Get a Grip - Evidence-Based Conversations for Parents and Educators

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.