Nothing ever stays the same. You’ll have seen how much things have changed in paediatrics and child health over the last 100 years if you’ve read some (or all) of the 35 papers in the . But child health has also changed hugely in recent years, and as paediatricians we need to keep abreast of new developments.
Back in 2010, time spent on screens and using social media was not yet on our radar. The very real harms from screen time (including content, sedentary lifestyle and communicating with adults) have been highlighted in recently published from doctors across the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges. Here is the College’s response to this impactful document.
In addition to screen time, we were not conscious of vaping, maternal vaccination and school attendance in 2010. But in the acute assessment unit we’d be familiar with the distinctive aroma of rotavirus, and were braced in mid-December for the surge of RSV bronchiolitis. Fast forward to 2026 and and have reduced associated illness by 80%, illustrating how important vaccination is.
Compared to 2010, today there are so many more public health items we need to be aware of when taking a history. Raising issues such as vaccination uptake, child vaping and second-hand smoke exposure, screen time and school attendance with parents and carers can be potentially challenging, and easily not asked about at all, but we need to be curious and ask difficult questions, as well as follow the responses up with appropriate advice. We can make every clinical encounter count towards preventing harm in our patients. Our College has a series of training resources to help members tactfully raise and respond to issues including , , considering screen time and improving school attendance. Many thanks for thinking about having a look.
#WDYCD4U: Open College roles this Volunteers' Week
We're now recruiting members for several volunteering roles, such as Portfolio Pathway Champions, Area Officer for south England, Deputy Theory Lead and regional reps on the Wales Executive Committee. By getting involved, you’ll shape paediatrics, support future generations, influence healthcare and gain invaluable professional and personal growth.
Online harms
As I mentioned above, we’ve responded to the UK government’s national consultation on growing up in the online world. To inform our response, over the last few months, we’ve also sought to better understand your experiences and views to help ensure that child health remains at the centre of any national action. You can read about the findings.
Our position on AI and ambient voice technology
Artificial intelligence presents a transformative opportunity in the pursuit of achieving the best possible standard of health for children and young people. But of course, its integration must be approached with great care. We’ve recently published a position statement on AI, outlining its advantages and the ethical, legal and social risks, and our recommendations.
Ambient voice technology (AVT), which includes automated speech recognition and AI-supported clinical documentation tools, is also rapidly emerging across the NHS. Our position statement on AVT sets out core principles for its responsible use.
Contribute to our clinical guideline on decreased consciousness
We’re now inviting additional reviewers to support the update of this national paediatric guideline, which was last reviewed in 2019. You will extract key data and critically appraise research papers using templates and clear guidance. It’s a great opportunity to gain valuable experience. No prior experience is needed and you work collaboratively and online with other members and College staff. If you’re keen, .
Extending transition services
Transition from paediatric to adult care was a hot topic at RCPCH conference with a panel session asking if paediatric care should extend to all children at least until their 18th birthday. RCPCH Officer for Health Services, Dr Ronny Cheung co-authored a blog exploring how the session unfolded.
In case you missed it...
Our Annual General Meeting takes place online on Tuesday 2 June at 10:00, I hope you have received your joining link via email. Professor Chris Whitty, England’s Chief Medical Officer is giving a speech during the AGM. If you can’t make the time, you can catch up for 48 hours after the meeting, so you have plenty of time to rewatch and vote. We hope to see you there!
Best wishes all around,
Steve
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