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Young and Restless
January 1, 1925
In 1900, more than half of the Canadian population was under the age
of 20. Today, that percentage is much lower.
Yet, numbers don't tell the whole story.
Young people in Canada are better educated and better protected than
ever before. Suddenly, educators, church groups and governments are starting
to pay serious attention to children's health, home life, delinquency
and work.
The Social Service Council of Canada, created in 1913, has brought together
churches, women's groups, organized labour, and rural organizations to
help advance the cause of youth. The St. George's School for Child Study
will be established later this year at the University of Toronto. The
National Department of Health has already created a Child Welfare Division
in 1920.
For children, work is gradually being replaced by school, as more and
more emphasis is put on attendance. By 1925, about 30% of girls and 25%
of boys between the ages of 15 and 19 attend school. This is a great improvement...and
getting better all the time.
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National Archives of Canada |
The change is all part of society's changing view of children. They were
once considered small adults who were obliged to work for their keep.
Now, childhood and adolescence are seen as distinct stages in a person's
life, with very different needs than adulthood.
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