The youngest children in class are more likely than their older classmates to receive medication for ADHD, a study has found. The Western Australian study, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, has again raised concerns children are being misdiagnosed with the psychiatric disorder and medicated for what could simply be age-related immaturity. Read more
More than eight in ten people think sex and relationship education should be compulsory in schools, according to new research. The finding comes as the government faces increasing calls for SRE classes to be mandatory amid growing evidence young people struggle with sexual harassment and abuse online. The research, which was commissioned by the charity Plan International UK, shows there is support for SRE lessons across the board. Read more
A survey published on Thursday by the charity Carers Trust to mark Young Carers Awareness Day suggests 73% of young carers, some as young as five, take time off school or studies to cope with their caring responsibilities. A third say they skip school most weeks. Nearly half of young carers report being left tired or stressed and see school as a break. Read more
Many families with children who are disabled or who have special educational needs are struggling to find information on childcare, according to a new report. It suggests that in many areas, parents are in the dark on how to access care. The Family and Childcare Trust’s report found that just one in five (20%) councils explain the duty of childcare providers to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for children with disabilities. Read more