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Health and Safety

Keeping a child safe and healthy can be a challenge. Many parents scan headlines about phthalates in baby bottles, swine flu and vaccination debates but need balanced information to help make an informed decision for their family.

Health and Safety

Latest in Health and Safety

Careful and Compassionate: Ethical Coverage of Children in Tragedy

Reporting: Best Practices — May 30, 2013, Kathryn Quigley

Ethical journalists should show care and compassion when covering children in tragedy, a professor of Media Ethics writes.

Psychotropic Medication Use Among Children in the Child Welfare System

Research, Reports & Data — February 12, 2013, Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire

Children in the child welfare system are given psychotropic medication, drugs prescribed to affect the mind, emotions and behavior, at rates approximately three times higher than children and adolescents in the general population. Rates of psychotropic medication use are also significantly higher in rural than urban areas.

Parents With Children at Home Weigh-In: Here's What Contributes to Violence in the United States

Research, Reports & Data — January 23, 2013, Common Sense Media and the Center for American Progress

A nationwide survey of 1,050 parents with children 18 years and younger were asked to share their thoughts about factors that contribute to violence in the country.

Vital Signs: Binge Drinking Among Women and High School Girls

Research, Reports & Data — January 22, 2013, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 8 women over the age of 18 and 1 in 5 girls of high school age binge drink.

Best Practices: Giving Consumers "Fair Warning" about Toddler Burns

Reporting: Best Practices — December 19, 2012, Lyndsey Wallen

When industries are allowed to impose voluntary safety standards, kids can get seriously hurt. JCCF speaks with FairWarning editor Myron Levin about his year-long series on fireplace glass manufacturers and toddler burns.

Investigating Abuse and a "Broken Shield"

Reporting: Best Practices — December 14, 2012, Mina Dixon

California Watch and the Center for Investigative Reporting tackle abuse and neglect at board-and-care centers for the developmentally disabled.

Voices on Identity, Childhood, Ethics, and Stimulants: Children Join the Debate

Research, Reports & Data — October 31, 2012, VOICES Project, London School of Economics and Political Science

The report incorporates children’s experiences into the debate on ADHD diagnoses and treatment

Nurturing Dads: A Conversation with Fatherhood Expert Kevin Roy

Reporting: Best Practices — June 12, 2012, Julie Drizin

Author and associate professor of family sciences Kevin Roy talks about fatherhood and social policy.

The Lifelong Effects of Early Childhood Adversity and Toxic Stress

Research, Reports & Data — January 13, 2012, American Academy of Pediatrics

The report suggests that toxic stress has lifelong developmental consequences for kids.

Nonfatal Traumatic Brain Injuries Related to Sports And Recreation

Research, Reports & Data — October 10, 2011, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

From 2001 to 2009, the number of annual traumatic brain injury related hospital visits increased significantly, with the highest rates among males aged 10-to 19-years-old.

The Impact of Social Media on Children, Adolescents and Families

Research, Reports & Data — May 12, 2011, Pediatrics

The report explores the negative and positive effects of kids’ engagement with social media.

Emergency Department Visits for Concussions in Young Athletes

Research, Reports & Data — August 31, 2010, Pediatrics

A new study shows a dramatic increase in the number of sports-related concussions for young athletes despite a decrease in team sports participation.

Coming Out About Smoking

Research, Reports & Data — August 31, 2010, The National Youth Advocacy Coalition

The report addresses tobacco use among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and intersex youth.

Constraints Impacting Minority Swimming Participation, Phase Two

Research, Reports & Data — August 17, 2010, The University of Memphis

Several key variables influence swim participation among underrepresented, minority youth. The fear of water is chief among them.

The Oil Spill’s Effect on Children and Families

Research, Reports & Data — August 05, 2010, The National Center for Disaster Preparedness

The report provides preliminary findings on the oil spill's immediate and perceived long-term effects on children and families.