Share this Story : National Post Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Amy Hamm: Professor-activists want 'harm reduction' for Kindergarteners 

A vague new guideline on drug education for kids insists on anti-stigma approaches for all ages

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

A group of academics and researchers is working hard to normalize the idea of radical harm reduction for children as young as four or five.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Enjoy additional articles per month.

Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments

Enjoy additional articles per month

Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

In June, the group, which goes by the name Anchoring Change, published a guide on drug education for Canadian youth, beginning in kindergarten, that suspiciously rebrands “harm reduction” as “harm minimization.” The group’s “guiding principles,” listed in the report, included trauma-informed practices; equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization; culturally responsive practices; student voice and harm minimization.

Amy Hamm: Professor-activists want 'harm reduction' for Kindergarteners  Back to video

The language used throughout the guide appears to be intentionally vague so as to avoid controversy. While it does not contain explicit descriptions of harm reduction interventions, it is laden with mentions of the importance of “anti-stigma” approaches to drug use and providing “stigma-free information,” and suggests that drug use not be prevented in all cases, but merely delayed or reduced. It describes “age-appropriate literacy” for students without citing examples of what this looks like. Can kindergarteners be shown crack pipes? Who knows, because “developmentally appropriate” can mean drastically different things to different teachers. The guide also mentions “confidential pathways to brief intervention and care,” suggesting that parents may be left in the dark about their children’s substance........

© National Post