I hope you are enjoying the three Bank Holidays we are having this month. The Summer Term is always a busy one so I am sure you are welcoming these breaks.

EFFECTS OF VAPING ON CHILDREN

The number of 11-17 year olds vaping has doubled in past two years.

9% of 11-14 year olds have admitted vaping, this figure rising to 18% by 15 years old.

In 2022 7% of 11-17 year old students admitted to regularly vaping.

These figures are concerning given that it is illegal to sell vapes to Under 18’s in UK. Often no punitive action is taken against sellers.

Vaping has an impact on developing brains. Nicotine in vapes can affect synapses and disrupt brain connecting cells with resultant problems with memory, the ability to manage moods and impulse control. Respiratory systems can be affected.

There are a lot of misconceptions about vaping and there needs to be greater education about the effects.

The addictive nature of nicotine which can lead to other addictions eg alcohol and drugs needs to be highlighted.

Peer pressure to use vapes is immense. It is often presented as the trendy in thing to do the the misconception that popular people do it.

Some children have found it difficult to access vapes and have taken to getting used ones from waste bins. To counteract this some schools have introduced sealed boxes for the disposal of vapes.

Some schools have also introduced which detect when vapes are being used.

DISCOVERY OF ANXIETY GENE

Scientists have discovered increased amounts of the molecule miR483-5p in the amygdala area of the brain after acute stress which suppressed the expression of Pgap2 another gene that drives changes in brain which acts as a molecular break that prevents feelings of anxiety.

The discovery of the miR483-5p/ Pgap2 pathway offers huge potential for the development of anti-anxiety therapies and treatments for anxiety. The study was conducted by scientists from the Universities of Bristol and Exeter.

Teachers, Lecturers and educational establishments face a large number of often conflicting demands. It is really hard for staff to keep their heads above water.

PREFERRED PRONOUNS

Recently there has been guidance that teachers will not be required to call children by their preferred pronouns following a meeting of school leaders, governors and lawyers who were concerned that schools could be at risk of discrimination claims from the parents of trans-identified pupils.

COMPULSORY MATHS TO AGE OF 18

A new proposal to make maths compulsory until 18 has met with some criticism and has been described as ‘half baked.’ There is no doubt that making maths mandatory and as essential as reading is important. There is a need to end the UK’s ‘anti- maths mindset.’ With a shortage of maths teachers it has been suggested that it will take up to ten years to recruit the necessary maths teachers required to make this possible.

ADDITIONAL CHALLENGES

Add to this the recent challenges associated with the inspection system and recent industrial action following the difficult times associated with Covid we have some of the most challenging times in recent times.

DECLINE IN PUPIL NUMBERS IN LONDON

A significant decrease in the number of applications for reception classes for the start of academic year in September ( down 2.67% ) has fuelled concern that some primary schools may be forced to merge or close.

CHILDREN DENIED HELP FOR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

250,000 children with mental health problems have been denied help by the NHS as it struggles to manage surging case loads. Some NHS trusts are failing to offer treatment to 60% of those referred by GPs.There is also a postcode lottery over care with spending per child four times higher in some areas than in others.

That concludes first Blog, watch for the next one that will appear soon.

Hope you have a good term.

Best wishes

Dave

Hi, this is the first blog on my new look website.

After 50 years involved in teaching and training, I am making some changes to Behaviour Solutions. One of these changes is that I’m no longer providing in school training (as I spend more time practicing behaviour management techniques with my grandchildren!)

However on this new site, I will be regularly updating a new blog, providing the latest news and research in the world of education, children and young people. I’ll also be providing updates on my Twitter account. If you haven’t already, please do follow me to keep up to date with the latest news in education.

There will still be plenty of free resource you can access from the Free Resources section, including a Range of Brain Breaks to use in the classroom.

Finally, you will still be able to get hold of some of my books via Amazon, which you can find on my shop page. This includes my titles How to Manage Behaviour in Further Education and Meeting the Needs of Disaffected Students.

Best wishes,

Dave