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Mental health programs increased emotional problems in English schools
Programs designed to improve students' mental health made things worse in the long run, reports a study in England.

Joanne Jacobs
Mar 8, 20252 min read


In a 'boy-friendly' school, boys get more time to play, socialize, choose activities
To be more "boy-friendly," a Baltimore boys' school added free play, student-run clubs and chances to socialize before classes start.

Joanne Jacobs
Feb 16, 20252 min read


How do homeschoolers turn out?
Long-term homeschoolers are less likely to earn a bachelor's degree and earn less than non-homeschoolers, but they're happier.

Joanne Jacobs
Feb 10, 20251 min read


You may have a few dings, but you're not 'broken'
Telling students they're "broken" is a bad message.

Joanne Jacobs
Feb 9, 20252 min read


Misbehavior is worse, say educators
Student misbehavior is up and motivation is down: 2024 is worse than 2023.

Joanne Jacobs
Jan 10, 20251 min read


Students need clear expectations, honest feedback
If schools can't hold students accountable, nobody's going to learn anything.

Joanne Jacobs
Jan 7, 20252 min read


'Give yourself a break' is bad advice: Do difficult things!
Young people need to believe they can do difficult things. Don't tell them they're fragile.

Joanne Jacobs
Jan 6, 20252 min read


California tells schools: Go easy on homework
A new California law urges school to set homework policies that ease stress and promote "equity."

Joanne Jacobs
Jan 3, 20251 min read


The Mild Bunch: Teens don't like to take risks
Teenagers in 2024 are less likely to use drugs, alcohol or nicotine and many are postponing driving, work and sex.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 22, 20241 min read


Troubled 12-year-old was 'fast-tracked' for hormones, mastectomy, charges lawsuit
A young woman is suing "gender affirming care" providers for starting her on drugs and surgery at age 12.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 15, 20242 min read


Why teachers are stressed: Student misbehavior is #1 complaint
Student misbehavior is the "number one cause of job-related stress in teachers," reports Matt Lincoln for CBS12 in Palm Beach County,...

Joanne Jacobs
Nov 22, 20242 min read


Teaching fragility
Students stressed by the election results can skip classes tomorrow at their elite New York City private school, reports Christopher Maag...

Joanne Jacobs
Nov 5, 20242 min read


Teens say: America, meh
Young Americans are less patriotic than older generations.

Joanne Jacobs
Nov 3, 20241 min read


Transgender teens are unhappy -- or unhappy teens blame their gender
More than 3 percent of high school students identify as transgender, more than double the number a few years ago.

Joanne Jacobs
Oct 12, 20241 min read


An 'F' for grading: Can expectations go any lower?
Grading may be stressful, writes George Leef on the Martin Center for Academic Renewal. It may deliver unwelcome news to students or...

Joanne Jacobs
Oct 4, 20242 min read


Parents, don't drive yourself crazy
"Intensive parenting" is driving parents crazy.

Joanne Jacobs
Sep 22, 20241 min read


It's a school, not a mental-health clinic
School-based mental health programs don't improve mental health or academic outcomes, concludes an analysis of the research by Carolyn D....

Joanne Jacobs
Sep 15, 20241 min read


90% of teachers support cellphone bans
Ninety percent of teachers in a NEA survey want their schools to ban cellphones in class, and 83 percent back all-day bans.

Joanne Jacobs
Sep 3, 20242 min read


The anti-anxiety experiment: Friends without phones, adult-free camping
British mother persuaded teens to go smartphone-free for a month, then camp out for the weekend on their own.

Joanne Jacobs
Aug 15, 20243 min read


Bullying, violence are up: 1 in 10 teens are afraid to go to school, says CDC
Teens aren't quite as sad or suicidal as they were in 2021, reports the CDC, but violence, bullying and school avoidance are up.

Joanne Jacobs
Aug 12, 20242 min read
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