#Childhealth

A leading US infectious disease expert warns the world may have entered a “post-herd immunity” era for measles as vaccination gaps spark renewed outbreaks. The United States is contending with its worst measles surge in decades, with more than 930 cases reported this year. The warning underscores how gaps in vaccination can erode community protection and fuel transmission even in previously controlled regions.

For Thai readers, this development matters because declining vaccine coverage worldwide raises the risk of measles returning to countries that had long controlled the disease. Measles had been declared eliminated in many regions thanks to sustained vaccination campaigns, but recent disruptions and misinformation have dented uptake. In the United States and parts of Europe, vaccination rates have fallen below the 95 percent threshold needed for herd immunity, raising concerns about localized outbreaks and spillover to other regions, including Southeast Asia.

Recent research and expert opinion from leading child health advocates underscore a growing crisis in sex education: parents are increasingly reluctant to discuss sexual health with their children, while the availability of formal sex education in schools continues to decline. This trend, highlighted in a recent article by a renowned sexual health expert in the Philadelphia Inquirer, has profound implications for both Western and Thai families, particularly as children turn to unregulated online sources or even pornography in place of accurate, age-appropriate information (inquirer.com). The article draws upon decades of international research supporting the benefits of parent-led sex education and offers urgently needed strategies for parents who wish to guide their children responsibly.

Recent research and expert opinion from leading child health advocates point to a growing crisis in sex education: many parents are hesitant to discuss sexual health with their children, while school-based programs are not keeping pace. A prominent health expert’s analysis highlights how this gap affects both Western and Thai families, especially as children seek information online. Research indicates parent-led conversations can boost understanding, safety, and trust, while providing practical strategies for responsible guidance.

A new study suggests preschoolers’ brains respond differently to live storytelling than to screen-based stories, with live, in-person reading engaging social and emotional brain networks more strongly. Researchers used non-invasive brain imaging to compare neural activity during a traditional book reading with a prerecorded digital story accompanied by images. The findings point to meaningful differences in early social and cognitive development, with potential implications for Thai families and educators.

In Thailand, where family bonds and communal learning hold cultural importance, the study resonates as screens become more common in homes and classrooms. As Covid-era screen time rose and traditional book-reading habits declined, educators seek to understand how best to nurture social skills, language, and concentration in young children.

A groundbreaking new study has found that preschool children’s brains respond differently when stories are shared through live book reading versus on a screen, suggesting that how children experience stories may impact key aspects of their social and cognitive development. The research, published in the journal Developmental Science, used advanced neuroimaging technology to observe children’s brain activity during both types of storytelling—a live reading from a book and a recorded story paired with images on a screen (PsyPost).

New research is shining a spotlight on middle childhood (age 5 to 12), challenging the idea that these years are merely a transition between early childhood and adolescence. Studies and expert commentary suggest this period lays the groundwork for lifelong mental health, learning, and social skills. For Thai readers, the findings resonate with local values around harmony, discipline, and community involvement, while also highlighting areas where Thai schools and families can support children more effectively.

The formative years from age 5 to 12—often referred to as “middle childhood”—are gaining critical attention in new research, pushing back against long-standing misconceptions that these years are merely a pause between the milestones of early childhood and adolescence. Recent analyses, highlighted by scholars and major health organizations, are reframing this period as a dynamic stage that lays the foundation for lifelong mental, academic, and social well-being [Psychology Today].

Long viewed as a “waiting room” in both scientific literature and public perception, the years between 5 and 12 have not received the same focus as the “first 1,000 days” or the dramatic changes of adolescence. Yet, experts now warn this oversight could be costing societies dearly, especially as recent studies have detailed how brain development, emotional regulation, cognitive skills, and social habits solidify during these so-called “quiet years”. For families and educators in Thailand—where cultural values emphasize respectful quietude and conformity in young students—such findings are especially significant.

A recent BBC investigation has found that many of the most popular baby food pouches on the UK market are worryingly low in key nutrients, raising alarms about their suitability as a major part of infants’ and toddlers’ diets. The revelations come amid increasing global reliance on packaged baby foods, including in urban Thai households, as parents seek convenience during the busy years of early childhood.

Laboratory testing of 18 products from leading brands, such as Ella’s Kitchen, Heinz, Piccolo, Little Freddie, Aldi and Lidl, uncovered a pattern: many pouches were low in critical nutrients like vitamin C and iron, while some contained more sugar than an infant should consume in one day. This investigative report echoes similar concerns previously voiced by nutritionists in Thailand and supports growing evidence from peer-reviewed studies on the nutritional deficits of commercial baby foods (BBC News).

Recent findings from a major UK investigation reveal that many popular baby food pouches may not meet optimal nutrition. The study tested 18 pouches from well-known brands and found concerning gaps in essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin C, with some products delivering surprisingly high sugar levels. As urban Thai households increasingly rely on convenient, ready-to-eat options, Thai health professionals say similar issues could affect young children here if care isn’t taken.

Chile’s aggressive push to curb childhood junk-food consumption is shaping a global conversation on healthier diets for young people. By tightening marketing rules and front-of-pack labeling, Chile reports a notable drop in unhealthy snack purchases among children. Public health officials worldwide see this as a practical blueprint for addressing youth obesity.

The heart of Chile’s approach is simple and visible: large, black stop-sign warnings on foods high in sugar, salt, and fat; a ban on advertising unhealthy products to children; and restrictions on sales in schools. Since these measures began in 2016, families, teachers, and retailers have faced a clearer, more public health-oriented food environment. The World Health Organization has highlighted the urgency of reducing childhood overweight and obesity, noting a global rise that demands stronger action. In Thailand, about one in ten schoolchildren is overweight or obese, a trend mirrored by expanding fast-food availability and aggressive snack marketing.

Chile’s bold efforts to curb childhood junk food consumption have sparked international attention, prompting the question: if Chile can do it, why can’t the UK—or, indeed, Thailand? The South American nation’s sweeping package of regulations, focusing on marketing and labeling, has spurred a dramatic decline in unhealthy snack intake by children. This development has brought fresh hope to public health officials worldwide grappling with rising obesity rates among the youth.

A recent Guardian feature on talking to kids about body image has sparked renewed concern about body shaming and its impact on children worldwide, including in Thailand. With schoolyard taunts rising and social media intensifying appearance pressures, experts warn that how adults respond can shape a child’s mental health and relationship with their body for years to come.

Body image pressures are not new, but they feel sharper in the smartphone era. Data from the World Health Organization shows that nearly one in three children in Southeast Asia have faced weight-based teasing, contributing to anxiety, depression, and disordered eating later in life. In Thailand, studies over the last decade indicate rising rates of childhood obesity and eating disorders, underscoring the need for practical guidance.

A recent spotlight on children’s body image, highlighted by The Guardian’s feature “‘Mummy, Charlie called me fat today’: how to talk to kids about body image,” has reignited concern about how body shaming affects youngsters’ self-esteem worldwide—including here in Thailand. As schoolyard taunts become increasingly common and social media deepens pressure on appearance, experts stress that how adults respond can have profound implications for a child’s mental health and future relationship with their body.

Global efforts to combat childhood malnutrition are facing a dangerous setback as disruptions in US government funding threaten the distribution of Plumpy’Nut, a ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) that has transformed survival rates for severely malnourished children. Experts warn that millions could be left without this critical lifeline, triggering renewed concern across regions already suffering humanitarian emergencies.

For families like those in northeastern Nigeria, the stakes are heartbreakingly clear. After losing her husband to violence and fleeing her village, one mother found her two-year-old son failing to thrive on inadequate rations in a displaced persons camp. It was only after receiving Plumpy’Nut—an energy-dense peanut paste fortified with vitamins and minerals—that her son rapidly recovered from acute malnutrition, illustrating the product’s vital role on the frontlines of humanitarian care (source: NPR).

A global effort to combat childhood malnutrition faces a dangerous disruption as U.S. funding shifts threaten the distribution of Plumpy’Nut, a ready-to-use therapeutic food that has dramatically improved survival for severely malnourished children. Experts warn that millions could lose access to this critical lifeline, intensifying humanitarian strain in regions already under pressure.

In northeastern Nigeria, a mother who fled violence with her two-year-old son recalls the turning point. Her child, once stunted by inadequate rations in a displacement camp, rapidly recovered after receiving Plumpy’Nut, a nutrient-dense peanut paste fortified with vitamins and minerals. This example underscores the program’s frontline importance in emergency settings.

Millions of children in the United States are diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the vast majority are prescribed stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall. However, a new wave of research reported by NPR and detailed in The New York Times Magazine raises pressing questions about the effectiveness and long-term consequences of these treatments, as well as the very nature of ADHD itself (NPR, 2025).

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed last year that more than 11% of American children had received an ADHD diagnosis—a record high, and a dramatic increase from the early 1990s figure of just 2 million. In 14-year-old boys, the rate soars to 21%. These statistics portray a nation deeply invested in identifying—and medicating—children with ADHD. But why are diagnoses rising, and are treatments truly serving those diagnosed?

A global study highlights how the type of protein you eat at different ages may influence longevity. Published in Nature Communications and summarized by EatingWell, researchers found animal-based proteins may support child survival, while plant-based proteins are linked to healthier aging in adulthood. The findings hold particular relevance for Thailand, where dietary patterns are rapidly shifting across urban and rural areas.

For Thai families and health policymakers, the study offers evidence to strengthen efforts against child malnutrition and age-related disease risk. Thailand’s rich culinary heritage already blends animal and plant proteins, and this research could guide more precise dietary strategies at every life stage.

New research is redefining how birth order—being firstborn, middle, youngest, or an only child—affects health, not just personality. For Thai families, these findings matter as family structures shift, parental roles evolve, and conversations about mental health gain prominence. The debate in Thai households about elder siblings’ maturity or middle-child dynamics now sits alongside rigorous science about childhood immune development, anxiety and depression risk, and obesity.

Experts say birth order effects are complex and layered. Health insights consider personality, coping strategies, and stress management shaped by position in the family. A 2024 Epic Research study highlights notable trends: firstborns show higher rates of anxiety and depression compared with their younger siblings, while only children and last-borns appear more prone to childhood obesity. Meanwhile, middle and younger children may experience stronger immune responses, a pattern linked to early-life exposure to germs and the so-called hygiene hypothesis. These findings hold potential relevance for Thai parents navigating smaller family sizes and evolving mental health awareness.

A wave of new research is shedding light on the intriguing ways that your birth order—whether you’re a firstborn, middle child, youngest, or only child—can impact not just your personality, but also your risks for certain mental and physical health conditions. The longstanding folk wisdom about eldest siblings being responsible, middle children overlooked, and youngest siblings more carefree has some scientific roots—but the picture is far more complex, with direct relevance for families in Thailand and around the world.

A growing debate over ADHD medications is reshaping how clinicians, educators, and parents view attention challenges. New reporting highlights questions about long-term benefits and potential risks of stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and amphetamine-based medicines. While these medications can produce quick improvements in focus and behavior, experts warn that lasting academic gains are not guaranteed and that ADHD itself may reflect a mix of biological and environmental factors.

In many places, including Thailand, ADHD diagnoses are rising. Health authorities emphasize careful assessment to distinguish ADHD from anxiety, trauma, and learning difficulties. Data from researchers suggests that three out of four children diagnosed with ADHD also have another related issue, underscoring the need for a holistic approach. Some scholars argue that ADHD symptoms exist on a spectrum and may not represent a fixed, lifelong brain disorder.

A groundbreaking international study suggests that the type of protein you consume at different life stages could be the key to living a longer, healthier life. Published in Nature Communications and spotlighted by EatingWell on April 24, researchers found that animal-based proteins may be critical for child survival, while plant-based proteins are linked to healthier longevity in adulthood—a finding with important implications for Thailand, where dietary habits are rapidly evolving in both urban and rural communities (EatingWell).

A global health conversation intensified as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke about measles, autism, vaccines, and diet while serving as U.S. health chief. Thai families are navigating similar debates—vaccination confidence, rising obesity, and questions about food additives. This piece explains the latest evidence in clear terms for educators, parents, and policymakers.

Kennedy claimed autism rates were far lower in his youth and suggested an “autism epidemic” today, blaming environmental factors. In reality, autism diagnoses have increased partly due to broader criteria, greater awareness, and improved screening. International health bodies, including the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasize there is no credible evidence linking vaccines to autism. These findings matter for Thailand as vaccination programs confront hesitancy and misinformation in communities across the country.

A rising number of families feel overwhelmed by the search for the most suitable therapist for their children, especially when ADHD-related behaviors create urgent stress at home. This was the focus of a recent episode on Slate’s Care and Feeding podcast, where a mother described the draining cycle of trial after trial in search of support for her daughter. The episode underscores a broader trend now gaining attention in research and news: therapy shopping—the demanding, time-consuming hunt for effective mental health care.

Recent headlines have focused public attention on Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now serving as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, after he made sweeping statements about measles, autism, vaccines, and the impact of diet on health—claims that have sparked controversy internationally and resonate even among Thai readers navigating similar public health debates. As widespread measles outbreaks and concerns over rising autism rates draw renewed focus on medical facts and myths, a thorough examination of the latest research provides crucial context for Thai families, educators, and policymakers.