Starting school young can affect child’s well-being

The study, led by the University of Exeter Medical School which investigated more than 2,000 children across 80 primary schools in the US, has found that children who are younger than their peers when they start school are more likely to develop poorer mental health, as rated by parents and teachers. 

Poor mental health would indicate that children are more likely to experience common negative emotions such as worry and fear, they may have poorer relationships with their peers and be more likely to encounter issues with behaviour and concentration. 

Overall the effect was small, however researchers believe the additional stress of keeping up with older peers could prove a “tipping point” for vulnerable children, such as those with learning difficulties or who were born prematurely. 

The findings could also influence how teachers interact with younger children, particularly those with additional complex needs in the class, and on assessments and teaching and support structures within classrooms. The researchers also explored the impact of starting school early on the child’s happiness levels and behaviour. 

In contrast to previous research, they found no significant impact on either. The research paper noted that the schools in the study had strong support in place, such as small group learning, which may have helped improve happiness and behaviour overall.