Articles by Sophie Collins
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  • Startling figures suggest 60% of school kids prefer gaming over outdoor play

    Startling figures suggest 60% of school kids prefer gaming over outdoor play

    School kids reportedly prefer gaming over physical play In a world where screens dominate daily life, it’s no surprise that gaming is increasingly edging out physical play among school-age children. According to Steffan Black, an expert at Zenshield, nearly 60% of kids aged 6 to 13 now prefer video games over traditional outdoor play. This […]

    2 years ago

  • 50% of new teachers are considering leaving Ireland for jobs abroad

    50% of new teachers are considering leaving Ireland for jobs abroad

    According to a recent survey, over 50% of newly qualified teachers are considering leaving Ireland to pursue teaching positions overseas According to Teachers’ Union of Ireland President, David Waters: “We need to keep these top-quality graduates [and] that means we have to have attractive terms and conditions.  “Unfortunately if you’re getting a bit-piece contract, there’s […]

    2 years ago

  • Meet The Parents: Amy’s fight for services for her autistic son

    Meet The Parents: Amy’s fight for services for her autistic son

    “Just like all his little friends in school, they get nothing. There are no services” In a country where access to essential services for children with disabilities can feel like a maze, the story of Amy Gallagher and her little boy, Henry, is shining a much needed light on the challenges faced by countless families […]

    2 years ago

  • Young Irish holidaymaker found dead in Gran Canaria

    Young Irish holidaymaker found dead in Gran Canaria

    Police in Gran Canaria have launched an investigation into the untimely death of a young Irish holidaymaker in his 30s. The man is believed to be from Downpatrick in Co Down. His body was discovered in a popular holiday destination, sending shockwaves through the community. Reports indicate that the victim suffered head injuries, with Spanish […]

    2 years ago

  • Irish primary and secondary school students are not getting enough exercise, research says

    Irish primary and secondary school students are not getting enough exercise, research says

    Irish primary and secondary school students are reportedly not getting enough exercise according to the HSE Today marks the launch of the National Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Ireland by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health, highlighting the importance of exercise.  These guidelines bring Ireland in alignment with the […]

    2 years ago

  • Ten ways to keep your 2-5 year olds on track with their bedtime routine

    Ten ways to keep your 2-5 year olds on track with their bedtime routine

    Keeping a solid bedtime routine can be difficult at the best of times With the Christmas holidays nearly upon us, it’s only natural that the little ones are going to try and test the boundaries to stay up later at bedtime. Depending on the child, they either hate getting started with their bedtime routine each […]

    2 years ago

  • Tried and tested ways to help your kids give up soothers and thumb sucking

    Tried and tested ways to help your kids give up soothers and thumb sucking

    Getting kids to finally give up their soothers can be a nightmare of a process. When they become so dependent on them for comfort, it can be quite the task to end the habit. According to the HSE, thumb sucking and soothers can affect your child’s tooth and jaw development – particularly when adult teeth […]

    2 years ago

  • Government launches MMR catch-up vaccination programme to combat measles outbreak

    Government launches MMR catch-up vaccination programme to combat measles outbreak

    The MMR vaccine will be available for young adults, healthcare workers, and vulnerable populations such as refugees, asylum seekers, and the homeless community Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has announced funding for a comprehensive MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) catch-up vaccination programme. This initiative comes in response to a concerning uptick in measles cases across […]

    2 years ago

  • Navigating TikTok in 2024: A Parent’s guide to keeping their teens safe online

    Navigating TikTok in 2024: A Parent’s guide to keeping their teens safe online

    In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, it can seem impossible to protect our little ones entirely Once our kids have access to apps like TikTok, do we ever really know what they’re being exposed to – even with parenting locks activated? TikTok continues to capture the attention of young users and despite their age […]

    2 years ago

  • Child protection advocates voice concern as WhatsApp lowers age restriction to 13

    Child protection advocates voice concern as WhatsApp lowers age restriction to 13

    As of February 16th, thirteen-year-olds have had access to WhatsApp. This latest move marks a departure from the previous age restriction on WhatsApp that required users to be at least 16 years old.  The adjustment brings WhatsApp in line with the age requirements of most other social media platforms. However, CyberSafeKids CEO Alex Cooney highlighted […]

    2 years ago

  • Child psychiatrist raises alarm over legal semi-synthetic cannabis available in Ireland

    Child psychiatrist raises alarm over legal semi-synthetic cannabis available in Ireland

    A child psychiatrist has raised alarm over the harmful effects of a legal semi-synthetic cannabis on children’s health and well-being.  According to a recent study conducted by doctors at the University of Galway and Mercy University Hospital Cork, this synthetic cannabis substance is easily accessible online and in retail outlets across Ireland.  The research also […]

    2 years ago

  • ‘How can I introduce my new boyfriend to my child without confusing her?’

    ‘How can I introduce my new boyfriend to my child without confusing her?’

    A child psychotherapist has advised one mum on how to introduce her new boyfriend to her child. It’s a step that many men and women come to in life, if their relationship with the mother or father of their children doesn’t work out. While it can be a difficult time for everyone involved, child psychotherapist […]

    2 years ago

  • New mum Pixie Lott shares adorable new photos with her son Albert

    New mum Pixie Lott shares adorable new photos with her son Albert

    New mum, Pixie Lott looks fantastic as she poses with her three-month-old Pixie Lott has shared some adorable snaps of her baby boy as she celebrated her 33rd birthday. The singer’s birthday was on January 12th and the star shared pictures from The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea, London, with her husband Oliver Cheshire (35) and […]

    2 years ago

  • Expert advice: How to care for your premature baby in their first weeks at home

    Expert advice: How to care for your premature baby in their first weeks at home

    Arriving home with your new baby is the most blissful feeling, but it comes with some of the most terrifying moments of realisation. Protective instincts kick in and sometimes they can be overwhelming as you try to settle into your new life with a baby. In Ireland, approximately 3,500 infants are born premature each year […]

    2 years ago

  • Digital Dilemma: Striking a balance as kids grow up in a screen-filled world

    Digital Dilemma: Striking a balance as kids grow up in a screen-filled world

    A mum whose 10-month-old is already addicted to playing with phones has asked other parents for advice on how to navigate the digital landscape as her child grows. Every child will arrive at an age where they want and need a phone to contact their parents – most importantly – and their friends.  But with […]

    2 years ago

  • New episodes of Bluey landing on Disney+ in time for the weekend

    New episodes of Bluey landing on Disney+ in time for the weekend

    Prepare the kids, new Bluey episodes arrive on Friday! If you’re panicking that the little ones have run out of episodes of their favourite show, Bluey…fear not. New episodes of Bluey are landing on Disney+ on January 12th. The highly recommended kid’s show saw its popularity skyrocket in recent years, and now there will be […]

    2 years ago

  • Could schools close this week? Here are the rules as temperatures drop

    Could schools close this week? Here are the rules as temperatures drop

    Could schools close this week? Met Eireann has warned of freezing temperatures arriving this week. The forecast predicts lingering frost and icy patches over the coming days with lowest temperatures of -3C. The west of Ireland and the midlands are in for the coldest temperatures, with areas of Mayo hitting the -3C mark. If you […]

    2 years ago

  • Stacey Solomon praised for body-positive message to fans alongside holiday pics

    Stacey Solomon praised for body-positive message to fans alongside holiday pics

    Stacey looks amazing! People are hailing Stacey Solomon for her confidence and beauty in her latest Instagram post. The 34-year-old shared pictures from her family trip to the Caribbean over Christmas, showcasing her ‘real body’ with zero editing. The mum-of-five is well-known for keeping it real on her social media platform and has garnered 5.8 […]

    2 years ago

  • Minister for Health announces free contraception expansion to include everyone aged 17-31

    Minister for Health announces free contraception expansion to include everyone aged 17-31

    Free contraception will be available up to the age 31 Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has today announced the expansion of the free contraception scheme to include women aged 31. The free contraception scheme is open to women, girls and other people identifying as transgender or non-binary, who are residents in Ireland and for whom […]

    2 years ago

  • Blake Lively hailed for sharing very relatable ‘mommy moment’ at Disneyland Paris

    Blake Lively hailed for sharing very relatable ‘mommy moment’ at Disneyland Paris

    Yet another reason to adore Blake Lively! Blake Lively fans have been hailing the actress for the very real pictures she has been posting from her family trip to Disneyland Paris. The mum-of-four shared a glimpse into her family adventures at Disneyland Paris and revealed that she didn’t opt to take a break from her […]

    2 years ago

  • Expert advice on how to introduce a potential step-parent to your kids

    Expert advice on how to introduce a potential step-parent to your kids

    Families come in all shapes and sizes with many changes occurring throughout life. If you’re thinking about introducing your new partner to your kids, who may eventually become a step-parent, it can be scary. Not knowing how your kids will react, and whether or not they will be accepting of a new dynamic. The ISPCC […]

    2 years ago

  • Robbie Williams embraces dad duty as he struggles with Christmas tree star

    Robbie Williams embraces dad duty as he struggles with Christmas tree star

    Robbie Williams is a man of many talents It just seems that decorating a Christmas tree isn’t one of them as his wife Ayda Field shared a hilarious video of him struggling. The singer was on dad duty as he attempted to stretch up and place the star on the top of the tree but […]

    2 years ago

  • ‘My five-year-old wants to change her name – what should I do?’

    ‘My five-year-old wants to change her name – what should I do?’

    A concerned father has asked for advice on how to navigate changing his very young daughter’s name. He explained that she decided to change her name from Rosemary to Jenna – for a good enough reason in our books. The little girl has a speech impediment and can’t say her own name without feeling “sad […]

    2 years ago

  • Irish water warns households against common Christmas mistake

    Irish water warns households against common Christmas mistake

    Pouring grease down the drain can cause havoc! The holiday season is upon us and the festive cheer is in full swing, so Clean Coasts, in collaboration with Uisce Éireann, is advising people to avoid one thing over the holidays.  They’re asking people to ‘Think Before You Pour’ this Christmas and New Year, to avoid […]

    2 years ago

  • Do the old rules apply? What to do if you get Covid between now and Christmas

    Do the old rules apply? What to do if you get Covid between now and Christmas

    Dreaded cases of Covid are well and truly back but thankfully, the rules have changed slightly! While isolation is still recommended so you don’t pass Covid on to someone else, if you tested positive today you could still make Christmas. According to the latest advice from the HSE, if you have tested positive for Covid-19, […]

    2 years ago

  • RSA urging adults not to buy e-scooters, scramblers or quad bikes for kids this Christmas

    RSA urging adults not to buy e-scooters, scramblers or quad bikes for kids this Christmas

    The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising adults not to buy e-scooters, scramblers or quad bikes for kids this Christmas. Despite the passing of legislation earlier this year permitting the use of e-scooters on roads, the RSA are highlighting the fact that this does not include children. Under the regulations, children will not be allowed […]

    2 years ago

  • Ciara welcomes baby number four and shares adorable snap

    Ciara welcomes baby number four and shares adorable snap

    Ciara has welcomed her fourth baby! 37-year-old singer, Ciara welcomed her little girl with her NFL husband, Russell Wilson (35), on Monday. Amora Princess Wilson was born on Monday, December 11th, weighing in at 9 lbs., 1 oz., according to the couple. They shared a joint post on social media and captioned it: “We Love […]

    2 years ago

  • Parents urged to be vigilant to keep children safe online this Christmas

    Parents urged to be vigilant to keep children safe online this Christmas

    The Christmas holidays are fast approaching now, which means the kids will be off school for a few weeks and online. They’ll want to keep in touch with their friends online and over the phone across the break and so parents are being urged to be vigilant about their internet safety. Fine Gael’s Colm Markey […]

    2 years ago

  • An Post final dates for Christmas parcels to USA and beyond just days away

    An Post final dates for Christmas parcels to USA and beyond just days away

    Final dates for packages being sent via An Post to the USA and Europe are fast approaching. Christmas is just around the corner now, and An Post are busy sorting through all of the letters, parcels and gifts being sent around the world. For many people this time of year marks the return of family […]

    2 years ago

  • Groundbreaking skin cancer technology being blocked by dermatology departments

    Groundbreaking skin cancer technology being blocked by dermatology departments

    AllView Healthcare’s state-of-the-art skin cancer service has emerged as a beacon of hope for rapid treatment in Ireland. However, despite its success in Dublin hospitals, this innovative technology has faced unexpected hurdles, with over two-thirds of national dermatology departments yet to fully implement it. AllView Healthcare, led by CEO Eoin O’Reilly, provides advanced skin cancer […]

    2 years ago

  • These are the nutrients your baby needs during weaning

    These are the nutrients your baby needs during weaning

    If you’re approaching the six-month mark of breastfeeding your baby, you may be thinking about the weaning process and their vitamin needs. According to experts, your baby should be given certain foods to make sure they receive the nutrients they need while they’re weaning to help them grow and develop. Here is a list of […]

    2 years ago

  • Legislation banning sale of e-cigarettes to under 18s will be in place before Christmas

    Legislation banning sale of e-cigarettes to under 18s will be in place before Christmas

    The sale of e-cigarettes to anyone under the age of 18 will be illegal in Ireland before Christmas. That’s according to Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, who has today welcomed the completion of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill in both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Bill will now be sent […]

    2 years ago

  • Nelly and Ashanti are reportedly expecting their first baby together

    Nelly and Ashanti are reportedly expecting their first baby together

    Huge congrats MAY be in order! Reports in the US on Monday night are claiming that Nelly and Ashanti are expecting their first child together. According to US Weekly, the pair rekindled their relationship earlier this year with a source leaking their exciting baby news. “Nelly and Ashanti are welcoming their first baby together,” a […]

    2 years ago