Wellbeing for children and young people

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

Health Bill: Shaping NHS reform for children, young people and the paediatric workforce

12 June 2026

Last week, MPs debated the UK Government’s new Health Bill, also known as the NHS Modernisation Bill. The proposed reforms represent a significant reshaping of how decisions are made, services are delivered, and patient voice is heard across the NHS.

News

Influencing the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act: podcast

3 June 2026

How does the College use both paediatric and policy expertise to help shape legislation affecting children and young people? Professor Andrew Rowland, Officer for Child Protection (pictured), talks about our work with colleagues from RCPCH and NSPCC.

Resource

Online harms are impacting children in hospital clinics - evidence submission from paediatricians, children and young people

In May 2026, RCPCH responded to a Department for Science, Innovation and Technology call for evidence, Growing up in the online world: a national consultation. The evidence gathered will be considered by the UK government to help decide their next steps on introducing greater protections for childre...

Public affairs and campaigning

Wellbeing for children and young people

News

Advocating for a better future for every child – President’s update

7 May 2026

Steve reflects on the journey to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill receiving Royal Assent, which marks a landmark step towards a smokefree generation. Plus, you can still sign up for next week's conference, virtually or in-person.

Basic page

Creating a smokefree generation: Tobacco and Vapes Act

On 29 April 2026, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill received Royal Assent, marking a historic moment for child health and a major step towards creating the first smokefree generation. We explain how College members and staff have worked together to influence this Bill, and what happens next.

Public affairs and campaigning

Public health

Smoking and vaping

Wellbeing for children and young people

News

Be curious about school attendance - President's update

10 March 2026

Understanding and addressing school attendance is fast becoming a priority for our members and wider society, and Steve introduces our new position statement with both evidence and practical advice for paediatricians. He also shares updates on our assessment review and policy work across the UK.

Document

Role of paediatricians in supporting children’s school attendance - position statement

Education is a fundamental right that drives personal, social and economic growth. For many children and young people this is delivered through attending school. Regular school attendance supports a child’s education as well as the holistic development of children and young people, empowering them t...

Public affairs and campaigning

Wellbeing for children and young people

Society

News

RCPCH update on screen time and online harms

19 January 2026

RCPCH President, Professor Steve Turner, has joined leading doctors in a letter to government as concerns of the impact on children and young people's physical and mental health both from excessive screen time as well as exposure to harmful online content grow.

News

Paediatricians call for greater ambition in Child Poverty Strategy

5 December 2025

The Government has published their long awaiting child poverty strategy, which aims to reduce costs for families and improve outcomes for children.