News

News update: December 2009

Hyperactivity linked to smoking during pregnancy

Dr Tanya Froelich of the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre conducted a study of 4000 children in the United States aged 8-15 and found that mothers who smoke during pregnancy more than double the chances of having hyperactive children. The rate of smoking during pregnancy was measured by reports from mothers. One fifth of ADHD cases could be eliminated if pregnant women stopped smoking.

Children being exposed to lead from old water pipes, soil and paint also have an adverse effect. Exposure to lead was assessed by blood tests. If children were not exposed to lead and tobacco the reduction in cases could reach 35%. 8.7% of the children in the study has ADHD.

Dieting 10 year old girls 

A study of 1109 girls by Girlguiding UK found that girls as young as 10 are worried about their weight and appearance. 12% of girls aged 11-16 would consider surgery or gastric bands. Insecurities about weight and body image start at 10 and 12% of them want to be thinner. 50% of girls aged 11-16 were very aware of what they eat and had cut down on certain foods and this figure rose to 66% in girls aged 16-21.

Binge drinking and the influence of the ladette generation have led to alcohol being the most serious health threat to girls. 27% of girls aged 11-16 and 58% of those aged 16-21 report that they have drunk so much they have been sick or lost control.

Alarmingly over 33% of girls aged 16-21 admitted having unprotected sex even though those questioned had concerns about the spread of STDs.

Abortion rate in the under 16 age group rises

There has been a 12% rise in the number of abortions carried out in the Under 16 age group between 2001 and 2008 (from 3658 to 4113). The number of abortions in girls aged 14 has risen by almost a quarter in 2 years. The UK has one of the highest abortion rates in the Western World with 200 000 terminations a year.

Its all in a name

A survey of more than 62 000 pupils who were the worst or best behaved in school were analysed and then examined to see if any of the names were repeatedly linked with each behaviour. The survey was carried out by School Stickers. The names most associated with good behaviour were Frances, Annabel, Aisha, Eve, Fatima, Fiona and for boys Samuel, Martin, Mohammed, Alfie, Ali, Calum and Steven.

The names most associated with bad behaviour were Carl, Brad, Tyler, Bob, Paul, Curtis, Rory and for girls Georgie, Izzy, Erin, Josie, Cara, Jess and Meghan.

Naming children after some celebrities or things that are currently in fashion is unlucky. The more ordinary the name the safer you are.

Do rewards really work?

Emma Dunmore, head of psychology at Harrogate Grammar has conducted a review of research into school reward systems and found that tangible rewards such as points and stickers can help to improve behaviour in the short term but once removed behaviour would return to its original levels. When rewards were given for good work, they were less effective when withdrawn and work often fell below original levels. Verbal rewards given, with information on performance are less detrimental to performance.

Some of the findings of the review contradict other research which clearly states the positive impact of reward systems. Some key points to remember:

• Verbally encourage rather than just issue tangible rewards

• Get students to reflect upon reasons for them being rewarded

• Ensure rewards are clearly linked to improved work or behaviour

• Reward students for performing a task to a specific standard rather than just completing it.

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