A study reveals that 72% of teens have used AI companions, often for social interactions and problem-solving, but experts warn this can hinder social development, lead to over-reliance on AI, and pose privacy risks. Parents are advised to discuss AI use openly and encourage real-world relationships to promote healthy social skills.
Mothers who followed a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy improved their children's cognitive, social, and emotional development at age 2, according to a randomized clinical trial. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have numerous health benefits and is supported by a significant body of scientific evidence. Additionally, children of mothers who participated in stress-reduction classes during pregnancy also scored higher in social and emotional well-being. The study highlights the potential of lifestyle interventions during pregnancy to positively impact the development of newborns.
A new global study conducted by US-based non-profit Sapien Labs found that the earlier a child is given a smartphone, the more chances she has of suffering mental health problems as a young adult. Mental well-being parameters were found to consistently decline with decreased age of first ownership of smartphones (which includes tablets). Young adults who had owned smartphones early in childhood also reported more suicidal thoughts, feelings of aggression towards others, a sense of being detached from reality and hallucinations. The study found that women appear to be more affected.
A study in Chile found that heavier-weight children tend to have lower social and emotional skills, with the link being stronger in girls. Childhood obesity is a serious public health problem, with approximately 39 million obese children worldwide. Aside from health problems, obese adults tend to earn lower wages and have more difficulty finding a job, which may be due to acquiring fewer cognitive and non-cognitive skills during childhood. The study contributes to the scientific knowledge about the psychological consequences of obesity in children.