Digital health

Event

RCPCH/NIHR Paediatrics and Child Health Technology Conference

02 December 2026

Sheffield

In this two-day conference, individuals from every part of the paediatrics and child health medtech sector will come together - in person or online - to explore the latest technological advancements, discuss research breakthroughs and develop interdisciplinary collaborations.

Digital health

Resource

Screen use by children aged 5 to 16 - consultation response

In June 2026, RCPCH responded to a Department for Education (DfE) call for evidence on screen use by children and young people aged 5–16 years. Our response draws on the views of more than 250 children and young people, alongside evidence gathered from paediatricians across the UK.

Digital health

Health policy

Wellbeing for children and young people

News

RCPCH responds to UK government ban on social media for under 16s

15 June 2026

The UK government has announced new rules to protect children online, including a social media ban for under 16s, restrictions on live streaming and greater restrictions for under 18s on engaging with strangers online.

News

Child health research - Digital health technologies, with Professor Paul Dimitri: podcast

11 June 2026

How can we use digital technology to address children's physical and mental health needs and shift from reactive to anticipatory, personalised care? Paul explores the extraordinary range of tools, from everyday digital platforms to highly advanced biomedical systems, and how we can build a system th...

News

Supporting children in a changing world – President’s update

2 June 2026

Child health has changed over the years, and today we have new priorities in public health, such as screen time, maternal and child vaccination, vaping and school attendance. Steve signposts to resources to help you tactfully support families on these issues.

Document

Ambient voice technology - position statement

Ambient voice technology (AVT), including automated speech recognition and AI (artificial intelligence) supported clinical documentation tools, is rapidly emerging across the NHS. As adoption accelerates, we recognise the need for clear guidance to ensure safe, ethical and effective use in paediatri...

Digital health

Document

Artificial intelligence - position statement

Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a transformative opportunity in the pursuit of achieving the best possible standard of health for children and young people in the UK and internationally. The impact of AI is potentially far reaching across almost all aspects of healthcare provision and for this...

Digital health

News

Children’s doctors increasingly treating harms associated with social media and being online

26 May 2026

Nearly 50% of paediatricians surveyed say they often or very often discuss online activity and social media use with children and young people during consultations.

News

How you can shape the future of child's health - President's Update

22 May 2026

In this President's Update, Steve reflects on our annual Conference and anniversary celebrations. Plus, he introduces our new Paediatric Influencing Network and Strong Foundations campaign.

News

RCPCH respond to reports of dangerous sleep advice given to parents by self-described experts

6 May 2026

A BBC investigation has found that unqualified “infant sleep experts” are recommending dangerous practices to parents and carers.