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Small at Birth, Lower School Scores Later?
18 Oct
Summary
- Smaller birth weight linked to poorer teen math and reading scores.
- Study followed over 92,000 full-term babies from infancy to adolescence.
- Parenting and school support may alter long-term effects of small size.
A significant study has revealed a link between being smaller at birth and experiencing lower academic performance during teenage years. The research, involving more than 92,000 children born full-term in Norway, tracked individuals from infancy into adolescence.
Researchers observed that babies born smaller relative to their gestational age tended to achieve lower scores in key subjects like mathematics and reading. These academic disparities persisted into mid-adolescence, indicating a lasting impact of early size.
While not every child born small will face difficulties, the findings underscore the importance of monitoring infant growth. The study suggests that environmental factors, such as home stimulation and school support, might influence or alter these long-term effects on learning and development.
Additionally, the research found that babies born slightly earlier, between 37-38 weeks, showed minor differences in language and motor skills in early childhood. However, these differences largely diminished by the time they began formal schooling.
