insert_link Health / Medical Surgeon general demands warning label on social media apps The like button is making parents rethink what the ideal age is to introduce phones and social media access to their children. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy told CNN that the threat social media poses to children requires urgent action, and he demanded Congress, in the US to put a label on the apps as it does with cigarettes and alcohol. "The mental health crisis among young people is urgent, […] todayJune 18, 2024 32
insert_link Lifestyle Early childhood education was largely missing from the budget, undermining other education spending By Marek Tesar, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Despite a NZ$1 billion increase in spending on education in the 2024 budget, there was a noticeable absence of any substantial investment in early childhood education (ECE). This contrasts starkly with the money put aside for primary and secondary education, particularly in areas such as literacy. The budget allocates $191 million over four years for […] todayJune 5, 2024 10
insert_link Lifestyle Read, sing, dance and funny faces: expert tips on how you can help your baby’s development through play By Alessandra Prioreschi, University of the Witwatersrand Play is how children learn about the world, explore their environments, and engage in physical activity. It’s also essential in nurturing children’s social, emotional and cognitive capabilities and is an important component of bonding with caregivers. Playtime for children is as important for their development as exercise is for adult health. Guidelines have been developed in South Africa, which closely […] todayApril 16, 2024 23
insert_link Lifestyle Parents who believe their children can have a better future are more likely to read and play with them – South African study Both children and parents benefit from daily play and reading activities. iThemba Projects, Author provided By Kendra Thomas, Hope College Every day, a small group of women make their way through the community of Sweetwaters, near the South African city of Pietermaritzburg, with bags of toys and books. They work as home mentors supporting families who signed up for an early childhood development intervention. They swap puzzles and […] todayMarch 25, 2024 19
insert_link Lifestyle Gentle parenting can be really hard on parents, new research suggests Gentle parents often feel overwhelmed and alone, researchers found. Jamie Grill/The Image Bank/Getty Images Annie Pezalla, Macalester College Are you a gentle parent? If so, chances are good that, just like your children, you may need a nap. The idea of gentle parenting has been around since the 1930s but received increased attention over the past few years on social media and blogs, as well as in popular books, magazines […] todayJanuary 16, 2024 12
insert_link Entertainment Swakopmunder Musikwoche brings people together – Kötting After a few weeks of preparation, the Namib Primary School Hall was packed to the brim when the Swakopmunder Musikwoche lived up to expectations this past weekend, delivering memorable performances in Swakopmund. The concert gripped the audience with captivating stories of love, hate, jealousy, war, and victory, all told through music. The Youth Orchestra kicked off the concert with six pieces under the direction of Hendi Krog. They performed […] todayDecember 20, 2023 27
