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Kids Health News
HSE reports highlight at-risk children safety concerns
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 15/11/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
New Health Service Executive (HSE) reports have highlighted concerns regarding the safety of at-risk children in Ireland.
According to the nine documents, more than 70 vulnerable young people have died since the beginning of 2010 while either in HSE care or shortly after leaving the system.
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Anti-bullying scheme not available in all schools due to funding issues
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 11/13/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Not all schools in Ireland have been able to get involved with an awards scheme aimed at tackling racist bullying due to funding issues.
Paula Madden, Yellow Flag co-ordinator, explained monetary constraints have meant the initiative - which has delivered successful results in its attempts to promote diversity, inclusion and equality - is only available to a small number of schools, the Irish Examiner reports.
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Irish teens 'are concealing online activities'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 11/06/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
The majority of Irish teenagers are making a conscious effort to conceal their online activities, according to a new survey conducted by security company McAfee.
As part of the 'Digital Divide' study, the firm polled 200 young people in the country, with more than half admitting they have wiped their browsing history in an effort to prevent their parents finding out what they have been doing.
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School lunchboxes 'are getting healthier'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 10/29/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Children in Ireland are beginning to take healthier foods to school with them, new research has suggested.
According to the latest Periscope study from Bord Bia, greater emphasis is being placed on healthier eating among people of all ages, the Irish Times reports.
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RTE sued by childcare workers for defamation
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 10/22/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Two childcare workers have claimed they were defamed in a Prime Time television programme and are suing RTE as a result.
The two women - Lisa Craddock and Sandra Kavanagh - worked at the Links creche in Abington, Malahide, County Dublin. They were dismissed from their roles following the broadcast of the RTE programme, which they say alleged their involvement in the mistreatment of children they were caring for.
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Disadvantaged children 'more likely to have behavioural problems'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 09/20/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Behavioural problems are more likely to be apparent in young children from disadvantaged backgrounds compared to those from wealthier families.
This is one of the findings of the latest report from the Growing Up in Ireland study, which also indicated youngsters from such backgrounds are at greater risk of being obese and having poorer diets.
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Anti Bullying Ads to appear in School Books
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 08/20/2013.Tags: Parenting Teacher News Kids Health
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An initiative by the Irish Educational Publishers Association (IEPA), which publishes 90pc of school books, means that Anti-bullying awareness adverts will be inserted in a large percentage of primary and secondary school textbooks by the end of 2014. The initiative has the backing of the Department of Education, under whose direction the ads were designed.The IEPA plans to place the adverts in up to 1,000 primary and post primary publications, both print and digital, targeting ... click to read full post & comments
Parents 'to sue companies following RTE probe'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 08/08/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Legal action may be taken against companies in Ireland involved in a recent childcare investigation.
The Irish Independent reports that the parents of at least 20 children caught up in the episode are set to sue the firms for alleged assault.
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The importance of PE in school
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 07/31/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
A major talking point in Irish education at present is physical education (PE) and, more specifically, the amount of time that should be allocated to it. There are arguments that fewer hours spent in the sports hall or on the football pitch will free up more time for subjects such as maths, English and science, yet there is also the stance that more PE hours will help to improve health and fitness among young people in Ireland.
Improvements needed
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Creches in the spotlight
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 07/26/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
The issue of childcare is always a sensitive one, but it has been thrust into the spotlight in recent weeks following reports of mistreatment at three creches. This was followed by claims that staff cutbacks have resulted in a reduction in the number of creche inspections and suggestions that the evaluations are failing to focus on the quality of care.
It is therefore important that greater emphasis is placed on improving the standard of childcare in Ireland, to not only reassure parents wanting to leave their sons and daughters in the care of others, but also to make sure children are safe and properly looked after in these facilities.
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Irish children's mental health 'affected by social media sites'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 07/19/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
The mental health of children in Ireland may be negatively affected by use of social media sites, it has been suggested.
According to a new cyberbullying report compiled by a cross-party groups of TDs and senators, there is a need for a clampdown on cyberbullying after the Oireachtas Communications Committee carried out hearings following suicides related to this form of victimisation last year.
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PE should be compulsory at second-level schools, report claims
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 07/15/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Physical Education (PE) should be made a compulsory subject at second-level schools in Ireland, it has been claimed.
According to a new report submitted to the National Activity Planning Group, the basic curriculum needs to make sure pupils are active for at least two hours every week, the Irish Independent reports.
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Girls who go to school with boys 'less happy with body shape'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 07/11/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Irish girls who go to school with boys may be more self-conscious of their body shape, it has been suggested.
Speaking at the International Congress of the European Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Lucena Clinic in Dublin Dr Fiona McNicholas explained teenage females who attend mixed schools are more likely to be dissatisfied with their body shape than those who go to single-sex schools, the Irish Independent reports.
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Children with regular bedtimes 'perform better in the classroom'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 07/09/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Children who stick to regular bedtime routines may perform better in the classroom as a result.
This is the suggestion of new research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, which found a young person's brain power can benefit from going to sleep at the same time every night.
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Report raises concerns about child neglect cases
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 07/03/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
A new report has raised concerns about child neglect cases in Ireland.
Carried out on behalf of the Health Service Executive (HSE) by Lynne Peyton, a consultant in children's services and social care, the research discovered that although parents are being brought to the attention of gardai for drug and alcohol abuse, very few are being prosecuted, the Irish Examiner reports.
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Creche inspections 'hampered by staff cutbacks'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 06/25/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
The number of inspections carried out at creches in Ireland have fallen markedly in the last two years, new research has shown.
According to figures revealed at the latest Health Service Executive (HSE) regional health forum, this amount has dipped by almost 30 per cent in the past 24 months - and staff cutbacks have been cited as one reason for the reduction, the Irish Examiner reports.
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Pupils unhurt after bus fire
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 06/11/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Pupils and their teachers have escaped without injury following a bus fire incident at Barna in West Limerick.
Gardai revealed nobody was hurt when the 45-seater bus - which was taking the group home from a school tour - became engulfed in flames, although the passengers were said to be traumatised by the incident.
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Suicide levels among young Irish people 'is worrying'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 05/21/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Ireland has a worryingly high suicide level among young people, a new report has shown.
According to the Suicide in Ireland 2003-2008 research, the country has the fourth highest rate in Europe, with the number of young males and females taking their own lives rising to more than 25 in every 100,000 - markedly higher than the ten in every 100,000 recorded in 1990.
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Ireland 'among the best countries to be a child'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 04/10/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
The vast majority of children in Ireland are happy with their lives, a new report has found.
According to the UNICEF study, 86 per cent of young people in the country are content with their lot, with the period between 2001 and 2010 showing steady improvement in this regard.
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Creches 'are struggling to provide care for children with special needs'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 04/08/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Providing early childcare to children with special needs is proving difficult for many creches and pre-schools in Ireland.
This is the finding of new research commissioned by Early Childhood Ireland, which showed dozens of providers have turned away young people with learning difficulties because of a lack of timely access to specialised support personnel including care assistants and therapists, the Irish Times reports.
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FREE eye exam for Kids aged 12 to 16 during March
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 03/04/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
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Opticians have launched a campaign calling for improved eyecare services for 12 to 16-year-olds. According to Eyezone, which represents almost 100 independent opticians across the country in Ireland, approximately 10% of children up to the age of 12 require glasses or contact lenses, while more than 20% do so by the age of 16. Eyezone are highlighting that there is no specific scheme in place for 12-16 year olds during these years of crucial ... click to read full post & comments
Primary school children 'to learn the importance of healthy eating'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 11/02/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Primary school children are to learn more about the benefits of a balanced diet in a bid to address growing concerns about childhood obesity.
Following recommendations made by restaurateurs Henry Dimbleby and John Vincent in their School Food Plan, young kids will be educated about the importance of eating healthily and older children will receive lessons on how to cook, the Press Association reports.
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Obese children 'experiencing severe bullying'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 02/06/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Obese children at schools in Ireland may be subjected to severe bullying, new findings have suggested.
Temple Street Children's Hospital has revealed that more than one in ten overweight youngsters have experienced this form of victimisation.
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Pupils 'may not receive enough PE hours'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 02/05/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Many school children in Ireland may not be receiving enough hours of physical education (PE).
Just ten per cent of post-primary school pupils are currently taking part in 120 minutes of PE every week, despite rising levels of obesity causing alarm in the country, the Journal reports.
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Emergency food aid for school children 'is required'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 01/31/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
A national programme of emergency food aid is required for schools in Ireland, it has been claimed.
Independent TD John Halligan has called on Taoiseach Enda Kenny to establish such an initiative to combat the effect increasing poverty levels is having on young people in the country, the Irish Times reports.
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Concerns raised over lack of school places for children with autism
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 01/22/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Concerns have been raised that there may be a lack of appropriate school places for children with autism.
The Irish Times reports that families are worried young people with the condition are failing to reach their full potential due to spending cuts.
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New school exercise initiative launched
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 01/08/2013.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
A new school health initiative has been launched as experts warn that children's long-term health is being put at risk because of a lack of exercise.
The scheme has been introduced by Aviva Health Insurance in conjunction with experts from the Centre for Preventive Medicine and aims to improve the health and fitness of first and second year pupils across the country, the Irish Independent reports.
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Poor baby nutrition leading to adult illnesses, report finds
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 11/20/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
A new study has revealed baby feeding patterns and nutrition in Ireland are "far from ideal", with the nation recording the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe.
According to the Food Safety Authority in Ireland's (FSAI's) Scientific Recommendations for a National Feeding Policy in Ireland report, the weaning of infants from milk to solid food is also an area that needs particular attention.
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Study finds 5-year-olds worry about being fat
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 11/02/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Primary school children as young as five believe they are too fat to wear swimsuits, according to the results of a new study.
Dr Deirdre Cowman of All Hallows College, Dublin, carried out research into the effects a parent's weight obsession can have on children, the Herald reports.
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Almost half of young people have suicidal thoughts, study finds
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 10/08/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Experts have called for greater awareness of the emotional distress faced by many young people after a new study found more than four in ten young people have felt their lives are not worth living.
The My World survey saw 8,000 individuals aged between 17 and 25 asked a series of questions addressing mental health by researchers from Headstrong and the University College Dublin's (UCD's) School of Psychology, the Irish Times reports.
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Obese children 'risk stroke and heart disease as young adults'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 09/27/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Children that suffer from obesity could be risking their long-term health even if they slim down by adulthood, according to the results of new research.
Scientists at the University of Oxford have published a report in the British Medical Journal that revealed being overweight during early years and as a teenager can substantially increase the risk of ill health as an adult.
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Garden trampolines 'highly dangerous for children'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 09/25/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Parents have been warned about the high risk of injury that comes with allowing children to use garden trampolines.
The American Academy of Paediatrics has produced a new policy outlining the dangers associated with trampolining.
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Good Practice Guide for School Breakfast Clubs launched
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 09/13/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
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The Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton TD., attended at Rutland National School in Dublin today to launch ‘A Good Practice Guide for Breakfast Clubs’ which has been developed by Healthy Food for All and funded by the Kellogg Corporate Citizenship Fund and the Kellogg Company of Ireland. Speaking at the launch of ‘A Good Practice Guide for Breakfast Clubs’, Sinéad Keenan, Project Coordinator, Healthy Food for All said: “While we know there are children going to school hungry, we also know that 1 in 4 nine year olds in Ireland are overweight or obese (Growing Up in Ireland 2011). We need to ... click to read full post & comments(5)
Kids 'should be checked for head lice once a week'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 09/04/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Parents have been advised to check their children for head lice at least once a week now the new school year has begun.
Pharmacist with the Irish Pharmacy Union Grannie O'Leary explained how there is no way to prevent youngsters from contracting nits, the Irish Independent reports.
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Mouth guards 'should be worn to protect against school sport injuries'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 08/28/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Experts have warned that children should be wearing mouth guards to protect against dental injury when participating in school sports.
Researchers led by Margaret O'Malley of Health Service Executive West dental services in Castlebar, Co Mayo, found only 22 per cent of pupils wore mouth guards while playing contact sports.
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Walking to school 'offers mental and physical benefits'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 08/24/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Children who walk or cycle to school have higher levels of concentration and are more likely to develop road safety sense at a young age.
This is according to new studies from SLAN and HSBC, which reveal over half of all pupils live no more than a 20 to 30 minute walk from their school.
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Older mothers have healthier children, research finds
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 08/22/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
New research suggests children born to older mothers are more likely to be healthy and develop language skills faster during their early years.
A study carried out by scientists at University College London's Institute of Child Health and published in the British Medical Journal revealed the offspring of women aged 40 and over are also less inclined to have social and emotional difficulties.
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Study shows obesity in kids 'must be tackled'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 07/27/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
The results of new research into heart disease have highlighted the importance of finding new ways to prevent childhood obesity.
Consultant endocrinologist at St Columcille's Hospital in Loughlinstown, County Dublin, Dr Donal O'Shea told the Irish Times the findings prove tackling the problem of obesity is paramount.
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Study shows obesity in kids 'must be tackled'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 07/27/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
The results of new research into heart disease have highlighted the importance of finding new ways to prevent childhood obesity.
Consultant endocrinologist at St Columcille's Hospital in Loughlinstown, County Dublin, Dr Donal O'Shea told the Irish Times the findings prove tackling the problem of obesity is paramount.
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Playground smoking ban approved
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 07/24/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Children's playgrounds in Fingal are set to become smoke-free areas after the county council announced plans to formally adopt a no smoking policy.
The move come after Meath County Council unanimously agreed on a motion to also make smoking illegal in playgrounds, the Irish Times reports.
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Pre-school TV viewing linked to overweight children
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 07/17/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Young children that watch a lot of television are more likely to be overweight by the time they are in the final year of primary school, according to a new report.
Research carried out by scientists at the University of Montreal and Saint-Justine Mother and Child University Hospital found a link between each hour of TV watched and waist circumference.
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HPSC calls for vaccinations before summer camps
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 07/04/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
Parents have been reminded to ensure their children are up to date with their MMR vaccinations in preparation for the start of the summer camp season.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) made the announcement following last year's outbreak of the measles in Dublin, the Herald reports.
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Proposal launched to make cycle helmets compulsory
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 07/03/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
A new initiative is set to make wearing cycle helmets compulsory for children aged up to 13-years-old.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is looking to make head protection a must, with parents of youngsters who flout the law issued with a fine, the Irish Independent reports.
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A quarter of pre-school children found to be overweight
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 21/06/2012.Tags: Parenting Kids Health
The results of a new survey show almost a quarter (23 per cent) of pre-school children are overweight.
Research carried out by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance revealed a higher incidence of obesity in youngsters aged two (27 per cent) and three (32 per cent).
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