
More Information on Healthy Child Development
Child Immunization Campaign
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has established a three-year public education immunization campaign to encourage parents to have their children immunized against certain diseases before the age of two.
The role of nurses and other health-care providers in informing and advising parents is critical for preventing communicable diseases. Still, in spite of scientific evidence, achieving and maintaining high levels of immunization coverage remains a challenge in Canada. In response, PHAC has gathered and developed tools and resources for health professionals, including:
- Canadian Immunization Guide Seventh Edition (2006)
- Immunization Competencies for Health Professionals (2008)
- National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI)
- Adverse Events Following Immunization Reporting Form
- A Parent’s Guide to Immunization
Central to the campaign is A Parent’s Guide to Immunization, a booklet that offers clear, easy-to-understand information for parents of children up to two years of age. It addresses vaccine safety and the importance of on-time immunization, and provides parents with information on what to expect when their child gets immunized. It also includes information on 13 vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, mumps, pertussis, influenza, diphtheria and tetanus. Download copies to use in your practice.
The Progress of Canada’s Children and Youth 2006, a report issued by the Canadian Council on Social Development, finds that while the majority of children and youth are doing well, major obstacles face several groups: those with disabilities; Aboriginal children; children living in poverty; and youth who are recent immigrants and visible minorities.
The Government of Canada's National Crime Prevention Strategy aims to reduce crime and victimization. It is a proactive approach that addresses underlying social, cultural and economic risk factors that can contribute to crime and victimization. One of the priorities selected was school-based anti-bullying programs.
Bullying Prevention in Schools: Executive Summary
Bullying Prevention in Schools (Report)
First steps to stop bullying: Adults helping children aged 4 to 11
First steps to stop bullying and harassment: Adults helping children aged 12 to 17
The National Children’s Alliance, of which CNA is a member organization, lobbies governments on issues underlying healthy child development.
National Children’s Alliance Document for Presentation to the Romanow Commission
