Latest news with #childhooddevelopment
The Independent
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Princess of Wales launches YouTube series promoting children's social development
An animated film on childhood development has been released by The Princess of Wales as part of a scheme to encourage parents to share 'everyday moments of connection' with babies and young children. The short video, which was released on YouTube on Wednesday (6 August) alongside six other explainer pieces, details how families should support a child's social and emotional development. Discussing the seven short films, which have been released by the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, Kate said: 'The new animated films showcase how adults can create nurturing, loving interactions with children, helping to foster social and emotional development during their earliest years.' The royal met with illustrators back in June to develop the films, which are intended to be used by charities, professionals working in early years education, and families.
SBS Australia
31-07-2025
- Politics
- SBS Australia
Closing the gap targets failing to improve childhood development, reduce suicide rates
New data shows "significant deserts" and service gaps are contributing to worsening rates of incarceration and childhood development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Just four of the 19 Closing the Gap targets are on track to be met, according to the latest data from the Productivity Commission. But key targets, including adult imprisonment rates, children in out-of-home care, suicide and childhood development, are continuing to worsen. The report comes as the number of First Nations people who have died in police or prison custody exceeds 600 deaths since a landmark royal commission handed down recommendations in 1991. Productivity commissioner Selwyn Button said the review shows the outcomes of the agreement are falling well short of what governments have committed to. The review found Indigenous community-controlled organisations are key to progress, and governments must listen to First Nations people and share decision-making power to create positive change. "What the outcomes in the agreement reflect most of all is the limited progress of governments in collectively acting on the priority reforms: sharing decision making and data with communities; strengthening the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector and changing the way governments operate," he said. Catherine Liddle, the CEO of peak Aboriginal advocacy body SNAICC, told Radio National the four improving targets are ones "the government truly committed to". These targets are preschool program enrolments, employment, and land and sea native title and legal rights. She said the government needs to "lean in and try harder" to address "significant deserts and gaps" in social services. In particular, early childhood support needs to see improvement, she said, as preschool enrolments have a limited effect if children aren't prepared for school. Only 33.9 per cent of children starting school were developmentally on track, a decrease from previous years. The report also found that more than one-third of kids in youth detention last year first entered the system when they were 10–13 years old. — With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press Readers seeking crisis support can ring Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged up to 25). More information and support with mental health is available at and on 1300 22 4636.
CBS News
18-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
New report finds children as young as 5 should have less technology
Much has been said about the detrimental impact of screens on childhood development, but a new study takes that concern to an even younger age. This is as much about what children aren't doing as it is about what they are doing. There is no question that we are seeing the screen time impact on our children. "A lot of them have lost the ability to interact, to make eye contact, and have conversations," said Dr. Joseph Aracri of Allegheny Health Network pediatrics. Dr. Aracri said that kids five and under desperately need to be doing non-screen things. "It's really important for a child to move, to run, to jump, to pick up things, put them in their mouth, smell them, see them, and touch them," Dr. Aracri said. "That's where you're going to learn language development, reasoning skills, through that interaction with the parent." Without that, Dr. Aracri said that they will show a lasting decrease in socialization skills, and it's becoming clear in teenagers, saying "they can all be in the same room together and they're just texting each other." Dr. Aracri said if your child is five or younger is going to be using screens, be sure to use interactive games that require thinking, reasoning, and action. Also be sure to limit the time and use alternatives. "In general, LEGOs, blocks, anything that a child can pick up, turn around, reason, and play with, is usually better," he said. As for those rainy days when it seems like the screen is the only option, you can look at it as an opportunity. "Go outside, jump in puddles, get muddy, so it's raining, it's a warm rain, have fun," Dr. Aracri said. "For a parent, you have to tell the child it's OK to get wet, it's OK to get dirty." Obviously, just not when there is lightning around. That said, doing that continues the mission of the report, which emphasises that kids of all ages need active play. While there are no doubt times as a parent when you need the screens so you can get things done, at times, you can let your child follow you around and pretend that they are helping.
