Kids and teens are heading back to school soon, and The Canadian Press has started moving a variety of features examining pressing issues facing youth and parents including anxieties over finances and online harms. Here’s a look at some of our upcoming stories. Coverage plans are subject to change.
If you have questions, please contact Life-Arts Editor Melita Kuburas at [email protected]
Back-to-school budgets a learning opportunity
Budgeting for back to school shopping can be a daunting task, as parents balance school supply lists with all the other costs of raising children. But financial experts say it can also offer a chance to involve your children in the process and have them help them see how budgeting can work. By Craig Wong.
What’s worrying kids these days? Survey takes stock of social media, bullying, substance use
Youth-Mental-Heath-Survey: As back-to-school approaches, we report on a survey taking stock of mental health, substance use, social media use, online betting and bullying in Ontario youth in grades 7 through 12. By Nicole Ireland. Embargoed.
Ontario tuition freeze lift adds to OSAP debt woes
Ontario students say they’re facing heavier debt loads this fall after the Ford government slashed OSAP grants and lifted a long-standing tuition freeze. With grant funding cut and costs climbing, some students say they’re taking on more loans, working extra hours and worrying about how they’ll cover basic expenses. By Monique Kasonga.
Mental health providers brace for return to school
Youth mental health providers are bracing for an anticipated spike in demand when school resumes. Experts say demand for mental health services is climbing year over year amid social media harms and economic pressures. By Elissa Mendes.
As costs of laptops rise, here’s how to choose the right one
For parents of older kids, buying back to school supplies can also mean a new laptop. But the price of laptops has climbed as the raw materials that go into the devices, like computer processing chips, have risen. Tech experts weigh in on how to choose the right laptop for your child’s needs without breaking the bank. We’ll also look at the benefits and risks of buying second-hand laptops for cheaper. By Ritika Dubey.
School brace for battle trying to ban social media
Schools that already block social media sites like Instagram and TikTok sites for students say the federal government’s proposed ban faces a huge battle outside the classroom. By Brittany Hobson.
School violence a growing concern
Toronto Police say the number of high-profile crimes committed by young people is an area of concern, and data suggests violence in Ontario schools is growing. A look at some possible solutions, and how educators and social workers plan to address the issue of school violence. By Kathryn Mannie.
You teen is already in high school – is it too late for an RESP?
RESPs are touted as a great way to save for a child’s post-secondary education. But what if you as a parent feel late to the game in opening one? For parents of teenagers, is there such a thing as being too late in opening an RESP? Experts weigh in on this and other options parents of older kids can consider. By Nina Dragicevic.
RESPs are a powerful savings tool to fund a child’s post-secondary education, but experts say parents or guardians navigating withdrawals should start the process early and avoid common mistakes that may raise their tax burden or hurt growth of the investments in the account. By Daniel Johnson. Moved Business wire on Aug. 13.
Moving to a different city to attend post-secondary adds even more layers of complexity to an already tumultuous time in a young person’s life. We’ll look at what added expenses students need to consider before relocating for higher studies, how they can keep costs down and how to formulate a budget now that they live away from home. By Ritika Dubey. Moved on the Business wire Aug. 17.
