Citation

Weir E. CMAJ 2005; 172(10): 1291-1292.

Affiliation

Canadian Medical Association Journal

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Canadian Medical Association)

DOI

10.1503/cmaj.045315

PMID

15883401

PMCID

PMC557096

Abstract

After a wave of violence in Ontario involving students and schools that resulted in the death of 3 teens in 3 separate incidents, Ontario's Minister of Education, Gerard Kennedy, unveiled components of the provincial government's Safe Schools strategy to prevent violence. They include school safety audits, electronic access devices and an anti-bullying hotline. This program, which has propagated throughout Canada, aims to enhance emotional literacy and reduce levels of violence by connecting students in elementary classrooms to a neighbourhood family with a baby. Students interact with the baby over 27 instructor-led sessions, exploring themes of human development, cultivating perspective, emotional connection and social inclusion.