KIDSDevelopment claims, checked
Walking, talking, reading, bilingual kids and school readiness. Popular claims about how children grow and learn, checked against the research.
6 claims checked: 1 supported, 3 mixed, 2 not supported.
DevelopmentMixedToddler scribbling reflects real cognitive developmentScribbling does change as children grow, and researchers use drawings to track development. But the studies are…DevelopmentSupportedNewborn screening prevents disability in babiesFor conditions like phenylketonuria (PKU), newborn screening lets treatment start early and prevents most intellectual…DevelopmentNot supportedBaby walkers help babies learn to walk soonerBaby walkers do not help babies walk sooner. Two small trials in twins found no benefit, and paediatric and Australian…DevelopmentNot supportedReading in dim light ruins children's eyesightReading in dim light has not been shown to ruin eyesight. It may make eyes feel tired. Some studies link dim light and…DevelopmentMixedPublic pre-K improves children's grades through high schoolPre-K seems to help children's school results in the early primary years. Evidence that it lifts grades all the way…DevelopmentMixedEveryday chemicals in the body cause autism in childrenSome chemical exposures in pregnancy are linked to higher rates of autism or autism traits. But these studies show…