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Who are Ontario’s young people?
Adolescence is recognized as a distinct developmental stage that occurs between childhood and early adulthood.
There are approximately 2.47 million young people between 12 and 25 years living in Ontario
There are many characteristics that distinguish Ontario's youth today. Broadly, our young people are:
An ever more important share of Ontario's population: The proportion of young people in Ontario is declining. By 2036, youth aged 12 to 25 will make up 16% of the population. Indeed, the share of Ontario's working age population aged 15 to 64 is shrinking (from 69.3% in 2013 to 60.4% in 2036). These trends mean that Ontario's prosperity rests on the shoulders of a smaller share of the population
Well-educated: Ontario youth have high high-school completion rates
Culturally and geographically diverse: Ontario is a large province that is home to one of the most multicultural and diverse populations in the world. More than one million of the province's young people 24 years and under – and nearly 26% of youth aged 13 to 24 – belong to a visible minority group
Young Ontarians also live in diverse communities across the province – including major cities, small towns, on reserves and in remote regions.
Technologically connected: The way young people spend their time and connect using technology and social media is changing the way they learn and process information, the nature of the relationships they have with friends and the ways in which they participate and express their opinions.
Looking for ways to be engaged: We know young people want to participate in decisions that will impact their lives. Overall, Ontarians aged 15 to 24 have higher rates of participation in community, cultural, recreational or school-related organizations and activities than the rest of the population
Preparing for challenging careers: Today's youth are likely to work many jobs in their lifetime and even have multiple careers. Increasingly, youth are developing a wider set of interpersonal and creative skills to help them succeed in the modern workplace and drive the economy
Facing health and wellness issues: Research suggests that today's young people will not necessarily be healthier than their parents. Childhood obesity rates for Canadian children between two and 17 years have increased from 15% in 1979 to 26% in 2004
Taking longer to gain independence: Research shows that, on average, the transition to adulthood has become longer and more complex than for previous generations. Many Ontario youth are staying in school longer, living at home for prolonged periods, and taking longer to marry and gain economic independence
Living in busy families: Changes in family structure over the past 30 years have impacted the ways that young people interact with their parents, siblings and extended families in the home. For example, single-parent families are on the rise. Families today lead busy lives, often with both parents working outside the home. For many families, finding time in their schedules to spend together is difficult.
Understanding the needs of all youth
The majority of Ontario's young people are thriving. At the same, we know that many youth in Ontario face multiple barriers and need some help to reach their full potential. We recognize that some groups of youth have unique circumstances, challenges and needs and we want to acknowledge the individual strengths and voice they bring to this framework. These youth may need more targeted supports and opportunities to ensure they are able to succeed.
Racialized youth: We know that racialized youth face challenges with marginalization, racism, employment barriers, education setbacks, and social and cultural isolation that can have a negative impact on their development. Racialized youth in Ontario have lower rates of employment and higher rates of poverty than the rest of the population
Newcomer youth: The needs and life experiences of immigrant, refugee and first generation youth are unique as they adapt to a new culture and environment in Canada. Youth who are new to Canada may speak English as a second language, may have past experiences with trauma, and may have extra responsibilities at home as they are often relied on to support their parents in navigating systems and services in their communities. Studies have also found that newcomers are more likely to experience discrimination when seeking employment
Aboriginal youth: There is great diversity among Aboriginal peoples in Ontario – including First Nations living on and off-reserve, Métis, Inuit, and urban Aboriginal populations – each having a distinct culture, history, and experiences. Aboriginal young people represent the largest and fastest growing population of youth across Canada. Almost half of the Aboriginal population in Ontario (43%) is under age 24, compared to one-third (32%) of the non-Aboriginal population
We know that some Aboriginal youth in Ontario face complex challenges relating to issues such as poverty, housing, and barriers to education and employment. Many youth and families also face social issues often resulting from the inter-generational effects of residential schools, such as cultural disconnection, mental health issues and addictions, and parenting challenges. We also know that many Aboriginal youth are looking towards a positive future for their children and grandchildren. Services and programs that are culturally based and holistic in approach are important to ensuring these youth can feel supported and connected. Aboriginal youth are working to support local social and economic growth, and want to lead their communities into a bright and successful future.
Youth with disabilities or special needs: Many young people in Ontario are living with disabilities and special needs – including those who have physical or developmental disabilities, those with chronic conditions, those with a learning disorder and those who have difficulty seeing, hearing or speaking
We know that youth living with disabilities or special needs in Ontario have a lot to offer their communities. However, we also know that they face barriers and challenges relating to accessibility and social inclusion. These young people may be more vulnerable to abuse, living in poor housing, living below the poverty line, being bullied, and being unemployed. Gaining access to disability friendly environments plays an important role in supporting youth with disabilities or special needs to thrive.
Youth in and leaving care: In 2012, more than 8,300 children and youth were living in care in Ontario
LGBT2SQ youth: Ontario is home to many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit and queer young people (LGBT2SQ) who have important perspectives to offer their communities. We know that LGBT2SQ youth are more likely to experience discrimination, verbal assault and physical violence than their peers. We also know that LGBT2SQ youth are more likely to face challenges with mental health, substance abuse and homelessness.
Francophone youth: One in four francophones in Ontario are under the age of 25. Almost one in two young Franco-Ontarians live in Eastern Ontario, close to the Quebec border
Youth living in rural and remote communities: In 2006, 14% of Ontarians under 25 years of age lived in rural areas
Youth living in poverty: In 2009, households where young people under 25 are the major income earner have the second highest rates of poverty in Canada (33.8%)
Youth in conflict with the law: Evidence shows that young people who have been in conflict with the law face a number of barriers and challenges as they age. Since the Youth Criminal Justice Act came into force in 2004, fewer young Ontarians are being brought into custody – but those that are tend to be the most high-risk young people. In addition, some groups of young people are over-represented in the youth justice system, including Aboriginal youth and African-Canadian youth. Youth who are or have been in custody tend to have poorer outcomes in areas such as education and employment. Recognizing the challenges these youth face can help us to better support them to live up to their potential.
Footnotes
- footnote[5] Back to paragraph Ministry of Finance. 2012. "Ontario Population Estimates." Last modified June 15, 2012..
- footnote[6] Back to paragraph Ibid.
- footnote[7] Back to paragraph Statistics Canada. 2012. "Labour Force Survey."
- footnote[8] Back to paragraph Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. 2012. "Education at a Glance, 2012: OECD Indicators.".
- footnote[9] Back to paragraph Ontario Trillium Foundation. 2011. "Diversity in Ontario: A Community Profile." http://www.otf.ca/en/knowledgeSharingCentre/div_ontario.asp.
- footnote[10] Back to paragraph Ibid.
- footnote[11] Back to paragraph Statistics Canada. 2006. "Census of Population- Catalogue No. 97-557-XCB2006013."
- footnote[12] Back to paragraph Ministry of Children and Youth Services. 2012. "Stepping Stones: A Resource on Youth Development." Last modified June 13, 2012. .
- footnote[13] Back to paragraph Freeman, J., King, M., Al-Haque, R., and Pickett, W. 2012. "Healthy and Health-Related Behaviours Among Young People: Ontario.".
- footnote[14] Back to paragraph Ministry of Children and Youth Services. 2006. "A Shared Responsibility: Ontario’s Policy Framework for Child and Youth Mental Health." Last modified October 26, 2011..
- footnote[15] Back to paragraph Vézina, M., and Crompton, S. 2012. "Volunteering in Canada." Last modified April 16, 2012. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-008-x/2012001/article/11638-eng.htm.
- footnote[16] Back to paragraph Imagine Canada. 2010. "Giving and Volunteering in Ontario: Findings from the Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering, and Participating." http://www.imaginecanada.ca/files/www/en/giving/reports/ontario_report_en_2007_21122010.pdf.
- footnote[17] Back to paragraph National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts. 2007. "Ready for the future? Young people’s views on work and careers". http://www.nesta.org.uk/library/documents/ready-for-the-future.pdf.
- footnote[18] Back to paragraph Statistics Canada. 2012. "Labour Force Survey."
- footnote[19] Back to paragraph Ibid.
- footnote[20] Back to paragraph Standing Committee on Health. 2007. "Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids.".
- footnote[21] Back to paragraph Ministry of Children and Youth Services. 2006. "A Shared Responsibility: Ontario’s Policy Framework for Child and Youth Mental Health." Last modified October 26, 2011.
- footnote[22] Back to paragraph Clark, W. 2009. "Delayed transitions of young adults." Last modified January 2, 2009. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-008-x/2007004/10311-eng.htm.
- footnote[23] Back to paragraph Statistics Canada. 2013. "Living arrangements of young adults aged 20 to 29." Last modified January 9, 2013. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/as-sa/98-312-x/98-312-x2011003_3-eng.cfm.
- footnote[24] Back to paragraph Statistics Canada. 2013. "Fifty years of families: 1961 to 2011." Last modified January 9, 2013. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/as-sa/98-312-x/98-312-x2011003_1-eng.cfm.
- footnote[25] Back to paragraph Canadian Index of Wellbeing. 2010. "Caught in the Time Crunch: Time Use, Leisure and Culture in Canada." https://uwaterloo.ca/canadian-index-wellbeing/sites/ca.canadian-index-wellbeing/files/uploads/files/Caught_in_the_Time_Crunch_0.pdf.
- footnote[26] Back to paragraph National Council on Welfare. 2012. "Poverty profile: Special edition. A snapshot of racialized poverty in Canada." http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2012/cnb-ncw/HS51-2-2012S-eng.pdf.
- footnote[27] Back to paragraph Ontario Human Rights Commission. 2003. "Paying the price: the human cost of racial profiling. Racial Profiling Inquiry Report." Last modified October 21, 2003. http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/book/export/html/2472.
- footnote[28] Back to paragraph McMurtry, R., and Curling, A. 2008. "The Review of the Roots of Youth Violence: Vol. 1 – Findings, Analysis and Conclusions.".
- footnote[29] Back to paragraph Oreopoulos, P. 2009. "Why do skilled immigrants struggle in the labour market? A field experiment with six thousand resumes." National Bureau of Economic Research. http://www.hireimmigrantsottawa.ca/downloads/WhyDoSkilledImmigrantsStruggleintheLaborMarket.pdf.
- footnote[30] Back to paragraph Magalhaes, L., Carrasco, C., and Gastaldo, D. 2011."Undocumented migrants in Canada: A scope literature review on health, access to services, and working conditions." Journal of Immigrant Minor Health 12, no. 1: 132-151.
- footnote[31] Back to paragraph Statistics Canada. 2006. "2006 Census: Aboriginal Peoples in Canada in 2006: Inuit, Métis and First Nations." Last modified April 5, 2011. http://www12.statcan.ca/census-recensement/2006/as-sa/97-558/p4-eng.cfm.
- footnote[32] Back to paragraph The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples. 2003. "Urban Aboriginal Youth: An Action Plan for Change." http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/SEN/Committee/372/abor/rep/repfinoct03-e.pdf.
- footnote[33] Back to paragraph Statistics Canada. 2008. "Participation and Activity Limitation Survey of 2006: A Profile of Education for Children with Disabilities in Canada." http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-628-x/89-628-x2008004-eng.htm.
- footnote[34] Back to paragraph Ibid.
- footnote[35] Back to paragraph Ibid.
- footnote[36] Back to paragraph Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth. 2012. "My Real Life Book: Report from the Youth Leaving Care Hearings." http://www.provincialadvocate.on.ca/documents/en/ylc/YLC_REPORT_ENG.pdf.
- footnote[37] Back to paragraph Kufeldt, K. 2003. "Graduates of Guardianship Care: Outcomes in Early Adulthood." In K. Kufeldt and B. McKenzie (Eds.), Child Welfare: Connecting Research, Policy and Practice.Waterloo: Wilfred Laurier University Press.
- footnote[38] Back to paragraph Lindsey, D. 1994. The Welfare of Children. New York: Oxford University Press.
- footnote[39] Back to paragraph Martin, F. 1995. "Tales of Transition: Gender Differences in Youth Leaving Care." PhD dissertation. University of Bristol.
- footnote[40] Back to paragraph Ministry of Children and Youth Services. 2013. "Blueprint for Fundamental Change to Ontario’s Child Welfare System: Final Report of the Youth Leaving Care Working Group.".
- footnote[41] Back to paragraph Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies.2008. "Gateway to Success: Educational Status of Crown Wards and Former Crown Wards aged 16 – 21." Toronto: OACAS.
- footnote[42] Back to paragraph Office of Francophone Affairs. 2009. "Francophone Youth in Ontario – Highlights." Last modified May 3, 2012.
- footnote[43] Back to paragraph Office of Francophone Affairs. 2008. "Accent on Youth: Ontario Government’s Francophone Youth Strategy."
- footnote[44] Back to paragraph Ibid.
- footnote[45] Back to paragraph Statistics Canada. 2006. "2006 Census of Population - Catalogue No. 97-558-XCB2006006."
- footnote[46] Back to paragraph Best Start Resource Centre. 2010. "How to Reach Rural Populations.".
- footnote[47] Back to paragraph Rural Ontario Municipal Association. 2011. "A Voice for Rural and Northern Ontario."
- footnote[48] Back to paragraph Sauvé, R. 2012. "The Current State of Canadian Family Finances 2011-2012 Report." Last modified March 22, 2012.
- footnote[49] Back to paragraph Ministry of Children and Youth Services. 2012. "Breaking the Cycle: Ontario's Poverty Reduction Strategy 2012 Annual Report." Last modified December 13, 2012..
- footnote[50] Back to paragraph American Psychological Association. 2013. "Effects of Poverty, Hunger and Homelessness on Children and Youth.".