Condemnation and end of fully online learning in Ontario
The Issue
A study between UNC and Duke found the rate children were giving COVID-19 to adults at school was 0.0%. There were 32 cases of adults giving it to children. This study was across 11 school districts and nearly 100,000 students and staff for 9 weeks of fully in-person instruction. In Ontario, the spread of COVID-19 is 10 fold lower than that of long-term care facilities. It's a fact that school attendance does not amplify nor increase the severity of community spread of COVID-19.
So quite obviously, the disadvantages of high schoolers returning to school is significantly low. What are the disadvantages of them not?
Studies have shown that even the short-term shutdown in spring led to a literacy and math delay of up to one year, with regression in reading ability noted in some populations. These deficits may never be recovered and will result in long-term challenges for countless children..
There is a reported two-to-three fold increase in potential school failure rates in Ontario and Quebec high schools. These failures will conglomerate and effect post secondary education acceptance, career opportunities and will lead to increase illness and poverty in the next 10 years.
Other consequences of school closures include worsening mental health, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and suicides among children and teens. Reductions in physical activity and staggering increases in screen time are in direct opposition to the initiatives set forth by the Canadian Paediatric Society. Social interaction is greatly diminished, leading to stunts in emotional and social maturity for teens and children. A study published by the CDC noted the majority of COVID cases in schools are traced to transmission from out-of-school gatherings by parents or other members of a child's household. If lockdown measures were as successful as Mr. Ford says they are, there would be no danger in opening schools.
When Doug Ford revealed the school closures, he did not cite any studies or evidence it would curb the spread or decrease the severity of COVID-19. This needs to stop.
As a teen in Ontario myself, I can tell how this is effecting my peers. More involved subjects have become completely inept, and student's mental health is worsening by the day.
It's time for action. We ask Doug Ford politely - resign. We ask Stephen Lecce - resign. We ask for the provincial government to follow science and facts.
The Issue
A study between UNC and Duke found the rate children were giving COVID-19 to adults at school was 0.0%. There were 32 cases of adults giving it to children. This study was across 11 school districts and nearly 100,000 students and staff for 9 weeks of fully in-person instruction. In Ontario, the spread of COVID-19 is 10 fold lower than that of long-term care facilities. It's a fact that school attendance does not amplify nor increase the severity of community spread of COVID-19.
So quite obviously, the disadvantages of high schoolers returning to school is significantly low. What are the disadvantages of them not?
Studies have shown that even the short-term shutdown in spring led to a literacy and math delay of up to one year, with regression in reading ability noted in some populations. These deficits may never be recovered and will result in long-term challenges for countless children..
There is a reported two-to-three fold increase in potential school failure rates in Ontario and Quebec high schools. These failures will conglomerate and effect post secondary education acceptance, career opportunities and will lead to increase illness and poverty in the next 10 years.
Other consequences of school closures include worsening mental health, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and suicides among children and teens. Reductions in physical activity and staggering increases in screen time are in direct opposition to the initiatives set forth by the Canadian Paediatric Society. Social interaction is greatly diminished, leading to stunts in emotional and social maturity for teens and children. A study published by the CDC noted the majority of COVID cases in schools are traced to transmission from out-of-school gatherings by parents or other members of a child's household. If lockdown measures were as successful as Mr. Ford says they are, there would be no danger in opening schools.
When Doug Ford revealed the school closures, he did not cite any studies or evidence it would curb the spread or decrease the severity of COVID-19. This needs to stop.
As a teen in Ontario myself, I can tell how this is effecting my peers. More involved subjects have become completely inept, and student's mental health is worsening by the day.
It's time for action. We ask Doug Ford politely - resign. We ask Stephen Lecce - resign. We ask for the provincial government to follow science and facts.
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Petition created on January 20, 2021