Is Post-Secondary Education Worth the Cost?
Is Post-Secondary Education Worth the Cost? By: Iris Peña In an era of rising tuition costs and an evolving economy, an essential question lingers: Is post-secondary education still worth the cost in Canada? The Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation (CST) and Dr. Nathaniel Barr’s new report responds with a clear answer – post-secondary education provides strong benefits despite the burden of student debt. Peter Lewis, President and CEO of CST, shares his insight, findings from the research, and advice for parents — speaking both as an industry leader and as a parent himself.Career and Income Benefits of Higher Education An individual with higher education is more likely to earn a higher income throughout their lifetime and enjoy greater career stability. Research also shows that post-secondary education offers some protection against economic downturns. While it doesn’t guarantee security, it often acts as a buffer during challenging times.Health and Social Benefits of Higher Education Beyond financial benefits, higher education contributes to shaping critical aspects of life. “When you look at the body of evidence, you can see that having a higher education produces better health outcomes, produces longer lifespans, produces individuals who are more civically engaged,” Peter Lewis, President and CEO of CST, said. University graduates typically live up to eight years longer compared to those who didn’t finish high school. Although this isn’t universal, graduates are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices, such as being less likely to smoke. From a social perspective, they are also more involved in their communities and more active in charitable giving.The Hidden Weight of Student Debt in Canada The average student debt for a university graduate is about $28,000 for a bachelor’s degree. For community college graduates, the average is closer to $15,000. This debt can heavily impact the start of adult life.Financial and Mental Health Strain “I would say that the most concerning trend we've seen is that sort of persistently, stubbornly high rate of debt for students who are graduating out of university at the moment,” Lewis explained. According to the report, high debt levels are tied to multiple concerns, including mental health challenges. The study refers to this as a “bandwidth tax,” which contributes to higher levels of anxiety and depression.Life Milestones Delayed Debt also forces many young adults to postpone important milestones. For instance:29% delay buying a home 20% delay starting a business 15% delay having childrenAnabelle Hsiao, a fourth-year computer science student, says she feels pressure to pursue a
How to Help Your Teen Use ChatGPT as a Tool—Not a Shortcut
How to Help Your Teen Use ChatGPT as a Tool—Not a Shortcut By Iris PeñaIn this day and age, AI is a growing source that surrounds us. ChatGPT is an AI tool that has become popular among teens, especially as a way to help them with schoolwork. Although AI is a helpful tool that students can use, many teens are growing too dependent on it and are using it for more than just support. According to a Pew Research Centre study, 26 percent of teens 13 to 17 use AI to help with their assignments. It's important to understand the effects of AI on students, how your teen is using it, and how to teach them to not to rely on it completelyKnow the risks of AI dependency AI dependency can negatively affect your teen’s learning. They can ask ChatGPT to solve a problem and get the answer in a blink of an eye without doing the work for themselves. This takes away from the learning process. In fact, research from 2024 by KPMG found that over two thirds (67 percent) of students confessed they're not learning as much and they also said they claim generative AI as their own work. This can be particularly harmful. Not only is it an ethical dilemma, but it can also impact their grades. AI is not always as reliable as teens may think. In June 2025, CTV News reported that Ed McHugh, a business and marketing professor at Dalhousie University, noticed many students had cheated on an assignment. He could tell that AI did the work for them. In the assignment, the students had to watch a video regarding a man named Adam Smith. The answer from many students was not about the right Adam Smith because there was also an economist from the 18th century named Adam Smith. This indicates how AI can provide inaccurate or misleading information when not used properly. Understand your teen's needsIn order to help your teen manage their AI use, you need to understand what they primarily use it for. A 2023 study by edtech company RM Technology found that students use AI to do their physics work, science tests, draft and write essays, solve numerical problems, make art, etc. Talk to your teen about their usage and try to discover together if they might be overly dependent on it. If necessary, subtly monitor their homework to see if it reflects
How to Help Your Teen Get A Job: A Parent’s Guide
How to Help Your Teen Get A Job: A Parent's Guide By Cassandra JesikIf you’re wondering how to help your teen get a job, you’re not alone. Entering into the working world is a big milestone. It’s a chance for them to earn money, build responsibility, and gain real-life experience. In 2025, job applications are mostly digital, which has changed some of the rules of the game. That’s where your support comes in!Explore Teen-Friendly JobsWhen someone doesn’t have work experience, it can be difficult to know what you’re good at and what you’d actually like to do. You can help your teen pinpoint what kind of job they’re looking for by asking questions, like: What do your friends or teachers say you're good at? If you could get paid to do something fun, what would it be? Industries that often hire teens include:Retail & Food Service – Cashier, barista, fast food worker Recreation & Hospitality – Camp counselor, lifeguard, hotel staff Tutoring & Childcare – Babysitter, tutor, coach Seasonal Work – Amusement parks, holiday retail, landscapingAsk AroundOld-school networking still works! It can be uncomfortable, especially for shy teens but networking is a lifelong skill that will serve them well. Encourage your teen to ask:Friends and family Teachers or school counsellors Local businessesParent Tip: If your teen is nervous about speaking up, help them practice what to say with a simple script like, “Hi, I’m looking for a part-time job—do you know if anyone’s hiring?” Rehearsing builds confidence, and the more they do it, the easier it gets!Do Some ResearchA little research can go a long way. Start with online job sites like Indeed, which list entry-level roles alongside more advanced positions. If there’s a specific company your teen admires, encourage them to visit the company’s website and check the “Careers” page for openings. Government programs like Young Canada Works and Canada Summer Jobs are also great resources. They fund opportunities specifically for young adults ages 15–30 and are a reliable way to find real, paid work experience. Parent Tip: Bookmark a few trusted job sites and explore them together. It’s a good opportunity to teach your teen how to spot red flags and avoid job scams!Make a ListNow that you’ve done some research, help your teen rank job opportunities by their level of interest. They’ll want to keep an open mind and apply to many different places to help their chances of finding
8 Signs You May Be Low in Iron
8 Signs You May Be Low in Iron By Dr. Jennifer Zelovitzky, MDDid you know that February 13 was World Anemia Day? It often goes unnoticed as it’s overshadowed by the romantic celebrations of Valentine’s Day just a day later. Luckily, raising awareness about iron deficiency and anemia doesn't have an expiration date—so let’s talk iron. Iron is a vital mineral that helps fuel your body with oxygen. Without enough of it, you could experience adverse health effects like fatigue, weakened immunity, and organ damage over time. But knowing whether your iron levels are just right is not that simple: symptoms of iron deficiency are often subtle—you or your teen may be experiencing a deficiency without even knowing it. If left untreated, iron deficiency can worsen and lead to serious health issues. That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of the signs of iron deficiency early on to prevent any further complications. Being low in iron doesn’t automatically mean anemia, a condition in which the number of red blood cells is lower than normal. First, let’s define both: Iron deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t have enough iron stored. Iron is stored in a protein called ferritin, which is measured in the bloodstream. Iron deficiency anemia goes a step further: low iron results in fewer healthy red blood cells, which means less oxygen circulating through your body. While both conditions are serious, anemia requires more immediate medical attention because it directly affects your body's ability to deliver oxygen. The good news? There are ways to prevent and manage both iron deficiency and anemia, such as eating iron-rich foods, taking iron supplements, and staying ahead of the symptoms, which can help keep your levels in check and your body functioning at its best.Signs You May Have Low Iron Feeling drained? Dizzy? Dealing with brittle nails? These could all be red flags that your iron levels are low. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are more common than you might think, especially among teens and women. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to check your iron levels:Feeling tired all the time (even after a good night’s sleep) Dizziness or lightheadedness Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity Pale skin or dark circles under the eyes Brittle nails that break easily Hair thinning or shedding more than usual Cold hands and feet Frequent headachesWho’s Most at Risk for Low Iron? The body absorbs certain types of iron differently. Some
17 IKEA Dorm Essentials for Your Teen
17 IKEA Dorm Essentials for Your Teen by Arianne Granada Sending your teen off to university? It’s definitely a bittersweet milestone. It’s **the** time for excitement, new beginnings, and a little bit of stress—especially when it comes to creating a comfortable and personalized dorm room. You want their new space to feel like a home away from home, but let’s be honest, it can be a bit of a challenge. This is where IKEA steps in. With their recent $80 million investment in lowering prices, you can find everything your teen needs to create a cozy, stylish, and functional dorm room that won’t break the bank. Here are some of our best IKEA finds to help your teen get their dorm ready for the school year. For a Restful Night’s Sleep A good night’s sleep is crucial for any student’s success. Here’s a range of sleep essentials that ensure your teen gets to recharge after a long day. DVALA This soft 100% cotton sheet in light gray offers breathable comfort that only gets better with each wash. It's a must-have for staying comfortable during late-night study sessions and/or early-morning classes.STJÄRNBRÄCKA If your teen tends to get warm at night, this light-warm duvet is their new best friend. It features a lyocell and cotton blend that keeps away moisture, ensuring a dry and cozy night’s sleep.ROSENSKÄRM & RUMSMALVA Whether they’re side or back sleepers, these pillows offer tailored support with memory foam technology to relieve pressure and enhance comfort. For Keeping the Chaos Under Control A tidy room is key to a clear mind. IKEA’s smart storage solutions make it easy to keep everything in place. RÅSKOG This versatile utility cart can fit into the smallest of spaces. It’s perfect for storing anything from textbooks to toiletries and can be easily moved wherever it’s needed.SKUBB Time for your teen to maximize their closet space. This hanging organizer with six compartments helps them keep clothes and accessories neatly tucked away.BAGGMUCK Protect dorm floors from mud, dirt, and moisture. This easy-to-clean shoe tray is absolutely perfect for those rainy days.GÖRSNYGG Perfect for under-bed storage, this storage case helps keep seasonal clothes or spare linens clean and dust-free. For Building a Home Away From Home More than just a place to sleep, your teen’s dorm room should feel like a personal sanctuary. IKEA has plenty of options to help them add personality to any space. FLOTTILJ This sleek dark blue lamp is perfect for both late-night study sessions and creating a cozy ambiance.TVERSTED Here’s a helpful
Back-to-School with Apple: The Ultimate Student Tech
Back-to-School with Apple: The Ultimate Student Tech by Arianne Granada As the back-to-school season approaches, students are once again faced with the challenge of finding the right tools to help them succeed. In today’s fast-paced world, students need technology that can keep up with their busy lives. Having a reliable, powerful, and portable device is now a necessity. Apple’s MacBook Air and iPad Air offer students the perfect blend of performance and portability. The MacBook Air: Your Everyday Companion Let’s face it, the demands of student life can be pretty intense. Between juggling classes, projects, and **maybe** even a part-time job, your teen needs a laptop that won’t just keep up—it needs to help them stay ahead. Apple has raised the bar once again, integrating the M3 chip into its newest MacBook Air. It’s faster than ever and can handle whatever your teen throws at it—late-night cramming, morning lectures, math homework, you name it. This laptop is all about balance—combining incredible performance with a design that’s so thin and light that your teen might forget it’s in their bag! But don’t worry, the Macbook Air is a lean, mean, fighting machine. With up to 18 hours of battery life, students can go from morning classes to late-night study sessions without worrying about hunting for an outlet in a nearby cafe. More than power, the MacBook Air easily fits right into your teen’s life. Need to quickly hop on Zoom? Its world-class camera and microphones have your teen covered. Working on a big group project? They can connect up to two external displays, so multitasking is a cinch. Plus, with four stunning colours to choose from, it’s not just a productivity tool—it’s a fashion statement! iPad Air: Flexibility at Its Finest For students who crave versatility and creativity in their tech, the iPad Air might just be their new best friend. It’s basically a digital notebook, sketchbook, and laptop all rolled into one. Whether they’re taking notes, sketching ideas, or chilling with a good book, the iPad Air adapts to whatever they need it to be. This new iPad definitely means business. With the Apple Pencil Pro, students can jot down notes, sketch out ideas, or mark up documents with ease. Add in the Magic Keyboard, and it transforms into a solid laptop alternative, complete with a trackpad and backlit keys. With its all-day battery life and super-fast 5G, students are ready to work, learn, and create, wherever they go. Apple’s Back-to-School
Two Kid-Friendly Eco-Activities that Will Help to Combat Summer Learning Loss
Two Kid-Friendly Eco-Activities that Will Help to Combat Summer Learning Loss by Dr. Sarah Habibi The long hot summer is starting to wind up. Our kids have been at home away from their traditional learning environments for many weeks. While this break is necessary for children, it’s also helpful to keep them stimulated during the summer months. You can do this with hands-on, fun activities that help to combat ‘learning loss’ — the loss of knowledge and skills due to the long breaks away from the classroom. Sounds valuable, right? It seems I'm not the only parent who could use a few tips and tricks for getting started! More than half (56 per cent) of parents are tired of this yearly struggle, almost all (94 per cent) want their kids to learn more about science, and more than three-quarters (81 per cent) are looking for activities that will keep their kids’ minds stimulated. To support parents on the quest for engaging in summer activities rooted in science, I have applied my scientific skills in partnership with Maple Leaf Foods and the kids’ conservation organization, Earth Rangers. Together, we’ve developed the Future Farmer Mission which is available free of charge via the Earth Rangers app. Why not log on and discover the many exciting and interactive eco-activities that can turn your kids into Future Farmers? Discover the Future Farmer Mission The Future Farmer Mission, which includes the two eco-activities outlined below, will introduce kids to regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices. Regenerative agriculture, also called ‘climate-smart agriculture’ is a farming practice that aims to improve the land by keeping the soil healthy. A big aspect of regenerative agriculture includes composting, increasing biodiversity, and rotating crops throughout each season to ensure the soil gets a mixture of vital nutrients. Regenerative agriculture practices aren’t just for farmers, they can be applied right at home and it’s a worthwhile eco-activity for kids! This practice teaches them that changes to how we grow our food can help sustain Canada’s food supply for years to come. Read on for two Future Farmer activities that can help you get outdoors, learn, and connect with your kids: Activity 1: Make a DIY CompostComposting is an aspect of regenerative farming that helps the health of our soil. Composting uses decomposed organic matter, often found in old plants and food scraps, to give the soil back vital nutrients it needs to grow. It also helps to reduce your
Empower Your Teen: 6 Strategies for a Successful School Year
Empower Your Teen: 6 Strategies for a Successful School Year by Jennifer Gershberg Ask any college professor how their students are doing, and I guarantee you’ll hear some entertaining – and anxiety-provoking - stories. It's a revelation for parents that despite the increasing challenges of college admission, students nowadays are less equipped in terms of competencies, mental health, and time management. I've dedicated the past eight years as a professor at the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business, teaching the core Business Law course to 400 students each year. I have watched and listened to my students’ experiences and have concluded that student success ultimately requires a village. Most of the work, of course, is up to the students. But this post will focus on what parents can do to help optimize their kids’ success in college and beyond. You should know that I am also the parent of three teens, so I fully understand the challenges associated with raising them! Let's dive into a few key objectives with this article. First, I’ll describe the college landscape today and will identify challenges that your child may face once they get to college. There are things that we can all do to help prepare our kids before they get to college – even for the high school kids who are getting all A’s. It's a common scenario – I frequently come across bright students who aced all their classes in rigorous high schools but still find themselves grappling with some prevalent issues once they transition to college. Once I have described what my colleagues and I are seeing, I will give you some ideas on ways you can help support them. So what is happening in college today? To be blunt, students’ anxiety is spiking and their academic performance is sharply declining. It’s interesting and a bit surprising because college has become so hard to get into, so you would think that the students are all doing great – but quite the opposite is happening. My colleagues and I, across universities, agree that students tend to be more anxious, less focused, and less tolerant of ambiguity than even a few years ago. The research is consistent with our observations: studies report that 60% of college students today have a mental health diagnosis, 1/3 have an anxiety disorder, and 8/10 Gen Z’ers admit that social media distracts them from school and studying. I think these findings
Top 5 Tips for a Smooth Back-to-School Transition
Top 5 Tips for a Smooth Back-to-School Transition by Rachel Naud No matter what age your child is, there is one universal fact when it comes to back to school—every student wants to look and feel their best for the new school year! If your child wants to get back to COOL, we have some suggestions sure to make the grade. Smart Shopping at Walmart Canada We all know back-to-school season can get expensive, which is why we always turn to Walmart Canada for their back-to-school essentials. Here, you can find everything you need in one convenient location, with a wide variety of options and budget-friendly prices. If your teen is embarking on their academic journey, these items have consistently been part of our shopping list. Essentials like Post-its and Scotch Brand products have come in handy over the years. Scotch Magic Tape can be a lifesaver when unexpected accidents happen like your pet dog getting hold of your teen’s homework! Post-it Super Sticky Notes—on the other hand—are versatile for flagging textbook pages or leaving notes around the house. Add a bit of excitement to your back-to-school preparations with the Noted by Post-it collection. It's like a treasure trove of cool designs and accessories, where you can create a unique and curated vibe. What's even better is that these items can really set the stage for a successful school year! Back-to-School Stylish Essentials Whether you have a tween or a teen, one thing is for certain–everyone wants to look and feel good for back to school. Many students have found Under Armour backpacks to be a reliable choice throughout their school years. These backpacks are not only stylish but also built to handle heavy textbooks and gym gear, making them a practical choice for parents. Their Hustle Sport Backpack is water-resistant and has a durable bottom. It also has a laptop sleeve, which is perfect for going to and from class. New shoes are also a must for back-to-school and these Unisex SlipSpeed Mesh Training Shoes have a pretty cool convertible heel thing going on! It's a game-changer, allowing you to easily switch from training to recovery mode. No need to lug around an extra pair of shoes, which is a total win, especially for students with early morning or after-school practices. Also, why not grab a treat for yourself too? The Under Armour Essential Oversized Crew fleece sweatshirt offers a super cozy and soft fit. Its oversized design
Unlocking Creativity: How Canvas Prints Can Inspire Your Child’s Artistic Side
Unlocking Creativity: How Canvas Prints Can Inspire Your Child's Artistic Side As parents, we all strive to nurture our children's creativity and encourage their artistic expression. But let's be real for a moment – sometimes that artwork can really stack up, and you can run out of ideas for putting it on display. So if you’ve got no more room on the front of your fridge, and you’re looking for a new way to showcase your kids’ masterpieces, maybe you could think about turning them into awesome canvas prints? Get ready to dive into the world of custom prints and discover how they can boost your child's artistic side and create unforgettable family moments too. Let's go! Why Canvas Prints? If you’re thinking of turning your children's artwork into wall art features, canvas prints should be at the top of your list. There are loads of wall art formats available these days, but canvas prints still stand out – for several reasons. Not only are they a fantastic choice creatively, they’re also incredibly budget-friendly. You might be surprised to learn that many discount printing companies offer canvas prints starting at less than $10. So you can showcase your child's art in a stunning professional way without breaking the bank. Second, prints on canvas are arguably the most versatile wall art format for any decor scheme. With their slim construction and borderless design, canvas prints blend seamlessly into any space. Whether your style is modern, traditional, or eclectic, these prints will complement your interior aesthetic. And canvas prints are available in a wide range of sizes, so you can choose the perfect size for your space. Canvas prints offer a fantastic opportunity to incorporate your child's artwork into your home decor. Imagine the joy of having a whole gallery wall filled with their colorful creations. It adds a personalized touch to your living space, making it truly unique and representative of your child's artistic journey. You can mix and match different prints, create themed arrangements, and renew the artworks occasionally to keep things fresh. A Fun Family Journey Turning artwork into canvas prints isn't just about the end result; it's about the journey as well. Involve your child in the process of selecting, scanning, or photographing their artwork to create the prints. Make it a fun family activity where you share stories and memories associated with each piece. This bonding experience creates lasting memories and strengthens the connection between you