A roundup of recent newspaper stories about children's health...
Monday, Jan. 29:
Is
Overscheduling Really a Problem?
This article in Time Magazine notes that although many experts say children
are too overscheduled, research shows that more extracurricular activities
aren't hurting kids. In fact, some studies show that today's busy children
are better off than children 20 years ago due to lower rates of drug use,
juvenile crime, teen pregnancy, school violence, suicide, and higher SAT
scores. (Time, 1/19/07, by Cloud)
Schools
Mobilize to Curb Suicide
In an effort to prevent teen suicide by identifying warning signs
early, three private high schools in San Francisco have started using
TeenScreen, a survey that asks ninth-graders about depression and drug
use. Teens identified as high risk are then referred to counselors for
treatment. Experts say that the program is important because teens often
hide symptoms of depression from their families and friends. (SF Chronicle,
1/22/07, by Lelchuk and Allday)
More
Students Shun Cafeteria Junk Food
A survey by the national School Nutrition Association shows that
children increasingly are making healthful choices in their cafeterias
and avoiding less healthful foods such as french fries. Experts say that
the shift, in part, reflects more states enacting nutrition guidelines
on what foods can be offered in public schools. (AP, 1/22/07, by Lorin)
Taking
the 'Middle' Out of Middle School
Education officials nationwide are considering the idea of getting
rid of middle schools, according to this front-page story in the New York
Times, but there is debate over whether the students should join older
kids in high school or stay in elementary school a little longer. Studies
show that students in K-8 schools fare better academically than students
in middle schools, but schools for grades 6-12 are too new to determine
if there is an advantage, experts say. Teachers in 6-12 schools say they
have more behavioral issues with younger students, but the reviews of
students themselves are mixed. (NY Times, 1/22/07, by Gootman)
Study:
High School Football Players Overweight
According to a new study published in the Journal of the American
Medical A ssociation, almost half of offensive and defensive lineman on
Iowa high school football teams are overweight, and 10 percent are severely
obese. Experts are concerned that the emphasis placed on large body size
by the National Football League may lead aspiring young athletes to adopt
unhealthful nutrition habits. (AP, 1/23/07)
Increased
Surgery Risks for Obese Children
A study from the University of Michigan Health System shows that
nearly a third of the pediatric surgery patients there over a four-year
period were overweight. Being overweight can make surgery more risky,
due in part to difficulty keeping air passageways open and the increased
likelihood of infection at the surgical site. (NY Times, 1/23/07, by Nagourney)
Reluctance
to Inform Parents Grows as Kids Age
In this story on why teens don't report classmates' unusual behavior
to parents, William Damon, director of the Stanford Center
on A dolescence and a specialist in moral development, discusses ways
that parents can maintain open lines of communication and trust as children
grow older. Up until age 11, children are likely to come to their parents
with their biggest concerns, but this changes during the preteen years,
when peers play a greater role. ( Boston Globe, 1/24/07, by Meltz)
Schools
Act to Stop Spread of 'Cyberbullying'
Several states are crafting legislation that will allow schools
to address off campus electronic bullying when it affects the learning
environment. Some critics claim that this expansion of school influence
could endanger students' right to free speech. (WSJ, 1/24/07, by Chaker)
Stress
Contest: Who Works the Hardest
Advanced high school courses have become a new form of one-upmanship
for students nationwide, school officials say. Denise Clark Pope, Stanford
lecturer and co-founder of the Stressed Out Students Conference, which
was co-founded by our foundation, is quoted. (Washington Post, 1/25/07,
by Shapira)
District,
Community Discuss Lessening Homework
Administrators, teachers, and parents from the Mountain View
Whisman School District met recently to discuss the possibility of limiting
the amount of homework assigned to students. The school board plans to
develop an official homework policy for the district, based on a survey
of parents and input from staff. (MV Voice, 1/26/07, by Tondreau)
5-in-1
Childhood Vaccine Endorsed
A single vaccine that would protect children from diphtheria,
tetanus, whooping cough, polio, and meningitis has been endorsed by federal
health advisors. If approved by the FDA, the vaccine could eliminate several
federally recommended injections children now must take before their second
birthday. (AP, 1/26/07)
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