Children's Health

Health & Safety

Why the children's mental health crisis isn't new

5:23pm April 30, 2022

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with author Judith Warner about the state of children's mental health in the United States, and what can be done to help kids cope in the wake of the pandemic.

J.R. Chester, an advocate with the Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, says she hopes the state's updated sex education curriculum will lead to more open conversation between parents and kids.

Texas got a sex ed update, but students and educators say there's still a lot missing

7:08am April 30, 2022

by Elena Rivera

The last time Texas updated its sex education curriculum, was in the '90s. Students will now learn about contraception and STIs — but not gender or consent. And the classes are all optional.

Rachel Levine, U.S. assistant secretary for health, says, "The language of medicine and science is being used to drive people to suicide." Political attacks against trans young people are on the rise across the country.

Rachel Levine calls state anti-LGBTQ bills disturbing and dangerous to trans youth

4:42pm April 29, 2022

by Selena Simmons-Duffin

The U.S. assistant secretary for health, who will speak at Texas Christian University, says physicians need to be more vocal in fighting politically motivated attacks on vulnerable trans youth.

Moderna says its vaccine appears to be about 51 percent effective for children ages 6 months to less than 2 years, and 37 percent effective for those ages 2 to less than 6 years.

Moderna asks FDA to authorize first COVID-19 vaccine for very young children

7:00am April 28, 2022

by Rob Stein

The company says a low-dose version of its vaccine triggers an immune response in children ages 6 months to less than 6 years equivalent to what has protected older children and adults.

A baby who is suffering from pneumonia receives treatment at a hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh on January 13, 2022. A new study points to concerns about childhood deaths after a hospitalization for such diseases as pneumonia, diarrhea and malaria.

Health & Safety

The death rate for children has dropped dramatically. Yet there's cause for alarm

4:52pm April 27, 2022

by Joanne Silberner

A new report confirms a deep decrease in the world's childhood death rate. But it takes note of what the authors call an "astronomically high" rate of death after hospitalization.

Texas families with trans kids are leaving the state

4:35pm April 27, 2022

by Sara Ernst

The Texas governor and attorney general say gender affirming care for trans kids is child abuse. Some families with trans kids are now relocating to continue the care they say their children need.

Queue Listen Now

The FDA may soon authorize a COVID booster for kids ages 5 to 11

5:09pm April 26, 2022

by Rob Stein

Pfizer and BioNTech are poised to formally ask the Food and Drug Administration to authorize the first COVID booster shot for kids ages 5 to 11.

Finn Washburn, 9, receives an injection of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in San Jose, Calif., in November. Now the pharmaceutical companies are seeking authorization to give kids a booster dose of the vaccine.

Health & Safety

Pfizer asks FDA to authorize booster shots for kids ages 5 through 11

5:02pm April 26, 2022

by Rob Stein

Data show that a third dose can help boost kids' immunity. Some experts are skeptical that another shot is needed for younger kids.

In an inclusive guide for pre-teens going through puberty, girls, boys and nonbinary youth are shown navigating topics from feelings to body parts to puberty gear.

Health & Safety

A new puberty guide for kids aims to replace anxiety with self-confidence

5:00am April 23, 2022

by Pien Huang

Talking about testes and menses can be super awkward for any kid. A new book tries to take the embarrassment out of growing up – and be inclusive of every body.

Green renovations in schools can bring long-term savings but sometimes have upfront costs.

In an effort to make schools greener, the White House is offering billions of dollars

12:25pm April 22, 2022

by Anya Kamenetz

From solar panels to electric buses — the Biden Administration wants to make it easier for schools to tap more than $5.5 billion for climate-friendly upgrades.