News for Week of October 10, 1999
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Spanking Linked to Psychiatric Disorders
Researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario have found a direct link bretween spanking and slapping children and increased rates of anxiety disorders, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, anti-social behaviour and, to a lesser extent, depression. The full article can be viewed at the Canadian Medical Association Journal site.
The Adolescent Health Survey II administered a 127-item questionnaire last year to 25,383 students in Grades 7-12 in British Columbia. The report reveals that moe than 90% of teenagers are in excellent health and feel good about themselves, the rate of sexual abuse appears to be down, and the majority do not smoke, drink, have sex or fight. More than 80% volunteer with community organizations. A summary of the key findings is available at the McCreary Centre Society web site where the 36-page report, Healthy Connections: Listening to BC Youth can be ordered. In the focus on early childhood in recent public policy announcements, we are reminded that adolescence is also a key period with consequences affecting one's adult life.
Updated October 11, 1999