Dr Kathy Weston

Our latest Researcher of the Month, Professor Joel Talcott, has worked with a team of researchers to develop a new universal screening tool for all five and six year olds in UK schools. It will launch in Autumn 2026. Based on classroom observation, the Universal Classroom screener will be delivered and managed by teachers. It assesses a small set of key cognitive skills that support current and future learning (phonological awareness and decoding, vocabulary, attention, working memory and social-emotional processing). Here, Professor Talcott chats to us about the screener, and explores how it identifies both weak areas in children’s skills, which can then be targeted with support or intervention, alongside strengths, which can be augmented to foster further growth.

Professor Barbara Sahakian CBE, a leading expert in neuropsychology and mental wellbeing, explores the powerful benefits of reading for pleasure. Drawing on her research with children and adolescents, she provides strong evidence that early reading positively shapes cognition, brain development and impacts mental health - all of which are foundations for lifelong learning and wellbeing.

Dr Charlotte Rothwell’s research explores the differences and similarities in how autistic and neurotypical children learn words. In this interview, she chats to us about her work, and explores practical tips that can help boost word learning and language skills for all children.

Daphne Ling, a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia and our latest Researcher of the Month, studies how children with ADHD experience daily life and how medications affect attention and executive skills. Her recent qualitative research shows that children see ADHD as part of who they are, with both strengths and challenges, rather than something “good” or “bad”. By listening to children’s own experiences, Daphne highlights ways parents and teachers can support focus, social skills and confidence by leaning into interests, offering movement and recognising skills and abilities.

Dr Kathy Weston speaks with Professor David Putwain, a leading educational psychologist, about the causes, impacts and practical strategies for managing test anxiety in students. Drawing on over 20 years of research, Professor Putwain explains how test anxiety can affect learners of all abilities, how perception rather than achievement drives stress, and how students respond differently to academic pressure that they might feel at school or at home. Professor Putwain also addresses common misconceptions about growth mindset, highlighting innovative approaches that focus on removing barriers in the school environment rather than simply telling students to “try harder". Tune in for practical insights, tips and tools.

Fergus Hay, founder and CEO of The Hacking Games, chats to us about the hidden world of youth cybercrime, the opportunities of ethical hacking, and how to recognise and nurture digital talent. Fergus shares how his gamified platform identifies unconventional cyber skills in young people, particularly gamers and neurodiverse learners, and channels them into positive pathways in cybersecurity, defence and intelligence. This conversation offers essential insights and strategies, particularly for parents of children and teens who are avid gamers.

In this interview, we explore Professor Andy Lane’s research on how combat sports like boxing, judo, karate and kickboxing can help young people develop emotional regulation, self-control and resilience, while reducing violent behaviour. Professor Lane explains his CALM model (Cultivating Awareness, Learning and Mastery), showing how structured, rule-governed training fosters emotional learning. The interview also offers practical advice for schools and clubs, highlighting the importance of qualified coaches and basic resources, and of creating engaging, supportive environments that young people want to join.

What does it really mean to feel that we matter? In this interview, leadership researcher Dr Zach Mercurio explores why feeling seen, heard and valued is central to wellbeing, resilience and performance. Drawing on research and real-world examples, Dr Mercurio shows how mattering is built through everyday interactions, explains why purpose grows from feeling significant to others, and discusses how small, intentional actions like noticing, affirming strengths and repairing relationships can make a profound difference. He offers practical, evidence-informed insights for leaders, educators and parents who want to create environments where people know they are valued and needed.

Professor Julia Davidson and Dr Ruby Farr chat to us about their new book, Pathways into and out of Youth Cybercrime, which is due for publication this month. Drawing on large-scale surveys, expert interviews and conversations with convicted cybercriminals, their research examines the human and technical drivers behind online offending, highlighting key risk factors. Surprisingly, almost 50% of the 8000 young people they surveyed had engaged in some form of cybercrime! Our Researchers of the Month talk us through their research and offer practical strategies that parents and educators can use to help guide young people toward safe, ethical engagement online.

In this interview, we chat with Dr Anna Morrison CBE, founder and director of Amazing Apprenticeships. Anna is a leading voice in the education and skills sector, with over 25 years’ experience championing apprenticeships, widening opportunity and shaping vocational pathways for young people. Anna debunks numerous common misconceptions about apprenticeships, broadens our understanding of the diverse opportunities available, and highlights how the sector has transformed in recent years. She explores what apprenticeships look like today, who they’re for, how young people can apply, and what schools and families can do to support informed, confident decision-making. This conversation offers practical insights for parents, carers and educators, and shines a light on the expanding possibilities apprenticeships provide for learners of all ages.

How can schools and parents make menstrual education inclusive, open and stigma-free? In this interview, Dr Maria Tomlinson and community engagement specialist Mariam Pasha share insights from their collaboration with Irise International to create faith-informed menstrual health resources with Muslim communities. Together, they discuss why it’s vital to normalise conversations about menstruation, involve boys in lessons and ensure access to period products in schools.

Join Dr Kathy Weston in an in-depth conversation with Melinda Tankard Reist, author, advocate and co-founder of Collective Shout, as they explore the impact of the sexualisation and objectification of women and girls in media, advertising and online platforms. Melinda shares her journey from journalist to activist, revealing how structural misogyny and the normalisation of pornography shape young people’s attitudes, behaviours and relationships. From the TikTok-to-OnlyFans pipeline to global campaigns against violent misogynistic content, Melinda highlights both the risks facing young people and the small but powerful steps educators and parents can take to create a safer, more equitable world. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in protecting children, challenging harmful cultural narratives, and empowering the next generation to demand respect and equality.Please note that this interview contains adult themes and is not suitable for younger ears.

Our latest Researcher of the Month, Professor Cara Swit, is a leading expert in early childhood social development, who has been exploring a question that often goes overlooked: what do children think about their parents’ device use? Her latest study gives six to nine-year-olds the chance to share their perspectives through drawings, role play and child-centred workshops. This interview delves into her findings, which reveal that even young children notice patterns in parental device use, form judgements about “too much” screen time, and express strong feelings about how it affects their relationships and play. While children value shared digital experiences, many also report frustration, sadness, or neglect when devices become a barrier to connection. Tune in for some practical strategies for managing device use without guilt. It's a great reminder that listening to children’s voices can reshape how we think about technology, relationships and wellbeing in the digital age.

In this interview, we spoke to two titans of the business world, CEOs of major companies who are also parents juggling family life. How do they do it? What are their tips for busy parents? But also, what leadership tips might they have for education leaders or anyone supporting children and young people? Listen to their views on education, aspiration and raising children in a busy, complex world. 

How do young people really feel about smartphone bans in schools? We've chatted with Dr Megan Reynolds, postdoctoral researcher at the Anti-Bullying Centre, Dublin City University, whose recent study shines a spotlight on students’ voices in this high-profile debate. Moving beyond statistics, her qualitative research captures how pupils experience restrictions, what they believe works, and the unintended consequences bans can have on school culture, trust and digital literacy.

How are children engaging with generative AI and what do they need to stay safe, informed and empowered? In this wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation, Dr Nomisha Kurian, a leading researcher on AI and children's wellbeing, talks about the unique ways in which young people are using tools like ChatGPT, Alexa and AI-powered apps. Drawing on developmental psychology, ethics and real-world data, Dr Kurian explores the opportunities and risks of AI as a learning companion, confidante and creative tool. This interview offers practical insights for educators and parents, highlighting what child-safe AI could look like, and why children must be included in the conversation.

In this insightful conversation, Dr Christie speaks with Professor Maria Loades and PhD researcher Natalia Kika from the University of Bath about innovative, evidence-based ways to support adolescent mental health, both for teens and their parents. They explore the development of Unlock Wellbeing, a free website featuring quick single-session interventions designed to deliver positive, accessible and effective support at the point of need. Together, they discuss the barriers that prevent many families from accessing help, the importance of co-designing resources with young people and why early, empowering support can make all the difference.

Dr Weston talks with Dr Maame Afua Nikabs, linguist, author and advocate for justice, about the power of speaking up, and the practical steps we can all take to advance diversity, equity and inclusion. Drawing on her lived experience and her work supporting organisations through LingLab, Dr Nikabs explores how language, bias and silence can hold people back, and considers what it takes to dismantle these barriers. They discuss accent discrimination, inclusive leadership and how to navigate difficult conversations with clarity and courage. A must-listen for anyone committed to creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Dr Weston speaks with Professor Steven Roberts and Dr Stephanie Wescott about their research into teachers’ experiences of sexism in Australian schools. They discuss how misogynistic influencers like Andrew Tate seem to be shaping the attitudes and behaviours of some boys (often from a young age) and explore the profound impact this is having on teachers, pupils and the wider school environment. Drawing on interviews with over 130 teachers across diverse school settings, they reveal how gendered disrespect, intimidation and disinformation are affecting educators and discuss the urgent need for systemic, community-wide responses. Essential listening for anyone interested in gender, education, and how we can create safer, more inclusive schools.

We're shining a spotlight on UCL PhD researcher Chiara Fehr, whose thought-provoking work explores the role of social media platforms like TikTok in shaping teenage girls' identities, values and experiences. Chiara shares insights from a group of teenage girls on everything from algorithmic bias to body image, consumer culture and the complexities of growing up online. In this fascinating interview, Chiara discusses how adults can better support young people at home and school through active listening, curiosity and open dialogue.