Publication Alert: Promoting Self-Regulation Skills in Children and Adolescents

Publication Alert: Promoting Self-Regulation Skills in Children and Adolescents

The well-being and developmental opportunities of children and adolescents play a crucial role in building the future of our society. However, these opportunities are increasingly put at risk by various factors, including the impacts of crises, conflicts, and wars.

Recent psychological and neuroscientific research has put a spotlight on the important role of self-regulation skills in ensuring the well-being and growth of young people. These skills, spanning cognitive, emotional, motivational, and social domains, allow individuals to set and achieve personal goals, adapt flexibly to changing circumstances, and manage distractions effectively. For instance, the ability to focus attention and remain mindful through distractions such as the intensive use of social media is crucial. Similarly, emotional regulation and well-developed social skills are indispensable for resilience and healthy interpersonal interactions.

In response, the Working Group “Promoting the Self-Regulation Skills in Children and Adolescents,” of which Frauke Kreuter is a member, has dedicated the past two years to developing a statement aimed at integrating the promotion of self-regulation skills into Germany’s school and education system. This group worked under the auspices of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, whose aim it is to deliver evidence-based advice to policymakers and the general public.

The newly published statement outlines recommendations and emphasizes the importance of embedding self-regulation as a guiding principle within educational policy and practice. By making the development of these skills a priority, the education system can work towards equipping children and adolescents to navigate life’s challenges, cope with uncertainty, and contribute to society.

For more information, see here: www.leopoldina.org/en/self-regulation-skills