Children's Health In The News 08/14/2025

The initiative recommends establishing anti-bullying programs, creating school wellness rooms, and promoting diversity and empathy within school communities. Further tips include teaching students to be "upstanders" against unkind behavior, setting internet use guidelines, and encouraging hobbies that build self-confidence and resilience. Parents are advised to foster open communication and provide tools that help children express themselves.

The findings show that nearly a third of parents reported their child missed more than a week of school due to mental health reasons, contributing to a near-doubling of chronic absenteeism rates since the pandemic. Experts define this as “school avoidance” and suggest professional interventions like therapy, cautioning that allowing children to stay home can inadvertently worsen anxiety.

Sales of Pilot's FriXion Clicker erasable gel pens help fund anti-bullying organizations, with contributions to groups like STOMP Out Bullying exceeding $650,000 between 2015 and 2025. The campaign provides resources and tips for students, parents, and teachers to understand and address bullying effectively. This ongoing effort aims to foster compassion and create safer communities for children during the school year.

Operating similarly to EMS for physical health, trained mental health experts are dispatched within 60 minutes to assist with various crises, including family conflict, grief, or substance use issues. This free, confidential, and 24/7 service is available nationwide by dialing or texting 988, connecting families with counselors who can provide support and guide them to appropriate resources.

Spearheaded by the creators of the Screenagers documentaries, this national initiative encourages parents to establish healthy sleep habits by removing screens from kids' resting spaces. The campaign highlights concerns that device use before and during bedtime is contributing to reduced sleep quality, negatively impacting children's health, mood, and academic performance. Parents are encouraged to learn more and join the movement at ScreenFreeSleep.org.

This initiative, supported by a $7,000 grant from the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley's River Valley Health Fund, aims to address specific hygiene needs often overlooked by other assistance programs. Judge Al Davies noted the program helps promote overall well-being and allows probation officers to discuss healthy choices and self-care during follow-up deliveries. This marks the second year the court has provided this support to local youth.

Valley Children’s Healthcare has leased clinic space at Community Regional Medical Center and plans to begin offering pediatric outpatient services there early next year. This strategic move allows Community Health to focus primarily on adult services, while ensuring pediatric patients continue to receive coordinated care in the region. The health system will provide individualized support to patients during this transition to maintain uninterrupted service.

This investigation follows protected disclosures and a breach notification submitted by CHI, prompting an unannounced site inspection by the DPC in July. The inquiry will assess CHI's adherence to GDPR obligations, focusing on personal data security and physical record management processes at the site. Children’s Health Ireland has stated its full cooperation with the DPC, emphasizing its commitment to protecting patient information.