Articles tagged with Children
A systematic review of 42 studies reveals a rising trend in self-injury among children and youth in high-income countries, with significant variability across countries. The findings highlight the need for effective, contextually informed prevention strategies to curb this growing concern.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) supports the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) 2026 childhood vaccine schedule, which is based on evidence and better reflects current disease epidemiology. The ACP's Immunization Committee found the AAP recommendations to be more evidence-based than the CDC's recommendations, particularly i...
A new study published in The Lancet reveals that fathers' health and well-being play a significant role in shaping pregnancy and child outcomes. The research emphasizes the importance of investing in the well-being of boys and young men to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for future generations.
Researchers found that treating severe fetal megacystis with a vesicoamniotic shunt in the first trimester can improve survival rates and kidney function. In the study, 75% of children were born alive and 68% survived their first year of life, with most showing normal or only slightly impaired kidney function.
A cohort study found that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were associated with an increased risk of treatment-resistant depression in adults. Preventing ACEs and incorporating ACE history into clinical assessment may help identify individuals at elevated risk for treatment resistance.
A report calls for stricter regulation of AI toys to ensure 'psychological safety' in young children. The study found that AI toys often misread emotions, struggle with developmentally important play types, and pose concerns for social and pretend play.
A study in Taiwan found a positive association between maternal prenatal acetaminophen use and increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in offspring. However, associations were not observed in sibling-matched analyses, suggesting unaddressed sources of bias.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found consistent associations between digital media use and risks to child health and development, particularly social media use. The study highlights the need for multifaceted policies and interventions to mitigate potential harms from digital media exposure.
A cross-sectional study found that smartphone use during school hours is associated with reduced cognitive control in youths aged 11-18. The study highlights the need for school-level policies and digital literacy programs to address habitual smartphone-checking behaviors that fragment attention.
The Greaux Healthy initiative, launched by Pennington Biomedical Research Center, aims to prevent and treat childhood obesity in Louisiana. Studies show that childhood obesity is a national healthcare crisis in Louisiana, with over 1 in 3 children living with overweight or obesity.
Tundra tongue is a common childhood experience where kids freeze their tongues to metal, leading to mild or no consequences. However, in 18% of cases, it results in avulsion, a piece of the tongue being torn off. Researchers found that most cases had no serious harm and suggest warming the metal with water or air to loosen the tongue.
Phase 1/2a clinical trials demonstrate significant seizure reduction and improvement in symptoms of Dravet syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting cognitive function, motor skills, and behavior. The treatment, zorevunersen, targets the underlying cause of the disease by enhancing the normal SCN1A gene.
Higher ultraprocessed food consumption in Canadian preschoolers was associated with increased emotional symptoms by age 5. Replacing UPF with minimally processed foods may support healthier behavioral development and long-term mental health.
A study from the University of East Anglia found that Covid lockdowns disrupted children's ability to self-regulate, leading to slower growth in executive functions. Reception-age children, who normally learn to socialize and navigate classroom routines, showed significant setbacks in cognitive flexibility and self-regulation skills.
A groundbreaking longitudinal study reveals that peer influence is specialized, with best friends primarily shaping internal emotional states and academic behaviors, while popular peers set the standard for public image and social media engagement. The findings suggest that adolescents use different mental calculations to navigate thei...
A new study found that families prioritize VR features increasing physical activity over educational content, highlighting the need for research-based information on VR's impact on children. Families also emphasize the importance of safety controls to detect bullying or harassment on VR platforms.
A Brazilian study found that babies from families experiencing socioeconomic vulnerability showed delays in motor development, such as grabbing objects and rolling over, at just six months old. However, with simple stimuli like tummy time and interactive play, these delays can be easily reversed.
The European FAIR GAME consortium aims to create participatory mechanisms that foster digital literacy, strengthen mental wellbeing and embed practices grounded in children's fundamental rights in online gaming environments. The project seeks to bring about cultural and structural change in gaming platform policies and standards.
Researchers found that children who aren't friends connect better through play when given a task to complete, especially during goal-directed activities. The study, which involved 148 children aged six to eight, shows that connected communication is crucial for social coordination and teamwork.
A study reveals widespread changes in the brain's somatosensory cortex as children with upper limb differences adapt to their daily lives. The brain devotes more resources to other body parts, shifting its entire map towards the missing hand.
Researchers found that youths born in the 1990s spent more time playing formal sports compared to their peers, with those from higher social class backgrounds dominating these opportunities. This shift away from informal play raises concerns about the costs and benefits of commercialized youth sports.
Cohort study finds prenatal depression and gestational diabetes independently increase childhood obesity risk, while children exposed to both face the greatest risk, highlighting need for universal screening and targeted interventions.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published new guidelines for Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcomas, highlighting the unique characteristics of this childhood cancer. The guidelines focus on rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a subtype with varying genetic changes that influence treatment outcomes.
A new NIH study links maternal smoking during pregnancy to increased risk of hypertension and high blood pressure in children. The ECHO Cohort study examined the relationship between prenatal smoking exposure and childhood blood pressure.
A nationally representative study found that 1 in 5 US households have a parent-perceived mental health treatment need for their children. The study also revealed significant difficulties in accessing care, with 21.8% citing it as the reason for unmet needs.
A recent clinical trial found that remote telehealth services increased the uptake of genetic counseling and testing in adult survivors of childhood cancers. The study showed a significant impact on reducing morbidity and mortality by driving earlier detection of subsequent cancer.
A new study finds that nearly 1 in 3 teens have received a sext, and almost 1 in 4 have sent one. Sextortion is also common, with nearly half of teens who sent a sext reporting being targeted.
A national study found young carers in England consistently experience educational disadvantages compared to non-carer peers. By the end of primary school, they were 35% less likely to reach expected standards across reading, writing and maths, with lower GCSE achievement rates.
A new report published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health highlights the significant global palliative care gap among children, with 96% of those in need living in low- and middle-income countries. The study estimates that $1 million per year is sufficient to cover pain medications for all children ages 0-14 years in need who live...
A health economic analysis found that school restrictive smartphone policies may reduce staff costs by £94 per pupil, but have minimal impact on pupils' mental wellbeing and quality of life. The study also revealed that school staff spend a significant amount of time administering smartphone policies.
A meta-analysis of childhood food allergy risk factors reveals a combination of major and minor factors, including genetics and antibiotic exposure. The study provides insights into the complex interplay of these factors in the development of food allergies in infants and children.
A landmark study of nearly 1.2 million infants suggests that a vegan or vegetarian diet does not compromise infant growth by age two. The research found that infants from plant-based households follow growth trajectories nearly identical to their omnivorous peers, providing reassuring evidence for parents and pediatricians.
Children across the globe exhibit similar cooperative behaviors, such as fairness and trustworthiness, that align with adult norms over age. As children get older, their behavior reflects local norms, but younger children tend to be self-interested.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that children whose parents were injured by firearms experience substantial mental health impacts, with a 42% increase in psychiatric diagnoses and 60% increase in mental health visits. Early, targeted interventions are needed to address this growing need.
Researchers have found that babies can detect verb inconsistencies as early as 10 months old, using brain imaging technology. This finding suggests that infants begin to develop an understanding of verbs before they even say their first words.
This study found that universal pre-kindergarten may help mitigate racial and ethnic disparities in child protective services involvement. Reductions in child neglect associated with UPK could benefit children's health and well-being in the short- and long-term.
A new study demonstrates a health care approach matching treatment intensity to individual risk levels can significantly reduce self-harm and depression among at-risk adolescents and young adults. The randomized clinical trial found significant reductions in self-harm behaviors, improved patient satisfaction, and high follow-up rates.
A national poll found that only half of parents believe children should never swear, with many acknowledging their own kids' occasional use of curse words. Peers are the top source of profanity, followed by popular media and home language.
A Rutgers University study reveals that early gender stereotypes can influence how children learn math, with young learners more inclined to trust incorrect information from male teachers. The findings suggest that children are not only absorbing stereotypes but also using them to calibrate their understanding of the world.
The BfR children's book aims to educate children from grade 1 upwards about the dangers of contaminated food and how to avoid cross-contamination. The book features colorful illustrations and teaches kids how to defeat 'Campys' and other bacteria and viruses.
A new study from the ECHO Program found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) before and after birth may influence childhood blood pressure patterns. High blood pressure in children is a growing concern worldwide, with nearly 80% increase over two decades.
This study reveals an increase in nonmedical childhood vaccination exemptions from 2010 to 2024, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, with wide regional disparities.
Adolescents bullied or engaging in bullying face lasting mental, physical and social challenges. The study identified socioeconomic disadvantages, race, physical differences, and pre-existing health conditions as risk factors for bullying.
From 2022 to 2025, US counties saw a population-level decline in child poverty rates overall. However, Black and Hispanic children continued to experience disproportionately higher poverty rates compared to white children.
A new UK-wide clinical trial evaluated a self-guided behavioural sleep programme for children with epilepsy, resulting in improved sleep duration of 16.5 minutes. However, the main issue was engagement, as only half of those given access to the resources used them.
Children with adverse prenatal exposures showed higher rates of behavior problems, faster cortical thinning, and more depressive symptoms than children with fewer APEs. Researchers found a persistent association between multiple APEs and increased odds of mental health problems as kids grew older.
A new AI model using deep transfer learning accurately predicted spoken language outcomes in deaf children after cochlear implants. The 'predict-to-prescribe' approach allows for earlier intensified therapy for children forecast to struggle with spoken language.
A meta-analysis found nirsevimab to be associated with reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits for lower respiratory tract infections in young children. This suggests the potential of nirsevimab to decrease respiratory-related morbidity in this population.
A population-based surveillance study found both maternal RSV vaccine and nirsevimab effective in protecting infants from RSV hospitalizations. The studies results show that these products reduced RSV-associated hospitalization rates in newborns and infants under 11 months by up to half compared to previous seasons.
A population-based cohort study found that virtual sick visits to primary care were associated with a small increase in emergency department use in children aged 3 months or older. The study suggests judicious use of virtual primary care to manage acute illness in children is warranted.
A special issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America seeks to transform how clinicians, educators, and policymakers think about girls' mental health by focusing on systems that support or fail to support them. The issue explores intersectionality, trauma-informed approaches, and the impact of social media on bod...
Regular grandparental care can ease the pressures on parents but may have negative impacts on children's health, with some children showing poorer general health in studies of over 11,000 kids. Grandparental care also benefits parents' satisfaction rates, particularly mothers and fathers.
Research found that early childhood exposure to childcare tax credits affects children's physical and mental health outcomes differently based on their mothers' educational level. Children of more-educated mothers experienced worse health outcomes, while those of less-educated mothers showed improvements.
A new study found that brief, light-intensity exercise significantly improves inhibitory control and mood in children, with potential to enhance learning efficiency. The research, conducted at Waseda University, also revealed that even short periods of physical activity can have a lasting impact on cognitive function.
Cultural traditions, such as Christmas, influence moral judgments in children about eating animals, making them more accepting of meat consumption. As they grow, adolescents and adults prioritize human needs over animal welfare and justify meat-eating based on tradition.
A new study found that a pre-school health programme did not improve children's calorie intake or overall physical activity levels in nursery settings. The research suggests that policy-level and statutory changes are more effective in improving young children's diet and physical activity, highlighting the need for policy changes.
The book chronicles challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers practical guidance on building trust, prioritizing needs of most at risk and reliable communication. Experts share lessons learned from K-12 schools and public health partnerships to navigate future crises.
A recent study by Jeonbuk National University researchers found that positive parenting styles can significantly reduce the risk of self-harm in adolescents. The study analyzed data from over 3,900 participants and identified three distinct parenting styles: negative, average, and positive, with positive parenting being the most protec...
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that children living in poor quality housing missed more school days and achieved worse test scores than their peers. Improving housing conditions, especially reducing damp and overcrowding, may have significant benefits for child health and school outcomes.
The study found that behavioral health care accounted for $41.8 billion of overall health spending in 2022, with families paying an average of $2.9 billion out-of-pocket. The costs have grown more than twice as fast as other types of medical care, with telehealth visits increasing by 99% per year.