Engaging extracurricular activities for children, from sports and arts to hobbies and creative pursuits, designed to build confidence, skills, teamwork and creativity.
A review of 30 studies suggests violent and evening viewing can affect children’s behaviour, language and sleep, while well-designed educational programmes may support learning and empathy. Parents often reach for cartoons as a quick way to keep a child occupied…
Research among 1,399 rural students links regular exercise with lower psychological distress, with general self-efficacy emerging as the strongest mediating factor. A study of rural adolescents in China suggests that regular physical exercise is linked with lower psychological distress, with…
The former NFL wide receiver has warned that abusive and overbearing parents are putting coaches off youth sport, amid growing concerns over cost, pressure and mental health. Torrey Smith has turned his attention from the NFL to youth sports, and…
A light holiday structure, regular movement and a gradual return to term-time habits can help energetic children stay settled without recreating the school day at home. School breaks can be a relief for children, but for those with plenty of…
Safe routes, realistic expectations and plenty of stops can turn a family bike ride into an adventure children are eager to do again. Family cycling can be one of the easiest ways to turn an ordinary afternoon into something memorable,…
As participation remains below its peak and parents voice concerns about contact, a French coaching philosophy is offering English rugby a different route to growth. At a time when English rugby is still trying to recover its place in the…
Former varsity players with a history of at least three concussions reported more depressive symptoms and poorer overall wellbeing soon after leaving college sport, although the study does not establish cause and effect. Former college football players who had suffered…
A new 90-hour programme for eight- to 13-year-olds combines creative development with business skills, culminating in a startup forum and funding opportunities. Leonardo Art School and MiniBoss Business School have launched a joint programme aimed at children aged eight to…
An analysis of almost 60,000 people across 24 countries found that volunteering, sport and other regular activities were associated with stronger memory and thinking skills, although researchers cautioned that the study cannot prove cause and effect. Regular social activity may…
Paediatric cardiologists warn that poor diets, inactivity and long hours on phones and tablets are increasing cardiovascular risks for children, while early screening and healthier routines can help protect them. Childhood heart health is increasingly shaped by daily habits as…
Paediatric guidance is urging parents to look beyond the clock and ask what young people are watching, how it makes them feel and what online life is replacing. A teenager’s screen-time report can be useful, but it only tells parents…
The Australian Institute of Sport is urging sports and families to assess readiness, wellbeing and individual circumstances rather than use age alone when deciding when young athletes should specialise. The Australian Institute of Sport has refreshed its guidance on youth…
