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Although liminal theory explains transitional periods in consumers' lives – such as preadolescence – the impact of these transitions on emotionally connected actors and the transformations that the latter endure have been largely overlooked. Through a qualitative study of the mothers of preteen girls, we show that liminality spills over and that mothers transform from fully needed to authoritative-friendly moms. During this process, these mothers engage in spilled-over liminal consumption (SOLC), which comprehends concomitantly loosely and creatively crafted rituals and new and re-signified routines. However, amid the process of assuming a new mother's role and helping their daughters' transformation, these mothers unreflectively reinforce traditional gender norms. Based on our findings, we discuss the process of SOLC and how it ends in reproducing gender and class-based stereotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Young children involved in the child welfare system (CWS) are at high risk for suicidal ideation (SI) at a time when overall rates of suicide death in this age group are rising. Yet risk factors for and changes in SI over time are poorly understood in this population. Method: We combined data from two large representative longitudinal studies of children involved in the United States CWS. We examined patterns of SI among children who were between ages 7 and 12 years at the initial survey wave (N = 2,186), assessed at three waves using a measure of SI in the past 2 weeks. We conducted a multinomial regression to understand the baseline demographic, child maltreatment, and mental health characteristics that distinguish the trajectories. Results: There were eight different subgroups (Non‐Ideators, Late Ideators, Boomerang Ideators, Delayed Ideators, Desisters, Boomerang Non‐Ideators, Late Desisters, and Persisters). Differences in race, type of maltreatment, sex, and mental health symptoms were identified when comparing Persisters (SI at all three waves) to other groups. Conclusions: These findings can help researchers and practitioners to develop strategies for better identifying CWS‐involved children who are in greatest need of suicide risk monitoring and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars have recently begun to explore the potential of educational media featuring counter-stereotypes in changing gender attitudes and beliefs, but so far experimental studies simulating interventions are lacking and preadolescents are understudied as target group. Further exploration of this research field is highly needed. In this mixed-design experimental study among 271 preadolescents (Mage = 10.34, SD =.77), we therefore examine the impact of watching and discussing an educational television program containing diverse and counter-stereotypical gender images in a classroom setting on preadolescents' gender attitudes and beliefs. Findings indicated that exposure to the program affects gender essentialism and acceptance of and willingness to affiliate with gender-nonconforming peers. However, after-exposure discussions in a classroom setting did not yield stronger results, nor did gender identity constructs moderate the effect. This study emphasizes the effectiveness of educational television in influencing components of gender attitudes and beliefs, but also suggests that a classroom setting may not be the most effective context for discussing such content with the goal of altering gender attitudes and beliefs. Impact Summary: Prior State of Knowledge: Counter-stereotypical media may provide a counterweight to gendered expectations by offering liberal gender notions. Researchers have examined the potential of educational television featuring counter-stereotypes, however, without exploring effects through a pretest/posttest design or without considering groups older than young children. Novel Contributions: This mixed-design experimental study examined the impact of watching and discussing an educational television program on gender in class. Findings emphasized its effectiveness in changing components of preadolescents' gender attitudes and beliefs, but after-exposure discussions did not generate stronger results. Practical Implications: Results suggest that mere exposure to educational television may have a more substantial influence than previously assumed. A classroom setting may not be the most effective context for discussing such content with the aim of altering gender attitudes and beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social participation in school, including schoolyard interactions, is considered important for all aspects of child development. Students with disabilities, such as those who are deaf and hard‐of‐hearing, are at risk of experiencing inaccessibility and social exclusion in mainstream classes, yet this has been hardly researched in the schoolyard context. We exploratively compared preadolescents (M = 10.48, SD =.93) with (N = 8) and without (N = 207) hearing loss in their continuous schoolyard interactions during 21 recess assessments, using proximity sensors and field observations, alongside measurements of peer acceptance, friendships and sense of connectedness, based on peer nominations and self‐reports. Deaf and hard‐of‐hearing preadolescents spent less time interacting in the schoolyard, a trend which was stable throughout recess. Deaf and hard‐of‐hearing students interacted with the same number of partners as their classmates, but posthoc analyses suggest that towards the end of long recess periods they had a sharper drop in the number of their interaction partners. Field observations suggest that deaf and hard‐of‐hearing preadolescents who were socially active became more isolated the longer the break lasted, and that physical proximity did not necessarily indicate positive interactions. Findings underscore the importance of using multimethod designs that assess various dimensions of social participation and account for the temporal dynamics of recess interactions. Proximity sensors, combined with qualitative observations, enabled to detect social difficulties not detected by more traditional measures, hence valuable for social inclusion research and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As a sense of an intense stressor, perceived peer victimization can cause adverse effects on mental health, like depressive symptoms. Yet, little is known about the neurobiological mechanisms underlying how perceived peer victimization causes and maintains depressive symptoms in preadolescence. Methods: Here we investigate the effects of peer victimization on amygdala subregional functional connectivity in 101 preadolescent migrant children, and their relations to depressive symptoms and potential protective factors of self‐esteem and daily cortisol. Further control analyses were conducted to verify whether there are any specific effects in migrant children compared to 54 age‐matched preadolescent children from nonmigrant background. Results: Children with higher perceived peer victimization exhibited greater intrinsic functional connectivity of the amygdala with the middle frontal gyrus extending into the superior frontal gyrus. Perceived peer victimization could account for an indirect association between amygdala hyperconnectivity and depressive symptoms. Moderated mediation analyses revealed that basolateral amygdala connectivity with the superior frontal gyrus acted as a neural marker linking peer victimization and greater risk for depressive symptoms only in preadolescent children with low self‐esteem or low daily cortisol. Conclusions: These findings suggest that considering neurobiological vulnerability and psychophysiological factors may gain a nuanced understanding of the adverse effects of perceived peer victimization on depressive symptoms, a risk for internalizing pathology. This study could inform personalized intervention strategies to prevent or ameliorate depressive symptoms in this disadvantaged population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Previous studies have focused on understanding the biopsychosocial implications of obesity stigma and have made proposals to minimize its negative consequences, as well as recommendations to eliminate or reduce this stigma; however, knowing which individuals stigmatize obesity and why will allow us to have a broader picture of stigmatization and thus help in planning interventions with greater impact. Objective: The aims were to describe the stigmatization toward obesity in preadolescents and adolescents and to determine whether there are differences in body dissatisfaction, abnormal eating behaviors and self-esteem among those with and without stigma toward obesity. Methods: A total of 307 preadolescents and 349 adolescents answered a set of questionnaires that evaluated abnormal eating behaviors, body dissatisfaction, self-esteem and stigma. Results: Fifty-nine percent of the participants stigmatized individuals with obesity, with preadolescents having the greatest stigma levels. Differences were observed only in body dissatisfaction, where the group of preadolescents who stigmatized individuals with obesity and the group of adolescents who did not stigmatize individuals with obesity reported higher levels of body dissatisfaction. Conclusion: Obesity is stigmatized at early ages, regardless of sex; however, preadolescents with stigma toward obesity and adolescents without stigma toward obesity have greater body dissatisfaction, indicating that body dissatisfaction plays a crucial role in the stigmatization of obesity. Level of evidence: Level V, cross-sectional analytical study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher cardiorespiratory fitness has been associated with improved cognitive control in preadolescent children, with various studies highlighting related brain health benefits. This cross-sectional study aimed to provide novel insights into the fitness-cognition relationship by investigating task-related changes in effective connectivity within two brain networks involved in cognitive control: the cingulo-opercular and fronto-parietal networks. Twenty-four higher-fit and twenty-four lower-fit preadolescent children completed a modified flanker task that modulated inhibitory control demand while their EEG and task performance were concurrently recorded. Effective connectivity for correct trials in the theta band was estimated using directed transfer function. The results indicate that children with higher fitness levels demonstrated greater connectivity in specific directions within the cingulo-opercular network (average effect size, d = 0.72). Brain-behavior correlations demonstrated a positive association between the majority of these connections and general task accuracy, which was also higher in higher fit children (average correlation coefficient, ρ = 0.34). The findings further support a positive relationship between fitness and cognitive performance in children. EEG findings offer novel insights into the potential brain mechanisms underlying the fitness-cognition relationship. The study suggests that increased task-related connectivity within the cingulo-opercular network may mediate the cognitive benefits associated with higher fitness levels in preadolescent children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sambiloto leaf (Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. Ex Ness) has the potential to be employed as a photoprotective agent due to its high antioxidant content in the form of quercetin and andrographolide. The nanoemulsion preparations can boost the photoprotective activity of sambiloto leaf extract due to its deepest penetration. This study aims to determine the optimum Tween 80 and PEG-400 concentration in the Sambiloto leaf extract nanoemulsion preparation using the factorial 22 design method through Design Expert 12® on pH response, specific gravity, viscosity, and percent transmittance. The optimum formula was tested for sun protection factor (SPF) and DPPH Radical Scavenging activity (IC50). The amounts of andrographolide and quercetin detected in the sambiloto leaf extract were 3.411% and 3.272%, respectively. The optimum formula for nanoemulsion preparations is at Tween 80 and PEG-400 concentrations of 15% and 25%. The optimum Sambiloto leaf extract nanoemulsion formula had a globule size of 172.433±24.312 nm, a PDI of 0.245±0.060, and a zeta potential of -18.100±0.755 mV. The optimum formula for sambiloto leaf nanoemulsion has an SPF value of 44.427 ± 0.081 and an DPPH Radical Scavenging activity (IC50) of 124.863 ± 4.045 ppm. The cycling test showed no significant difference (p>0.05) on organoleptic parameters, pH, specific gravity, and percent transmittance. Based on the results obtained, the optimum formula of Sambiloto leaf extract nanoemulsion has high potential as a photoprotective agent with good globule characteristics and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In Ghana, we know little about the epidemiology of suicide ideation, plan and attempts among junior high school (JHS) students in Ghana including the years preceding high school. This study explores the onset, characteristics, and recent patterns of 12-month suicide behavior among Ghanaian junior high school (JHS) students. Materials and Methods: Paper-based surveys were administered to a sample (n = 800) of junior high school students in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Self-reported measures on suicide ideation, plan and attempt as well as several psychological and psychosocial factors related to mental health, substance use, poverty, sexual behavior, interpersonal relationships, and family structure were employed. Bi-variate, multivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 25). Results: This study found that 1 out of 5 adolescents have experienced suicide ideation in the last 12 months. Girls had significantly higher 12-month (χ2 = 3.5, p < 0.05) suicide ideation rates than boys. More importantly, the study found stress significantly increasing the odds of suicide behaviors in the last 12 months (β = 1.14; CI = 1.05–1.24, p < 0.05) and parental support significantly reducing the odds of suicide behaviors in the last 12 months (β = 0.86; CI = 0.81–0.91, p < 0.05). Additionally, we found significant associations between sexual intercourse, dating, hunger, substance use, suicide stigma and suicide behaviors. Conclusion: This finding highlights a potential emerging suicide crisis among preteens which warrants attention. Additional studies are needed to observe these increasing trends and identify risk, protective and precipitating factors to help prevent suicide among these children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the challenge of assessing relatedness and functional interdependence through connecting passes within invasion games, which may offer valuable pedagogical insights into gameplay for accessibility and inclusiveness. Hence, the purpose of this paper is twofold. Firstly, it presents preliminary work on the methodology for computing open passing lanes and derived metrics, integrating spatiotemporal data analysis with event data. Secondly, using a within-subject design, it investigates how modified handball games influence game play opportunities. Data were collected during handball matches in a pre-teens Physical Education (PE) class with mixed-skill-level teams. Game actions (e.g., passes, receptions, and shots) were manually recorded through systematic observation of video footage, while players' positional data were captured with ultra-wideband technology. Findings provide evidence that employing a numerical advantage (one player up) enhances overall opportunities for individual attacking actions (i.e., more passing, catching actions, and goal-scoring opportunities) and relational actions (i.e., more open passing lanes) compared to equal numbers. Conversely, equal numbers with individual marking appeared more challenging, as fewer secure passing lanes were observed, and the ball possessor spent more time with the ball before releasing it. The developed approach holds promise for studying designed games to enhance inclusion and learning opportunities for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Maxillary canines are often impacted, which can result in tooth disorders and adversely affect occlusal and facial development. The case report describes complete bilateral impaction of maxillary canines and significant root resorption of a central incisor. The multidisciplinary approach is the optimal strategy for addressing impacted maxillary canines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the accuracy of artificial intelligence‐assisted growth prediction using a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm and longitudinal lateral cephalograms (Lat‐cephs). Materials and Methods: A total of 198 Japanese preadolescent children, who had skeletal Class I malocclusion and whose Lat‐cephs were available at age 8 years (T0) and 10 years (T1), were allocated into the training, validation, and test phases (n = 161, n = 17, n = 20). Orthodontists and the CNN model identified 28 hard‐tissue landmarks (HTL) and 19 soft‐tissue landmarks (STL). The mean prediction error values were defined as 'excellent,' 'very good,' 'good,' 'acceptable,' and 'unsatisfactory' (criteria: 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2.0 mm, respectively). The degree of accurate prediction percentage (APP) was defined as 'very high,' 'high,' 'medium,' and 'low' (criteria: 90%, 70%, and 50%, respectively) according to the percentage of subjects that showed the error range within 1.5 mm. Results: All HTLs showed acceptable‐to‐excellent mean PE values, while the STLs Pog', Gn', and Me' showed unsatisfactory values, and the rest showed good‐to‐acceptable values. Regarding the degree of APP, HTLs Ba, ramus posterior, Pm, Pog, B‐point, Me, and mandibular first molar root apex exhibited low APPs. The STLs labrale superius, lower embrasure, lower lip, point of lower profile, B′, Pog,' Gn' and Me' also exhibited low APPs. The remainder of HTLs and STLs showed medium‐to‐very high APPs. Conclusion: Despite the possibility of using the CNN model to predict growth, further studies are needed to improve the prediction accuracy in HTLs and STLs of the chin area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite considerable examination of the Children's Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT) in Western societies, there is no study about the ChEAT in Iran. The purpose of the current study was to translate and examine the factor structure and measurement invariance of the Farsi version of the ChEAT (F-ChEAT) among Iranian preadolescents. Iranian preadolescents (N = 717) completed the F-ChEAT and demographic information. Exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was used to examine the factor structure and measurement invariance across gender and age. A 5-factor, 15-item ESEM model showed an excellent fit of the data. Tests of measurement invariance suggested that scores on the latent means could be meaningfully compared across gender and age. Girls had higher latent means on the Food Preoccupation and Caloric Awareness and Control factors, and older preadolescents had higher latent means on all the F-ChEAT factors, except for the Dieting factor. Findings suggest that a 5-factor, 15-item ESEM model of the F-ChEAT was a useful assessment tool to understand disordered eating symptoms in Iranian preadolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue Education et Socialisation is the property of Presses Universitaires de la Mediterranee and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this work, nine amphiphilic acrylamide copolymers were synthesized using three surface-active co-monomers based on polyethoxylated sorbitan monoesters. The prepared co-monomers and copolymers were characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and viscosity average molecular weight. Surface/interfacial activities, contact angles, and rheological properties for aqueous solutions of the prepared copolymers were determined. Also, the influence of salts' concentration and temperature variation was investigated. The results showed that incorporating the prepared co-monomers into the copolymers backbone enhanced their properties and capabilities. This improvement was enlarged by increasing the feed ratio and chain length of the attached co-monomers. The copolymers PT20S-3, PT40S-3, and PT60S-3 showed better results and the latter exhibited the best values. They were 37.6 mN.m−1, 6.4 mN.m−1, 15.678° and 338.48 mPa.s for γST, γIFT, CA, and ηapp respectively. The copolymer PT60S-3 was expected to have a prospective use as a chemical EOR agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resilience and social support are variables related to life satisfaction. Nonetheless, these relationships could be different for boys and girls. This study aimed to analyze the links among life satisfaction, resilience (novelty seeking, emotional regulation and future positive orientation) and social support in early adolescents by exploring possible gender differences. In this study, 552 adolescents aged 10–13 years (52% girls) participated. The results showed stronger positive correlations between life satisfaction and novelty seeking in boys, and positive correlations between life satisfaction and emotional regulation only for girls. Social support was a significant predictor of life satisfaction for both genders, but some resilience dimensions showed differences in their predictive capacity according to gender. Emotional regulation and future positive orientation were predictors of life satisfaction, but only for girls, while novelty seeking was a predictor of life satisfaction for boys. These results highlight the importance of maintaining a gender perspective in research on life satisfaction in early adolescence, and the need to consider gender differences in interventions to enhance their positive development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Factors such as low self-concept and anxiety have been shown to negatively impact mathematical achievement and spatial skills, as well as enjoyment of math-related subjects. Understanding these factors is crucial for promoting STEM interest and performance, particularly among primary school students. Methods: This cross-sectional study examines the influence of gender, childhood development stage, maths self-concept, spatial anxiety, perceived difficulty, mental rotation performance, and STEM preferences in a sample of 144 primary school students (mean age M = 8.47), comprising 70 girls and 74 boys. Data were collected through four questionnaires and a computerized Mental Rotation Task (MRT). Results: Girls and tweens (9-to-11-year-olds) exhibit lower maths self-concept, impacting their preference for maths as a STEM subject. Girls also demonstrate higher spatial anxiety and perceived difficulty of the MRT compared to boys. Maths selfconcept is significantly associated with spatial anxiety and perceived difficulty, while gender is not. Maths self-concept shows marginal effects on students' accuracy on the MRT, with evidence of a mediating effect of spatial anxiety. Discussion: These findings underscore the importance of maths self-concept in shaping STEM preferences, particularly among girls and tweens. Additionally, maths self-concept serves as a mitigating factor for spatial anxiety and perceived difficulty in spatial tasks among primary school children. The study also suggests that spatial anxiety may contribute to gender disparities in mathematics and STEM-related domains. Further research is needed to explore interventions targeting maths self-concept and spatial anxiety to promote equitable STEM engagement amongst primary school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to generate localized knowledge by investigating the perceptions and experiences of preadolescent grandchildren and grandparents regarding grandparenting and intergenerational interactions and how these processes were related to the social skills of preadolescents from three ethnic groups in Malaysia. Using a concurrent quantitative–qualitative mixed method research design, Chinese, Malay, and Indian preadolescents (N = 465; ages 9–12 years old; M = 10.27 years; SD = 1.03) from rural areas in Malaysia completed a self‐administered quantitative survey; furthermore, 25 grandparents participated in one‐on‐one interviews. Survey findings showed that preadolescent grandchildren who reported higher grandparental warmth and support had greater social skills, mediated by positive grandparent–grandchildren (GP–GC) relationships. The GP–GC relationship and preadolescent social skills association was stronger for skipped generation compared to three‐generation households. Interview findings revealed that grandparents expressed unconditional love and autonomy support in their grandparenting roles by guiding and encouraging their preadolescent grandchildren to make decisions. The GP–GC interactions served as a dynamic force in promoting preadolescents' social skills. By employing a decolonized approach and drawing on the lived experiences of grandparents from three ethnic backgrounds in rural Malaysia, the study provided an understanding of grandparenting practices and their general implications across the three ethnic groups. The interview responses highlighted both commonalities and specificities in grandparenting practices and relationship dynamics shaped by religious, class, and sociocultural dimensions in rural Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their caregivers endorse high diabetes distress (DD). Limited studies have documented the impact of DD on Black youth. The aims of the present study were to (1) describe DD among a sample of Black adolescents with T1D and their caregivers, (2) compare their DD levels with published normative samples, and (3) determine how DD relates to glycemic outcomes, diabetes self-management, parental monitoring of diabetes, and youth depressive symptoms. Methods Baseline data from a multicenter clinical trial were used. Participants (N  = 155) were recruited from 7 Midwestern pediatric diabetes clinics. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and measures of DD, parental monitoring of diabetes care, youth depression and diabetes management behaviors were obtained. The sample was split into (1) adolescents (ages 13–14; N  = 95) and (2) preadolescents (ages 10–12; N  = 60). Analyses utilized Cohen's d effect sizes, Pearson correlations, t -tests, and multiple regression. Results DD levels in youth and caregivers were high, with 45%–58% exceeding either clinical cutoff scores or validation study sample means. Higher DD in youth and caregivers was associated with higher HbA1c, lower diabetes self-management, and elevated depressive symptoms, but not with parental monitoring of diabetes management. Conclusions Screening for DD in Black youth with T1D and caregivers is recommended, as are culturally informed interventions that can reduce distress levels and lead to improved health outcomes. More research is needed on how systemic inequities contribute to higher DD in Black youth and the strategies/policy changes needed to reduce these inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social exclusion, a pervasive and impactful phenomenon particularly prominent during preadolescence, has traditionally been construed through a moral deficiency lens. This study departs from prevailing research trends, casting a novel light on the phenomenon in the context of normative moral development. It elucidates the role of social exclusion in shaping moral growth during the preadolescence period. Through a series of 12 focus group discussions involving 140 children, this study unveils a nuanced perspective. Most participants perceived social exclusion as a requisite mechanism safeguarding group cohesion against uncooperative individuals, whose actions could impede the crystallization of distinct social norms. This article highlights how preadolescents apply social exclusion to those who have yet to transitioned from a juvenile moral stance characterized by dependence on authority figures to a more sophisticated, adaptable moral outlook factoring into social contexts when making decisions. Beyond its theoretical contributions to the moral development discourse, this study offers implications for identifying children prone to social exclusion and suggests innovative avenues for devising intervention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

YouTube unboxing videos have become a popular genre among youth, and hosts often receive financial or other incentives for showcasing products. Although sponsored relationships must be explicitly disclosed per legal regulations, not all videos comply. This study assesses US tweens' reactions to unboxing videos with varying cues of a sponsored relationship between the host and product manufacturer, using a 3 (sponsored; non-sponsored; sponsorship unaddressed cue) x 2 (advertising training; no advertising training) randomized experimental design. The sample consisted of 215 tweens between ages 8–13 years. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to watch an advertising literacy training video before the unboxing video. Tweens detect a higher selling intent within the sponsored video (relative to the non-sponsored video), only after viewing the advertising literacy training video. The training video enhances the positive relationship between perceived informative intent and purchase intention, while weakening the positive relationship between perceived selling intent and purchase intention. Findings suggest tweens may have a unique mental schema for unboxing-style online videos which is a hybrid of informational and advertisement. Brief training videos could be used on video streaming platforms to develop and cue tweens' advertising literacy. Children's advertising literacy develops with age, but identifying native forms of online advertising is especially difficult. Tweens need cues to apply advertising literacy skills. Displaying sponsorship disclosures has shown mixed success at activating their advertising knowledge in online advertising contexts. Tweens differentiate selling intent between sponsored and non-sponsored unboxing videos only after prior training. The training does not help them detect selling intent in videos without sponsorship disclosures, or reduce tweens' perceptions of the informative intent of sponsored content. Embedding advertising literacy training videos within YouTube could help counter vulnerability to native advertising. Advertising literacy training content may need to closely match persuasive tactics within sponsored content, as tweens did not generalize concepts from the training video. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the widespread adoption of social media has immersed users in content dominated by conventional beauty ideals and the relentless pursuit of perfection. This pervasive influence has significantly altered the perceptual landscape for young individuals, particularly pre-adolescents and adolescents, shaping their self-evaluations and contributing to distorted notions of beauty. The virtual realm, saturated with carefully curated and idealized images promoting unattainable beauty standards, has intensified concerns about body image. This study aims to comprehensively examine the intricate interplay between social media use and the body image of preadolescents and adolescents. Through a meticulous systematic review of 16 studies, a consistent consensus emerges, highlighting a noteworthy correlation between key variables such as the duration of social media usage, problematic engagement patterns, specific activities within these platforms, and heightened levels of body dissatisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This conceptual paper explores the integration of technology and virtual spaces into preadolescents' lives, blurring the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds. It emphasises the profound implications of this integration on various aspects, including perception, reality, and interactions. The younger generations, deeply immersed in this reality, experience a transformation in their perception of the world, well-being, identity, and selfhood due to technology's pervasive influence. The fusion of online and offline experiences gives rise to a new form of existence, shaping a hybrid identity that can be manipulated and reconstructed in the virtual realm. However, this fluidity and transience of virtual life also pose risks and challenges to personal identity and societal ruptures. Educators face the dual challenge of effectively integrating technology into education while understanding its impact on the new generations. Social media usage influences the interlink between body and identity processes, challenging traditional notions of embodiment and raising questions about the malleability and multiplicity of identities in technologically mediated spaces. The proposed reflections seek to provide valuable guidance for educators in navigating this complex digital reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By relying on diverse scholarly works within several fields – such as communication, cultural, feminist media, film and tweenhood studies – on the one hand, and conducting audience research with Hungarian informants on the other, this interdisciplinary study, as part of a bigger project, examines Hungarian tweenagers' negotiation of gender. It does so by investigating the concept of 'the' princess, including but not limited to Disney Princesses, while offering unique contributions on both theoretical and methodological levels. Theoretically, it shines a light on the limitations of applying Western, post-feminist, liberal theories in a non-Western, post-socialist and 'illiberal' environment, and it discusses complexities of the Princess Phenomenon which have been overlooked in academia. From a methodological perspective, it presents innovative short-term ethnographic approaches, specifically in terms of conducting a gender-centred audience study with young people in an anti-gender milieu. To achieve these objectives, this work first introduces the historical, social and political contexts in contemporary Hungary. This is followed by a discussion of the theoretical and methodological approaches which it was necessary to consider before undertaking the fieldwork in Hungary. The article then analyses Hungarian children's notions of gender by discussing their ideas about 'the' princess as a concept. Finally, as a summary, this study outlines its contributions to diverse academic disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Italian Journal of Health Education, Sport & Inclusive Didactics is the property of Edizioni Universitarie Romane and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric disorders in youths and emerge during childhood. This is also a period of rapid white matter (WM) development, which is critical for efficient neuronal communication. Previous work in preadolescent children with anxiety disorders demonstrated anxiety disorder–related reductions in WM microstructural integrity (fractional anisotropy [FA]) in the uncinate fasciculus (UF), the major WM tract facilitating prefrontal cortical–limbic structural connectivity. Importantly, this association was found only in boys with anxiety disorders. To confirm this finding and more comprehensively understand WM changes in childhood anxiety, this mega-analytic study characterizes WM alterations related to anxiety disorders and sex in the largest sample of preadolescent children to date. Diffusion tensor imaging data from published studies of preadolescent children with anxiety disorders and healthy volunteers (ages 8–12) (N=198) were combined with a new data set (N=97) for a total sample of 165 children with anxiety disorders and 132 healthy volunteers. Children with anxiety disorders met DSM-5 criteria for current generalized, separation, and/or social anxiety disorder. Analyses of tractography and voxel-wise data assessed between-group differences (anxiety disorder vs. healthy volunteer), effects of sex, and their interaction. Tract-based and voxel-wise analyses confirmed a significant reduction in UF FA in boys but not girls with anxiety disorders. Results also demonstrated other significant widespread anxiety disorder–related WM alterations specifically in boys, including in multiple commissural, association, projection, and brainstem regions. In addition to confirming male-specific anxiety disorder–related reductions in UF FA, the results demonstrate that anxiety disorders in boys and not girls are associated with broadly distributed WM alterations across the brain. These findings support further studies focused on understanding the extent to which WM alterations in boys with anxiety disorders are involved in pathophysiological processes that mediate anxiety disorders. The findings also suggest the possibility that WM microarchitecture could serve as a novel treatment target for childhood anxiety disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and idiopathic short stature (ISS) are the most common types of short stature (SS), but little is known about their pathogenesis, and even less is known about the study of adolescent SS. In this study, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomic analysis combined with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were performed to identify the biomarkers of different types of SS (including 94 preadolescent GHD (PAG), 61 preadolescent ISS (PAI), 43 adolescent GHD (ADG), and 19 adolescent ISS (ADI)), and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was further used to evaluate the predictive power of potential biomarkers. The results showed that fourteen, eleven, nine, and fifteen metabolites were identified as the potential biomarkers of PAG, PAI, ADG, and ADI compared with their corresponding controls, respectively. The disturbed metabolic pathways in preadolescent SS were mainly carbohydrate metabolism and lipid metabolism, while disorders of amino acid metabolism played an important role in adolescent SS. The combination of aspartate, ethanolamine, phosphocholine, and trimethylamine was screened out to identify PAI from PAG, and alanine, histidine, isobutyrate, methanol, and phosphocholine gave a high classification accuracy for ADI and ADC. The differences in metabolic characteristics between GHD and ISS in preadolescents and adolescents will contribute to the development of individualized clinical treatments in short stature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical literacy (PL) is theorized to be an important determinant of physical fitness (PF) and physical activity levels (PALs), but studies have rarely examined possible correlations between PL, PF, and PAL in preadolescent children. This study aimed to evaluate age-specific and gender-specific correlations between the affective and cognitive domains of PL (PLAC), PF, and PAL in preadolescents. Additionally, the test–retest reliability of the applied PF tests was examined. The participants were 107 children (9 to 11 years of age; 53 girls). Apart from gender and school age (third graders, fourth graders), the variables included PLAC, PAL, and PF. PF was evaluated by anthropometrics and body composition indices, sit-ups, push-ups, PACER tests, torso lifts, and broad jump. PLAC was evaluated using the PLAYself questionnaire, and the PAQ-C was used to evaluate PAL. The test–retest reliability of the PF tests was appropriate to high (ICC: 0.65–0.91). Analyses showed nonsignificant associations between PLAC and PAL in both genders and age groups. PAL was significantly correlated with PL in girls (low correlation) and fourth graders (moderate correlation). The nonsignificant associations between PLAC and PF could be a consequence of the influence of biological maturity on PF in this age group. The correlation between PAL and PLAC can be explained by the differences in physical activity habits between genders and age groups, with participation in structured physical activities (organized sports and physical education) being the most important source of PAL in girls and older children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the relationship between temperament—i.e., negative affectivity (NA) and effortful control (EC)—and depression in preadolescents, considering emotion regulation (ER) strategies as mediating mechanisms in this relationship. We examined data from 535 children aged 8–12 years (M ± SD = 10.01 ± 1.42) who completed self-report measures related to NA, EC, ER strategies, depressive symptoms, and depressive mood. The results demonstrated that NA was significantly positively related to both depressive symptoms and depressive mood, while EC was significantly negatively related to both depressive symptoms and depressive mood. The structural equation model of latent variable analysis showed that cognitive reappraisal mediated the relationship between NA and depressive symptoms and depressive mood. Moreover, cognitive reappraisal was also identified as a mediator of the association between EC and depressive symptoms and depressive mood. However, expressive suppression only mediated the relationship between NA and depressive symptoms. Interventions aimed at ER strategies would be an effective program for preadolescents with depression and further improve preadolescents' social-emotional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

While psychopathology emerges during late childhood and becomes more evident during adolescence, limited research has examined the associations between personality types and the risk of clinical-level adaptation problems in preadolescents. This study identified personality types based on the five-factor model and evaluated the risk of clinical-level behavioral problems according to personality type. Participants consisted of 1,332 preadolescents (mean age = 11.356 years) from the Panel Study on Korean Children. Latent profile analyses were conducted to identify the personality types of preadolescents. The links between the personality types and the risk of clinical-level behavior problems were tested with multinominal logistic regressions. The participants were classified into four personality types: ordinary (42.3%), resilient (17.0%), undercontrollers (32.3%), and overcontrollers (8.5%). The overcontrollers had a greater risk of clinical-level total behavior problems when compared to the ordinary type. The undercontrollers demonstrated a greater risk of clinical-level external behavior problems as compared to the ordinary type. These findings highlight the potential usefulness of personality typology as a practical transdiagnostic tool for identifying preadolescents who may be at risk of experiencing clinical-level adaptation problems associated with specific personality types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical treatment of irreducible distal radius diaphyseal- metaphyseal junction fractures involves difficulties as the fracture remains too proximal for K-wire fixation and too distal for the elastic stable intramedullary nail. Our study aims to present the clinical results of applying an elastic stable intramedullary nail with a poller K-wire to achieve both reduction and stable fixation. Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 26 patients who underwent ESIN with a poller K-wire for distal radius diaphyseal-metaphyseal region fracture. Reduction parameters such as residual angulation and alignment were evaluated on postoperative follow-up radiographs. Changes in angular and alignment parameters on follow-up radiographs were recorded. Wrist and forearm functions were evaluated at the last follow-up. Result: There were 17 male and nine female patients with an average age of 10.9. The residual angulation in coronal and sagittal planes on immediate postoperative radiographs was 4.0 ± 1.62° and 3.0 ± 1.26°, respectively. The mean translation rate on immediate postoperative radiographs was 6.0 ± 1.98% and 5.0 ± 2.02% in the coronal and sagittal planes, respectively. No change was observed in translation rates in the last follow-ups. The mean angulation in the coronal and sagittal planes measured on 6th-week radiographs was 4.0 ± 1.72°and 3.0 ± 1.16°, respectively. No significant difference was observed in angular changes in the sagittal and coronal planes at the last follow-up (p > 0.05). No tendon injury or neurovascular injury was observed in any of the patients. Conclusion: In the surgical treatment of pediatric DRDMJ fractures, applying ESIN with poller K-wire is an effective, safe, and novel method for achieving reduction and stable fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the concept of family language policy (FLP), this paper reports on how four Chinese–English interlingual families maintain the minority language of Chinese with their preteenager children in Australia. The study takes an integrative approach to explore both parents' and children's perspectives on language development. While highlighting the increasing role that preteenagers play in the maintenance of a minor heritage language, the findings reveal that successful language maintenance in interlingual families is influenced by many other interacting factors, like language practice, attitude and support from each parent, language status, and the role of community schools. The study has clear implications for bilingual parenting and heritage language education in terms of the importance of a consistent FLP, preteenagers' self-efficacy, and actual language use in language maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Identification of clinically significant irritability in preschool age is important to implement effective interventions. However, varying informant and measurement methods display distinct patterns. These patterns are associated with concurrent and future mental health concerns. Patterns across multi‐informant methods in early‐childhood irritability may have clinical utility, identifying risk for impaired psychosocial functioning. Methods: Using data from the Multidimensional Assessment of Preschoolers Study (N = 425), latent profile analysis identified irritability patterns through the parent‐reported Multidimensional Assessment Profile Scales–Temper Loss (MAPS‐TL), parent‐reported interviewer‐rated Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment (PAPA), and observer‐rated Disruptive Behavior Diagnostic Observation Schedule (DB‐DOS). These profiles were characterized on protective factors, global functioning, and mental health syndromes, concurrently and at early school age and preadolescent follow‐up. Results: Fit indices favored a five‐class model: Low All, High Observation with Examiner (high DB‐DOS Examiner Context), High All, High Parent Report (high MAPS‐TL/PAPA), and Very High Parent Report (very high MAPS‐TL/PAPA). Whereas Low All and High Observation with Examiner exhibited strong psychosocial functioning, remaining profiles showed impaired psychosocial functioning, with the Very High Parent Report group showing higher impairment at follow‐ups, ds = 0.37–1.25. Conclusions: Multi‐informant measurements of irritability may have utility for clinical prediction, and future studies should test utility for diagnostic precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Anticipatory anxiety and heightened responses to uncertainty are central features of anxiety disorders (ADs) that contribute to clinical impairment. Anxiety symptoms typically emerge during childhood, and even subthreshold‐AD symptoms are associated with distress and risk for future psychopathology. This study compared facial emotional response to threat and uncertainty between preadolescent girls with ADs, girls with subthreshold‐AD symptoms, and controls. Methods: Facial emotional responding was characterized in preadolescent girls (age 8–11) with a range of anxiety symptoms: no/low anxiety (controls, n = 41), subthreshold‐AD (n = 73), and DSM‐5 diagnoses of separation, social, and/or generalized ADs (n = 45). A threat anticipation paradigm examined how image valence (negative/neutral) and image anticipation (uncertain/certain timing) impacted activity of the corrugator supercilii, a forehead muscle implicated in the "frown" response that is modulated by emotional stimuli (negative > neutral). Corrugator magnitude and corrugator timecourse were compared between groups. Results: Findings demonstrate greater corrugator activity during anticipation and viewing of negative stimuli, as well as increased corrugator reactivity in subthreshold‐AD and AD girls. Timecourse analyses of negative versus neutral stimuli revealed that AD and subthreshold‐AD girls had greater uncertainty‐related increases in corrugator activity compared to controls. Conclusion: Results extend the physiological characterization of childhood pathological anxiety, highlighting the impact of subthreshold‐AD symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing upon a longitudinal study tracking a group of Jewish children from the start of elementary school (ages 5–6) through the end of middle school (ages 13–14), this article examines how young Jews develop an initial understanding of Israeli politics. It outlines four distinct stages in the development of political understanding. First, in early elementary school, children develop an awareness of civic issues at a stage that might be understood as pre-political. Second, in the upper elementary grades, children develop new knowledge of political issues and political leaders in the USA, but their understanding of the parallels in Israel often lags behind their developmental capacities for understanding political systems. Next, in the transition from late childhood to early adolescence, this gap in children's understanding begins to narrow as tweens and young teens begin to make sense of politics in Israel and politics about Israel in the USA. Fourth, as children near the end of middle school, many begin to understand the ways that their own personal decisions can also be political, especially as they attempt to navigate how Israel functions in online, often hostile discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the quali-quantitative research, conducted in the spring of 2021 (still during the ongoing Covid-19 emergency), was to analyze the relationship between the expectations towards future life of 260 preadolescents aged 10-12 from two cities in the Emilia-Romagna region (the capital, Bologna, and Parma) and the influence that media contents can have on it, with a particular focus on social media. The main research hypothesis was to consider that the dreams of preadolescents reflect the culture of the contemporary society to which they belong. Specifically, the prevailing values and lifestyles characterizing their subculture were observed (they belong to the so-called Generation Z, a hyper-connected generation). Another interesting aspect of this research was the possibility of comparing the results with those of a similar study on preadolescents imaginary conducted in 1995, involving 590 boys and girls from Milan and Bologna (belonging to the Millennial generation) to observe the social and cultural macro-changes in Italian society over the last decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We provide proof-of-principle for a mental health risk calculator advancing clinical utility of the irritability construct for identification of young children at high risk for common, early onsetting syndromes. Method: Data were harmonized from two longitudinal early childhood subsamples (total N = 403; 50.1% Male; 66.7% Nonwhite; Mage = 4.3 years). The independent subsamples were clinically enriched via disruptive behavior and violence (Subsample 1) and depression (Subsample 2). In longitudinal models, epidemiologic risk prediction methods for risk calculators were applied to test the utility of the transdiagnostic indicator, early childhood irritability, in the context of other developmental and social-ecological indicators to predict risk of internalizing/externalizing disorders at preadolescence (Mage = 9.9 years). Predictors were retained when they improved model discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] and integrated discrimination index [IDI]) beyond the base demographic model. Results: Compared to the base model, the addition of early childhood irritability and adverse childhood experiences significantly improved the AUC (0.765) and IDI slope (0.192). Overall, 23% of preschoolers went on to develop a preadolescent internalizing/externalizing disorder. For preschoolers with both elevated irritability and adverse childhood experiences, the likelihood of an internalizing/externalizing disorder was 39–66%. Conclusions: Predictive analytic tools enable personalized prediction of psychopathological risk for irritable young children, holding transformative potential for clinical translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was investigated whether test anxiety (TA), mathematics anxiety (MA), and reading anxiety (RA) can be traced back to some type of general academic anxiety or whether these are separable. A total of 776 fifth graders (Mage = 10.9 years) completed questionnaires on TA, MA, and RA, as well as a mathematics test. Also, mathematics and reading performance results from the National Tracking System were requested. The sample was randomly split into two halves. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that a three-factor model (factors: TA, MA, RA) had superior model fit compared with a one-factor model (factor: "Academic anxiety"), in both halves. The resulting anxiety factors were related to math performance measures using structural equation models. A scarcity of data on reading performance prevented the analysis of links between anxiety and reading performance. Anxiety–math performance relations were stronger for MA than for TA and MA. We concluded that TA, MA, and RA are separable constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mental associations that children have with the natural environment can be referred to as their natural representations. These representations encompass a blend of shared consensus and individual differences, playing a pivotal role in shaping human relationships with nature and influencing attitudes and behaviours. However, comprehending children's natural representations, particularly among preadolescents with limited verbal narrative abilities, remains a challenge.To address this challenge, we conducted a study employing a draw‐and‐write task and a questionnaire survey. Our investigation aimed to understand how the level of nature experiences and demographic variables affects the multidimensional representations of nature among preadolescents (aged 9–12) in China. Specifically, we examined the impacts of direct, indirect and vicarious nature experiences on their natural representations. These representations included dimensions such as the level of wildness, cognitive complexity, extent of elaboration, expression of emotion and representation style. These dimensions were based on literature review and supported by empirical data collected from children's drawings.Our findings showed that children's drawings of nature not only share similarities but also display significant variations. Most of their drawings include natural components, such as living and non‐living elements, while a notable proportion of drawings depicts human activities. Interestingly, we observed notable differences in the level of wildness, elaboration and representation style among preadolescents from different regions. Additionally, we found that vicarious nature experiences have a significant positive impact on the cognitive complexity, extent of elaboration and positive emotional expression in children's drawings, while direct nature experiences also have a weaker but still significant positive effect on the elaboration. Moreover, female students exhibit greater proficiency in these three aspects compared to their male counterparts.The study highlights the significance of the surrounding environment and nature experiences, especially vicarious nature experience, in shaping the natural representations of preadolescents. Using draw‐and‐write mapping is recommended as a valuable approach to understanding the children's mental representations of the natural environment. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We explore how parental health and stress shape the rearing of preteen children in the rural Ozark Mountains. Background: Identifying concerns that impact preteen parents' health and stress levels may facilitate understanding ways to promote resilience and happiness for families in underserved rural communities. Methods: Using an interpretive phenomenological approach grounded in Lazarus's stress and coping paradigm, the current qualitative study used semistructured interviews with 20 White parents in the rural area of the Ozark Mountains who had at least one child born between 2008–2011. Results: Study participants' stories revealed that stressors related to parenting preteen children were rooted in stress from mental health or indirectly tied to social roles, such as occupational stress or financial constraints. Conclusion: Interventions and tools need to be developed that are specific to the culture of rural areas and that focus on families as an essential part of developing resilience and happiness and mitigating the adverse effects of stress. Implications: Interventions focused on families need to include diverse social factors that impact family resilience and happiness and include education to increase health literacy, family supports related to improving connections between parents and their preteen children, family tax credits to reduce hardships for parents, a tool for screening parents for stress, and expansion of telehealth opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concurrent global events such as political changes, natural disasters, climatic changes, protests, wars, and pandemics are factors that help with defining a generation. What are the characteristics of Generation Z and what are the problems its members face? Preadolescence is a period during which individuals strongly feel the need to reflect deeply on what is happening to them. Several questions arise: “Who am I? Am I a normal person? Am I a competent person? Am I worthy of being loved?” 191; “How do I manage my emotions (e.g. fear, anger, and sadness)?”. Anxiety and depression disorders are two of the most common issues that arise during adolescence. The project ZETgeneration - Smile, Empathy, Therapy aims to facilitate access to culture for generation Z preadolescents affected by depression disorders, with the help of art and therapy. This is achieved through four contemporary art productions based on interviews and questionnaires conducted with 300 children from Iași. This article, an interdisciplinary perspective between art, education and mental health, explores how cinema, theater, and art therapy can prevent depression and encourage conversations between adults and children on topics related to mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anuario de Psicología Jurídica is the property of Colegio Oficial de Psicologos de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently released clinical guidelines for the treatment of childhood obesity, including surgery being appropriate for children 13 years of age and older. The use of this age cut‐off was due to a lack of data for children younger than 13. To address this knowledge gap, the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database was queried to compare outcomes in preteens to teens after bariatric surgery hypothesizing that there would be no difference in outcomes between the two groups. Methods: Patients from the MSAQIP database (2016–2021) were identified and divided into groups <13 years and 13–18 years and were matched using propensity scores based on race, sex, and preoperative BMI. Outcomes were compared including change in BMI, complication rates, 30‐day readmission or reoperation, and mortality. Additionally, the centers responsible for the bulk of the preteen patient entries queried their center‐specific databases to evaluate weight loss over time. Results: A total of 4755 patients were identified, 47 of whom were <13 years of age. Preteens had similar sex distribution (66% vs. 75% female), were more likely to be Black (27.7% vs. 18.3%) or Hispanic (21.3% vs. 7.6%) race, and weighed less (274 ± 58 vs. 293 ± 85 lb, p = 0.01), but they had similar BMI (46.9 ± 7 vs. 47 ± 13 kg/m2) as their teen counterparts. Preteens were more likely to suffer from sleep apnea (34% vs. 19%, p < 0.01) and insulin‐dependent type 2 diabetes (10.6% vs. 1.8%, p < 0.01). There were no complications in the preteens compared to teens (0% vs. 0.5%), and they did not undergo any unplanned readmissions (0% vs. 2.9%) or reoperations (0% vs. 0.8%) within 30 days of surgery. There were also no mortalities reported in preteens (0% vs. 0.1%). The risk‐adjusted decrease in BMI between preteens and teens was also comparable at 30 days (4.2 [95% CI: 3.0–5.4] vs. 4.6 [95% CI: 4.4–4.7], p = 0.6). Decrease in BMI in preteens was 7 ± 3 kg/m2 at 3 months and 9 ± 4 kg/m2 at 12 months after surgery, which represented a percentage BMI change of 16 ± 7 and 20 ± 8, respectively. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that bariatric surgery in preteens is safe and efficacious when performed at specialized centers, and that age criteria may not be required. The AAP and others are encouraged to include age cut‐offs in their guidelines for children with obesity and bariatric surgery only when data are available to support their inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]