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Binge drinking has increased over the last decade, especially with youth between the ages of 15 to 25. A 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey found that almost 21 per cent of Canadians 12 years of age and older binged on alcohol 12 or more times a…

Energy drinks provide physical and mental stimulation for short periods of time. Popular energy drinks in Canada include Monster, RedBull, Rockstar, FullThrottle, Hype, and Red Dragon. These brands and others can be found nearly anywhere beverages…

Any kind of major disruption in the family home can cause confusion and trauma for children, including from interruptions arising from the arrest and incarceration of a parent. This fact sheet provides a summary of some of the challenges children…

Ketamine is most often used legally as an anesthetic by veterinarians and doctors. Recent research suggests that ketamine may also be useful in treating alcoholism, heroin addiction, migraines, and depression. Ketamine is a highly addictive drug…

Ecstasy (aka X, E, Adam, Eve, MDMA, party pill, and hug beans) is a synthetic drug often consumed in pill form. It is commonly taken at house parties, raves, or nightclubs and comes in small capsules or tablets with designs and bright colors,…

Infants and young children, ages 0-7 years, are particularly vulnerable when faced with prolonged separation from one or both parents. This may be due to the absence of a primary caregiver at a time when biological and psychological needs require…

Smoke alarms are small, self-contained electrical units that signal an alarm warning when detecting the presence of smoke or fire. Smoke alarms may be hard wired into a building, and powered by a replaceable battery, or a combination of the two.…

People who are tormented by bullying are at increased risk for mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. Studies have linked racial harassment to psychological strain, depression, and nervousness. Those who are tormented by bullying…

Gambling involves risking something of value on an uncertain outcome in the hopes of increasing value or profit. Gambling is generally regarded as a problem when the gambler begins to experience a number of negative consequences from their gambling…

Internet addiction refers to a compulsive need to be online in a way that interferes with normal life and that may negatively affect close friends and family. Internet addictions can negatively affect personal relationships with friends, significant…

Gen Y’s (aka Millenials), born between the late 1970’s and 2000, have grown up with technology as part of their social landscape. More than any other generation, Gen Y’s understand the power of technology as a communication and social tool. Because…

While most parents acknowledge the necessity of car seats for babies, many are not aware of the need to properly restrain older children. Seat belts are designed for people who are at least 4 feet 9 inches (145cm) tall. In a crash, a proper fitting…

Restorative action is valued in communities that view conflict as a learning opportunity. It is a practice that helps individuals understand the effect of their actions on others and to build skills for resolving conflicts more peacefully.…

Marijuana (also known as cannabis) is a widely used drug, particularly among young people. Marijuana use among Canadian youth has steadily increased to approximately 30% of those in grades 7 to 12 and 47% of 18 to 19 year olds. There is a growing…

Similar to morphine, fentanyl is a synthetic opiate used to treat patients with extreme chronic pain. Sometimes it is used for patients coming out of surgery. Street names for fentanyl include TNT, China girl, Goodfella, Murder 8, and Tango and Cash…

Baby bath seats and rings are devices used to hold babies in an upright position while in the bathtub. Some parents use baby bath seats or rings to free up their hands while washing a child. This occurs as suction cups fasten the seat or ring to the…

Alcohol and other substances impact a driver’s ability to make accurate judgments. It can slow reflexes, making accidents much more likely. In 2004, alcohol was a contributing factor in 23% of all police-reported motor vehicle fatal collisions. In…

Crystal meth is a stimulant drug also known as meth, tina, yaba, crystal, jib, speed, crank, ice, sketch, cryssie, or glass. It is a white, odourless powder that can be snorted, smoked, injected, and eaten. Meth does not occur naturally. It is a…

When indigenous children are overrepresented among children separated from their family environment, as they are in British Columbia, specially targeted measures should be adopted in consultation with indigenous communities in order to reduce the…

When a child is having a problem with her or his peers, it can be hard for parents to know what is really happening – is it bullying? Or is it something else? Each type of behaviour, whether peer conflict, mean behaviour, or bullying must be handled…

Sexual abuse of a child happens when children are used for the sexual gratification of an adult, older adolescent, or someone else in a position of authority over the child. Sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse that occurs when a child…

A disability refers to physical or mental impairments that make daily routines and activities more challenging. Children with disabilities may require assistance from a person, animal, or a special device. A physical disability may occur as a result…

Dating violence refers to abuse or mistreatment that occurs between dating partners or those in the process of developing an intimate relationship. This includes when two people first meet or become interested in one another, on their first date,…

Schools and communities in BC have a wealth of cultural and racial diversity. Considering that one in six youth are of a visible minority, it is important not only to acknowledge differences but to learn, model, and respect varied ways of knowing…

Under section 214 of the British Columbian Motor Vehicle Act, it is illegal to use any hand-held device while operating a vehicle. This legislation was introduced in 2010 to promote safe driving and reduce injuries related to distracted drivers.…