More than 25 per cent of Canadian children and youth, and 41 per cent of those in mother-led single parent families, have at least one significant developmental problem, according to a national longitudinal study released in 1996. Unfortunately, many of these children are not getting treatment. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadians aged 15 to 24. A United Nations report reveals that Canadian youth aged 15 to 19 have the third highest suicide rate of 23 countries surveyed.
Drug abuse is also a serious problem.
After peaking in 1979, use of most substances among Canadian youth declined until the early 90s. However since then, use of both legal and illegal substances has generally increased. There are numerous programs to identify, treat or prevent problems. A recent CAMH Best Advice Paper recommends that schools provide drug education from kindergarten through to the end of high school. The paper encourages programs to focus on life skills development, to use interactive approaches and to provide factual, objective information.