Kids | KPBS Public Media

Kids

Health

There's a global call for kangaroo care. Here's what it looks like in the Ivory Coast

Andrew Caballero-Reynolds

Can the warmth of a parent's chest be a boon to babies, especially premature births? In the 1970s, Colombian researchers found it did. The technique has gone global. Ivory Coast is the latest convert.
Local

California becomes first state with a law to protect children's online privacy

Don Thompson

The bill requires tech companies to follow age-appropriate design code principles aimed at keeping children safe.
Education

The case for starting sex ed in kindergarten (hula hoops recommended)

Lee V. Gaines

Elizabeth Miller

Comprehensive, age-appropriate sex ed has all kinds of social, emotional and academic benefits, researchers say. Here's what that looks like, from K through 12.
Health

Nearly 8 million kids lost a parent or primary caregiver to the pandemic

Rhitu Chatterjee

A new study finds numbers far higher than previously thought. India has the greatest number of kids affected. The U.S. has 250,000 kids in this category but lags behind in aid for bereaved families.
Health

Omicron boosters: Do I need one, and if so, when?

Allison Aubrey

Updated COVID boosters are now available for anyone age 12 or older. The CDC is urging anyone who is eligible to sign up but some vaccine experts say some people might want to wait.
Health

Striving to outrace polio: What's it like living with the disease

Ari Daniel

As polio makes a comeback, Minda Dentler reflects on her life with the disease. Paralyzed as an infant in India, she's gone on to become a champion wheelchair triathlete and an immunization advocate.
KPBS Midday Edition

New children's book from San Diego author teaches self acceptance

M.G. Perez

Harrison Patiño

"Patchwork" by San Diego author Matt de la Peña encourages children to love and accept who they are.
Local

New grant program to help aspiring school counselors

Maureen Cavanaugh

Megan Burke

The state Department of Education is launching a new program to offer grants to 10,000 aspiring school counselors.
Education

Chula Vista has a new elementary school — and a new free meals program

M.G. Perez

California has expanded its state meals mandate to offer breakfast and lunch to all school children each day, regardless of financial need.
Health

Whether from an antique shop or discount store, toxic lead items are easy to buy

Niara Savage

Samantha Horton

Lead is regularly found in vintage items more than 40 years old, but also in many new, cheaply made dollar-store goods. Children are especially susceptible to lead-poisoning even at low levels.