Understand your child’s development through milestones, expert insights and practical advice covering cognitive, emotional, social and physical growth.
Research shows that many mental health conditions first emerge in childhood or adolescence, highlighting a crucial window for screening, prevention and early treatment. Mental health conditions can begin at almost any stage of life, but the risk is far from…
A year-by-year guide urges parents to build habits and confidence while allowing teenagers to take increasing responsibility for their education and college choices. Helping a teenager prepare for college is not simply a matter of choosing the right classes or…
Research involving more than 2,000 Indian children found widespread smartphone use, online risks and signs of compulsive behaviour, prompting calls for stronger guidance from schools and parents. A study of Internet use among schoolchildren in India has warned that heavy…
US survey data suggest young people with depression are more likely to misuse prescription medicines, often to cope with emotional distress, prompting calls for integrated mental health and addiction care. Depression appears to markedly raise the risk that adolescents and…
Child psychiatrist Daniel Amen says parents should provide safety and connection without removing every consequence, allowing children to build responsibility, resilience and confidence. Parents often step in out of love when a child forgets homework, misplaces a coat or leaves…
Children who began stimulant treatment by age eight had higher iron levels in several dopamine-linked brain regions than those who started later, although the study cannot show that medication caused the differences. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may not…
A study of 782 pupils in rural Samsun province finds that climate-related fear is strongly associated with generalised anxiety, with girls, heavy social media users and those exposed to extreme weather reporting the greatest concern. A new study from rural…
Governments are tightening controls and platforms are paying billions over alleged harm to children, but bypasses, privacy risks and the benefits of online connection are complicating the case for blanket bans. Social media platforms are facing a growing financial and…
Poor grades can reflect learning difficulties, disorganisation or emotional distress. Parents should identify the cause before deciding how to support a child. Children who struggle at school are not all experiencing the same problem, and parents often need to work…
Clinical psychologist Ahmed Khalil warns that family conflict, harsh discipline and weak parental support can leave teenagers more vulnerable to substance and pornography addiction. Clinical psychologist Ahmed Khalil has warned that addiction can do particular harm during adolescence, a period…
Charities warn that England’s overstretched children’s mental health services are failing to match rising demand, with millions of referrals expected during the current Parliament. Children’s mental health charities have warned that services in England are under such strain that support…
Analysis of 135,348 15-year-olds across 15 education systems links bullying with poorer emotional well-being, weaker school belonging and lower perceptions of safety. A large international study has found that teenagers who report being bullied are more likely to feel unsafe…
