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Future imperfect? - resisting the lure of perfectionism
Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer
This article is about how constant pressure to succeed is impacting on young people and society. The author states that what seems to lead children to crack under the strain is a combination of the sheer weight of exams and testing, and the high expectations they have themselves. It also looks at this from the current education policy perspective. It states that the government peddles success, with all their targets and league tables. It also states that children are singled out if they show potential and ‘rounded onto fast-track wagons’.
Acting dangerously - children and the new mental health bill
Susan Bailey, Phil Bates, and Anthony Harbour
This article discusses the draft Mental Health Bill. It is in four parts; part one summarises the main components of the Bill, part two looks at how these changes affect children and young people as service users, part three considers specific consultation points in relation to children and young people and part four raises some queries and comments.
Reading Freud
Adam Phillips
The author discusses Freud’s work, and looks at how and why we should read it. He says that one should read Freud to be surprised by one’s own thoughts. Plus, he states that according to Freud, the thoughts that most surprise us, come one way or another from our younger minds.
Talking babies - securing early attachment
Tracey Maher
This article is about the Sunderland Infant Programme, which is funded by Sure Start and Tyne & Wear Health Action Zone. This programme, which is run by Dr. P Svanberg, aims to support parents in helping their babies develop a secure attachment by their first birthday. The programme involves videotaping and then watching how a baby interacts with its parent. The aim is to see how attuned they are to one another.
The war after - children and violence in the home
Sue Wright
This article is about the pilot project Time4Us, based in Gloucestershire. The aim of this project is to support children and young people who have witnessed domestic violence. They found that a child’s functioning and relationships can be affected long after the mother has left the violent relationship. They also found that the eldest child often aroused most concern. Plus, they found that 72 per cent of children had experienced some form of abuse in addition to witnessing domestic violence.
Turning from god - young people and religion
Children's Express
This article is about how few young people are attending church. The reporters talk to two young people from different faiths, and they talk to the Reverend of St. Thomas’ United Anglican and Baptist Church in Sheffield. The latter claims that in his church they have done a lot of work to increase the proportion of young people attending church. He says that over 70% of his congregation are under 25 and one in 5 is under 21.
Opinion: Leave those kids alone
Stuart Waiton
The author argues that these days, many young people are not being allowed to grow-up and develop in their own way without adults telling them what they should or shouldn’t do. He states that 'rather than encouraging young people to take responsibility for their own actions, they are encouraged to rely on a caring expert who can steer them through the invented minefield of adolescence.'
Review: Building the future
Alan Connell
A clearly written and readable summary of modern children and families social work thinking.
Review: Creating a safe place
Cathy Roberts
This book consists largely of a guided tour through a therapeutic process developed by a small team working with children who have been sexually abused. It also provides a useful overview of sexual abuse and it's effects. It is not a book about therapy but the experience of therapy for children, young people, carers and staff themselves.
Review: Luck
Tom Whyte
A novel about a family splitting up told from the point of view of the son. Humour lies at the heart of the novel. It is a book well worth reading, although there isn’t much action.
Review: Not in front of the children?
Jane Walby
This book gives details about current research findings into conflict and its affect on children.
Review: Perfect
Klarisse Osei
This is a collection of personal accounts by 15-24 year olds charting the ups and downs of being female. The accounts cover a wide range of topics including body piercing, tattoos, eating disorders, culture, identity and periods. The book deals with positive as well as negative feelings.
Review: Rescripting family experiences
Eia Asen
This book is a tribute from six psychotherapists who have been influenced by John Byng-Hall’s work. The contributions cover a diverse range of how, where and by whom his ideas can be applied, from general practice, the theatre, and child psychotherapy. There is a personal and touching contribution by John Byng-Hall himself.
Review: Students' mental health needs
Alison Smith
This book begins with a look at the mental health needs of students at the University of Hull. This is followed by a comparative look at ideas and responses offered by a variety of other higher education establishments. It covers student breakdown, and parental response to student suicide. Amongst other issues it looks at mental health services at university and the relationship to the NHS.
Review: The cradle of thought
Mick Wood
This book follows an infant’s growing awareness of what it is to be a human being with a mind. The author invites the reader to go with him as he follows a baby’s mental development over the first 18 months of life.
Review: The farmer and the obstetrician
Juliet Buckley
The author suggests that inter-uterine pollution by fat-soluble synthetic chemicals and the wholesale medicalisation of pregnancy and childbirth all over the world are having a disastrous effect on mankind’s physical and mental health.
Review: The lovely bones
Steve Flood
A book told from the point of view of a 14 year old girl, Susie, who was murdered by a serial killer. Susie is narrating the book from heaven, and is describing how her murder affects her family over the months and describes the on-going police investigation.
Review: Twelve
James Wignall
This novel was written by an 18-year-old, and is about life in inner city New York. The main theme is disenchanted over-privileged rich kids looking for some meaning to life.
Webwatch: Touring for the evidence
Paula Lavis
This column looks at some UK websites that offer access to high quality evidence.
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