Should children really stop fidgeting? UK, 2005 One statement many of us would have most certainly heard in during our childhood would be that old favourite “Stop fidgeting.” For as unrestricted as children would prefer to be in their movements during a lesson, fidgeting is probably one of those things teachers would prefer children not to do. It can be a source of distraction not only for the unwitting child, but for those around them. However, research carried out by the University of Hertfordshire found that children who were allowed to move freely were better at learning than those who were not. The researchers performed the study by looking how well children learned when they were not able to move there hands, by using pairs of mittens attached to the table. The children aged between 6 and 8 were then given the task of naming objects in various pictures. The researchers found that gestures and hand movements helped the children to arrive at the correct answer. Dr. Karen Pine, one of those who lead the study said "People often think we gesture to help others understand what we are saying, but in fact it helps us to find the right words" adding "If teachers encouraged more fidgeting in class they might find children actually learn more." Your Comments
Children who walk and cycle to school are more active during their day. DK, 2005 A research study in Denmark has found that children who walk or cycle to school are more active than their schoolmates who travel by car or bus. Although the study did not establish a clear cause-and-effect association between travelling by foot or bicycle and the overall increase in active behaviour, the study did support active travel programmes as a way to increase physical activity in children and young people. The study authored by Niels Wedderkopp, M.D. which included 332 Danish school children who wore accelerometers to record their minute-by-minute activity, found boys who walked or cycled to school were more active than those who travelled by bus or car, although not for girls who cycled. Their activity levels measured much the same as girls who travelled by car. The study concluded that the number of children being driven to school is increasing, one of the reasons being that more children are attending schools outside of their local area, reducing the number who can safely walk or ride to school. Your Comments
Parents can influence how their children think about substance abuse. US, 2005 An American research study has shown that children with warm and involved parents are less likely to use alcohol, cigarettes, or marijuana. The study showed that parents who were more affectionate and involved with their children affected their thought process about substance abuse, giving them a negative view of people who drink or smoke cigarettes or marijuana, insuring they won't use such substances even when they're easily available. The researchers concluded the results were encouraging because they "consisted of things that most parents can do." Your Comments
Are children who stare into space more intelligent? UK, 2005 Were you told off by your parents or teachers for not looking at them when answering a question? Scientists at Stirling University found that children who turned away from their teacher while trying to answer a question, performed better than children who did not. More than 70% of 5 year olds who gazed into the distance (also known as 'gaze aversion'), performed better on a series of problem solving tests they were given, compared with 52% who looked directly at the teacher. Dr Gwyneth Doherty-Sneddon of Stirling, said adults usually have the "idea of 'Look at me when I’m talking to you'", also highlighting, for a child "Looking at faces is quite mentally demanding". Concluding, "It should be okay to look away at some point" during a conversation. Your Comments
God is the most famous person in the world. UK, 2005 A recent nationwide study by Luton University asked 2,500 children 10 years old and under questions such as 'What do you think is the very best thing in the world?' and 'If you were king or queen of the world, what rules would you make?' The most popular answers children gave for 'the best thing in the world' was money and getting rich, being famous and football. No drugs, knives or guns were among their answers for rules as king or queen of the world. A further 72% said they would get married when they grew up, and when asked who they thought was 'The most famous person in all the world' God ranked No1 with Wayne Rooney 2nd and Jesus 3rd, ahead of The Queen and David Beckham at 4 and 5. Your Comments
Parents not paying attention to age ratings on video games. EU, 2005 While many may believe video games are nothing but harmless fun, research has found that many parents pay very little attention to their age ratings which are given to all video games in the same way as films. Dr. Jurgen Freund of the Swedish research company Modulum, said parents viewed age ratings as "a guide rather than a prohibition"; raising concerns about children playing games with inappropriate content. However, the study of 1,000 parents showed they were more concerned about the amount of time their children spent playing video games rather than the actual content, allowing their children to play 18+ rated games. Dr Freund added that for youngsters "The 18+ label was seen as promoting adult content rather than saying ‘my parents will stop me playing this.'" Your Comments
| Home | 
