Outdated Ontario health curriculum reinstated as Fellow Dr. David Wolfe is named to RSC for work in youth risk behaviours
Monday, September 24, 2018
The Royal Society of Canada (RSC) named Dr. David Wolfe a Fellow on September 11, 2018, conferring on him the highest academic and scientific award available in Canada. Dr. Wolfe was honoured for the ground-breaking work demonstrating that a modern health curriculum in Ontario could reduce youth risk behaviours concerning sexual behaviour and relationship violence. In an ironic twist, the day the RSC announced the award, children in Ontario were returning to schools under an outdated health curriculum.
Dr. Wolfe and his colleagues at Western University named the program The Fourth R, emphasizing the importance of building strong and healthy relationships in keeping children and youth safe. Fourth R strategies, taught in Health and Physical Education by classroom teachers, reduce dating violence and delay the start of risk activities such as drinking, drugs and sexual activity. This innovative curriculum is now available from Grade 7 through 9, and includes lessons on positive mental health and development.
To learn more about the Fourth R, click here.
To learn more about Dr. Wolfe's election to the Royal Society of Canada, click here.
