BOLD insights

Stable relationships and responsive caregiving are essential, say David Bürgin and Rebecca Walch.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Clear boundaries and warm emotional support are important, says Melissa Hogenboom.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Young people need support based on their individual needs, regardless of diagnosis, says Kathryn Bates. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Children can struggle when the language of instruction isn’t their first language, says Ivy Nkrumah. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

What robotics education can teach us about appreciating different forms of youth knowledge, by Chunyan Yang and Anita Wei. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Over the last decade, BOLD has asked researchers from around the world to share the evolving science of children’s learning and development. The science gives us a clear picture of what helps children flourish, and what holds them back. Across psychology, neuroscience, education, economics, and genetics, certain principles emerge again and again. Looking back, here are the 10 that stand out most. By Annie Brookman-Byrne. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Some respond by developing enhanced abilities, says Willem Frankenhuis. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Consistent, warm, and responsive relationships with adults help develop trust, say David Bürgin and Emilia Kiefer. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Teenagers want education, not just warnings, says Jennifer Rubin. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Analog games can help promote children’s learning and development, says Meeri Kim. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Understanding equality is a crucial part of a child's social world, says Melissa Hogenboom. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

This neuromyth could be steering teachers away from evidence-based lesson plans, says Eva Amsen. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

The right amount of catch-up sleep could benefit adolescents’ mental health, says Amanda Ruggeri. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Reading develops at different paces for different children, say Iliana Karipidis, Simon Rammerstorfer, and Silvia Brem. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Children’s views of forgiveness depend on how adults respond to wrongdoing, says Meeri Kim. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Children’s memory growth is shaped by foundational cognitive abilities and the environment, say Zoe Ngo and Pedro Espinosa-Villafranca. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Teaching others allows children to take on different social roles and follow different learning paths, says Cecilia I. Calero. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Positive and enriching experiences benefit the adolescent brain, says Melissa Hogenboom. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Potential screen time benefits for children must be weighed against the risks, says Amy Orben. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

School exclusions contribute to inequality among young people, says Kathryn Bates. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Family matters most for emotional wellbeing, say Sheri McVay and Hannah Lydiatt. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Caring for caregivers benefits both parents and children, says Marilyn N. Ahun. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Friends can protect youth from the effects of peer victimization, say Jonathan Santo and Josafá da Cunha. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Mind wandering is surprisingly common, but simple strategies can help children focus, says Agnieszka Graham. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

AI could help teachers take a more discussion-based approach, says Anabel Altenburg. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Having a mentor gives children a better chance to fulfill their academic potential, says Eva Amsen. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

What happens when robotics learning begins with youth voices? Chunyan Yang, Shauna-Kay J. Jorandby, and Julie Yang explore. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Simple parenting tools can guide children without the need for physical punishment, says Jorge Cuartas. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Different experiences foster learning in different cultural contexts, explains Manuel Bohn. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

A welcome vision for the future of SEND provision in England needs practical, evidence-based tools, says Jo Van Herwegen. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Forget the negative stereotypes, adolescence can be a time of promise and possibility, says Meeri Kim. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Feedback, social accountability, and local engagement play an important role, say Akito Kamei, Florencia Lopez Boo, and Jane Leer. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Teachers benefit from training and support when conversations get hard, says Aisha Schnellmann. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Some children born during the pandemic need extra support, say Catherine Lebel, Gerald Giesbrecht, and Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

A new approach teaches at-risk adolescents social and emotional skills and strategies, say Alex Lloyd and Laura Lucas. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Children, like adults, use one of two strategies to solve mental rotation problems, says Amanda Ruggeri. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Children’s beliefs about ability are linked with their motivation to learn, says Melis Muradoglu. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Equitable, inclusive, and quality education requires applying the latest science to teaching policy and practice, says Annie Brookman-Byrne. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Libby Hills shares three lessons learnt from two years of interviewing experts. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Early financial literacy matters for children’s futures, says Melissa Hogenboom. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Cyberbullying is uniquely invasive, but teachers can help, say Sheri McVay and Jonathan Santo. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Children as young as five may have the brain system to support map-based navigation, says Meeri Kim. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

All families are unique, with their own priorities and values, say Emma Blakey, Molly Willis, and Emma Smith. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Educators can nurture children’s social responsibility by encouraging thoughtful classroom conversations, says Aisha Schnellmann. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Despite good intentions, unsolicited help can be discouraging to children, says Meeri Kim. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Music can help adolescents cope with stress. Lorelei Aeby, Ines Daccord, and David Bürgin explore. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Violence against children is sometimes seen as tough love but it can cause long-term harm, says Annie Brookman-Byrne. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

How metacognition interventions can support all children, by Ellis Stevelink and Mélanie Maximino-Pinheiro. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Young people and caregivers must be involved in the design of AI technology, say Natalia Kucirkova, Alexis Hiniker, Sho Tsuji, Robert Wolfe, Aayushi Dangol, and Megumi Ishikawa. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.

Pencil and paper could lead to better learning in kindergarten, says Meeri Kim. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.