Efforts to bring enduring peace to the Basque Country of northern Spain include an experiment with classroom teaching whose principles owe much to US-made "positive youth development" initiatives.

Following the suicide of a 13-year old girl after she received threats online, the US passed one of the first laws intended to protect those under the age of 17 from virtual harassment or ‘cyber bullying’. However three years on, how much do we actually know about this phenomena and its impact upon those involved? A review published this year reveals while some work has been done, relatively little is known about this extension of traditional bullying.

Schools are under intense pressure to improve test scores. At the same time, they’re expected to teach “softer” skills, like how to work well with others. How can schools do both on a limited budget? A new study shows social and emotional learning programs may be the key.

New studies explain the biological mechanisms through which a stressful environment can have lasting effects on the way our genes work. This implies that prevention work can never come too early and should in fact start from the moment we are born or even before we are born.

Quasi-experimental designs are increasingly the method of choice to evaluate prevention services. How can this method be strengthened?

A popular program for helping children with language learning difficulties is found to have no impact and even detrimental effects in some cases.

Taking ideas straight from the laboratory to the community isn’t working, claims US academic Kenneth Dodge, who wants a new way of doing research if it is to make a difference.

Given the well-known barriers to implementing evidence-based programs, is it better to identify their discrete elements and trust practitioners to combine them in tailored packages depending on the needs of the child and family in question?

Highlighted for its effectiveness by Graham Allen’s early intervention review, the Curiosity Corner preschool program was also found to have “no discernible effects” by the What Works Clearinghouse. But could it be that they overlooked the program’s long-term effectiveness?

Parenting programs for “ordinary” families are not always seen as appropriate for foster families. But a trial using Incredible Years in foster parent training shows encouraging results.

Are mental health problems the result of genes, the environment, or both? A new study – one that finds no genetic link – throws the debate open again.

Amid posturing, jargon and sometimes a lack of thought at an international conference, Michael Little finds there are some worthwhile findings that can make a difference to children and families – but he worries that while social scientists speak, policy makers aren’t there to listen.

The science of child development contains a find of knowledge not easily understood by lay people but one US initiative set about changing that.

How much do deprived youth follow the example set by role models? A new study comes to a worrying conclusion: “bad” role models have a bigger effect on teens than “good” role models do.

The shortcomings of economics in understanding child development have been recognised, but we now know how much it can contribute to children’s progress.

Children who follow family patterns of crime differ from one another, and the state has a role to play in encouraging good parenting and diminishing the effects of poor parenting.

Genetic research may offer exciting possibilities for the growth of child development research, an international conference has been told.

A proactive approach to families where children are at risk is being trialed by two US programs. Researchers are finding that such a reversal of practice may offer a new way forward.