The Preteen Digest
The Preteen Digest is a summary of recent news and research about
preteens.
April 2004
Topics:
News & Research
Middle School Tougher for U.S. Kids
U.S. students in grades six through eight reported physical and emotional problems -- including headaches, nervousness, and sad feelings -- more often than their peers in 11 other industrialized nations, according to a RAND study. American students also were among the most likely to say schoolmates were not helpful and accepting of them.
Bullying Seen at Younger Ages
Anecdotal evidence suggests that bullying is on the rise in kindergarten and preschool classrooms, especially among girls. Another bullying-related study found that over 20 percent of sixth-graders, and more boys than girls, are bullies, victims, or both.
The Drawbacks of Self-Supervision
A new report on children ages 6-12 shows that 'latchkey' care, or self-care, is linked with an increase in injuries and behavior problems, as well as lower school performance. The Urban Institute report, a policy-oriented summary of children who are self-supervised after school, also highlights particular concerns for younger children and those from low-income families.
An Unforeseen Link to Postpartum Depression
A mother's postpartum depression may serve as an early warning sign of a child at risk for behavior problems, according to a 12-year study of 132 families in London. The findings show that 11-year-olds whose mothers experienced postpartum depression, plus at least one later episode of depression, were four times more likely to act out violently than other children.
Facts & Figures
Sixth Graders More Receptive to Smoking by End of School Year
The number of sixth-grade students who smoke, experimented with cigarettes, or say they intend to smoke at a later date (such as high school) climbed from 16 percent at the start of sixth grade to 36 percent by the end of the school year, in a study of Maryland students. The study also found that girls were in more danger than boys of picking up smoking. However, students with greater social and coping skills and closer parental monitoring were less likely to progress toward smoking, according to the study.
Specific findings from the study:
- Sixth graders who tried smoking, but not recently increased from 3 percent at the beginning of sixth grade to 8 percent at the end of the school year.
- Those who experimented with smoking in the last 30 days climbed from 2 to 6 percent.
- Regular smokers increased from 2 percent to 6 percent.
- Those who intended to smoke at a later date (such as high school) rose from 9 percent to 16 percent.
The Preteen Alliance
This newly formed community
alliance seeks to promote the emotional and behavioral health of preteens
in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Membership
is open to anyone who wants to contribute to this initiative. Alliance
members will be kept informed of news and data related to preteens, and
will have opportunities to participate and share information at periodic
convenings. The Preteen Alliance was formed by the Lucile Packard Foundation
for Children's Health, which is devoted exclusively to promoting, protecting,
and sustaining the health of children, with a focus on San Mateo and Santa
Clara counties.
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