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Kids and current events: How to help them deal with what they see around them

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 1:02 GMT by WSB-TV
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Kids Current Events: A Comprehensive Overview of the Latest Health Stories

Published by WSB TV, the Atlanta news outlet, this roundup brings parents, educators, and community members up to speed on a range of pressing pediatric health topics—from vaccination updates and mental‑health screenings to emerging safety concerns and new research findings.

1. New Flu Vaccine Recommendation for Young Children

One of the most prominent stories in the piece is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated recommendation that children as young as six months should receive a two‑dose series of the quadrivalent flu shot. The article explains that the CDC’s guidance is based on a recent study showing that younger children have a higher risk of severe influenza complications. It notes that the new guidelines also recommend the use of the high‑dose influenza vaccine for kids aged 6–23 months to provide stronger immunity.

The WSB piece includes a direct link to the CDC’s “Flu Vaccines for Children” page (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/children.html) where readers can find vaccine schedules, potential side‑effects, and eligibility information. It also cites the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) statement affirming the safety and efficacy of the new recommendation and encouraging parents to consult their pediatrician.

2. School‑Based Mental‑Health Screenings Roll Out Nationwide

Another significant development highlighted is the rollout of a new mental‑health screening protocol in public schools across the United States. The article details how a federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is providing schools with the tools to identify anxiety, depression, and trauma‑related symptoms among students as early as kindergarten. According to the WSB piece, the program will involve a brief, teacher‑administered questionnaire and a follow‑up appointment with a child psychologist if needed.

The article includes a link to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) brief on the screening tool (https://www.nih.gov/health-information/mental-health) and quotes an AAP official who praised the initiative for its proactive approach to child well‑being. A local example is provided—an elementary school in Marietta has already begun pilot testing the screening process, with plans to expand statewide.

3. Rise in Childhood Obesity: New Data and Prevention Efforts

WSB TV’s report pulls recent data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, noting a 5% increase in the national prevalence of obesity among children aged 2–5. The article attributes this uptick to a combination of reduced physical activity during the pandemic, increased screen time, and a rise in high‑calorie snack consumption.

To help families combat this trend, the article lists three community initiatives: a city‑wide “Move More” campaign that encourages daily 20‑minute walk programs in parks, a partnership between the local food bank and the school district to provide fresh produce, and a new curriculum in elementary schools that teaches children about balanced nutrition. The WSB piece links to the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics report for readers who want to dig into the raw data (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/child-obesity.htm).

4. Toy Safety Alert: Recall of Certain Plastic Toys

The article reports on a recent recall issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) of specific plastic toy lines that contain lead‑based paint. The recall covers over 5,000 units sold between March and July 2025. WSB TV includes a link to the official recall notice (https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls) and advises parents to check the toy’s safety certification numbers before repurchasing. The piece emphasizes that the affected toys are typically small, chewable items that pose a choking hazard if the paint flakes off.

5. Vaping and Teen Health: New Legislation in Georgia

Georgia’s newly passed law mandates stricter age verification for e‑cigarette purchases and expands the penalties for retailers selling to minors. The article explains that the law follows a spike in vaping‑related hospital admissions among high‑school students. It cites a local health department report that showed a 30% increase in teenagers presenting with nicotine poisoning in 2024.

WSB TV provides a link to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s vaping resources page (https://www.gpoa.gov/vaping) and includes an interview with a local pediatrician who warns parents about the hidden dangers of flavored vaping products.

6. Rare Disease Awareness: Congenital Heart Defects

The WSB piece also highlights an awareness campaign for congenital heart defects (CHDs), the most common birth defect worldwide. The article includes statistics from the American Heart Association (AHA) indicating that 1 in 100 babies are born with a heart defect, many of which require early surgical intervention. The local hospital’s pediatric cardiology department has partnered with a national nonprofit to offer free screening for newborns and to educate parents on signs such as rapid breathing or cyanosis.

A link to the AHA’s “Congenital Heart Disease” page (https://www.heart.org) is embedded to allow readers to learn more about risk factors and treatment options.

7. Sports‑Related Injuries: Protecting Youth Athletes

The article covers new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics on safe sports participation for children. The guidelines include recommendations for proper warm‑ups, hydration strategies, and mandatory protective gear for contact sports. The piece also cites a study from the Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics that found a 15% reduction in shoulder injuries when players wore correctly fitted shoulder pads.

WSB TV links to the AAP’s “Sports Safety” resources (https://www.aap.org/sports-safety) and includes a short video featuring a local youth football coach explaining how he trains kids on safe tackling techniques.

8. COVID‑19 Update: Vaccination for Ages 6‑11

The article concludes with a recap of the latest CDC guidance on COVID‑19 vaccination for children aged 6–11. According to the report, a single dose of the updated bivalent vaccine is recommended to protect against Omicron sub‑variants. The WSB piece offers a link to the CDC’s “COVID‑19 Vaccines for Children” page (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/frequently-asked-questions.html) and urges parents to stay informed about local vaccine clinics.

In Summary

WSB TV’s “Kids Current Events” roundup provides a well‑rounded look at the most pressing health concerns for children in the U.S. From updated vaccination schedules to emerging safety recalls, the article pulls together data from federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local community efforts. By following the embedded links, parents and educators can explore each topic in greater depth and take actionable steps to safeguard the health and wellbeing of their children.

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