Winnipeg Education - From the strap to meds

My wife is a teacher, and a lot of our friends are teachers or in education. Many of my evenings are spent hearing about our education system. Its not all bad, but there is definite concern. From the lack of accountability to the growing population of children entering the system who have either grown up in broken homes or foster care, what I often hear is that the system is moving more toward day care than it is teaching.

One topic that comes up constantly is the number of children being prescribed medication for behavioural issues. ADD to autism, violence to lethargy; all seem to be remedied by one quick trip to the doctor's office. It was only recently that I realized how much of my wife's day is spent just issuing meds to the kids.

In my Dad's day, if you acted up or if you weren't doing what you were supposed to, the principal gave you the strap. There are countless stories my Dad told me of him or his siblings or his friends getting a lashing from administration.

Am I saying we should go back to the strap? No. Am I saying that meds don't work? No. Am I saying I have the answer? No. What I am saying or asking is, how many of you know just how many meds are being prescribed to children these days? Do you know the process? Is it your kids? What is the long-term implication?

I have no answers, but I have questions. If you have questions, make sure you ask them.