Children struggling to concentrate at school due to lack of sleep, MPs told

Sleep deprivation highlighted in inquiry into role of education in preventing mental health problems in children

‘Outrageous’: expert slams White House for denying school meals’ link to learning

Author of groundbreaking study of school meals’ impact on class achievement said proposed cuts to programs reflects ‘lack of knowledge or … dishonesty’

‘I’ll go to school on two and a half hours’ sleep’: why British children aren’t sleeping

Doctors are reporting a dramatic increase in children with sleep disorders, which affect their physical and mental health. Why? Plus expert tips on a good night’s rest

Children’s sugar intake equals five doughnuts a day, campaigners say

Obesity Health Alliance calls for food and drink makers to cut ‘hidden’ sugar to curb dangerous obesity among young people

How much screen time should I let my teenager have?

A new study says that up to six hours a day is perfectly normal, and unlikely to do any harm – as long as your child is doing fine at school and getting enough exercise

By ignoring sex education, ministers are risking children’s safety

Lessons at school can protect children from online threats, but politicians would rather bury their heads in the sand

Sugar is the ‘alcohol of the child’, yet we let it dominate the breakfast table

With kids consuming half their sugar quota first thing, it’s no wonder they’re getting diabetes and liver disease. We have to fight corporate interests

Children consume half of daily sugar quota at breakfast – study

Public Health England launches barcode app after finding that under-10s consume three times the recommended limit

Having a baby? Don’t be brave – take the drugs

There’s no point in false machismo when giving birth when pain relief is so close to hand

Half of adult women in Brazil put off pregnancy by Zika virus – survey

Fifty-six per cent of women of reproductive age taking part in research say they are avoiding pregnancy over health concerns

I couldn’t last as a social worker but the children will haunt me forever

Acute stress ended my career but I’m not sorry I tried – and am in awe of the work my colleagues still do

The game improving a community’s health without them noticing

Beat the Street, designed by a GP, turns a town into a game where participants walk, cycle or run between sensors

How much time should you spend with your children?

Parents are hardwired to feel guilty that they may not be involved enough with their kids. But what is it that makes the difference when it comes to time – quantity or quality?

Kids on the Edge review – an antidote to the hysteria around gender identity

The first of Peter Beard’s three-part series looking at children’s mental health visits an NHS identity development clinic and steadily dismantles inaccurate fears around what is clearly a complex process

Lack of sleep is making our children obese – but help is at hand

Increased calorie intake is just the start of it: insufficient sleep can also contribute to behavioural and learning problems. A few simple steps can make a difference