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Commentaries for EPIC, the European Platform for Investing in Children

The Perils of Setting Police Targets: First Time Entrants to the Youth Justice System
The police play a critical role in determining whether young people are either directed towards or diverted away from the justice system. Introducing policing targets can create perverse incentives and raises particular concerns because of the potential damaging effects that criminalization can have on young people.
18 Jan 2018
Mental Health Challenges in the Construction Industry
Employers looking to address mental health problems among staff must recognize the causes and understand mental health challenges within the organization. Construction workers could face greater risk than workers in other sectors, but awareness of support and help remains low.
11 Jan 2018
Smart Toys May Pose Risks
Parents shouldn't avoid buying smart toys during the holidays, particularly if these devices top children's Christmas lists. But parents should definitely be wary of the security and privacy risks that smart toys can pose.
21 Dec 2017
Why a Lack of STEM Teachers Could Jeopardise the Canada 2067 Vision
The future of STEM learning depends heavily on a strong STEM teaching workforce. But education systems around the world face significant challenges attracting, training, and keeping STEM teachers.
17 Nov 2017
In Britain's Approach to Free Child Care, Lessons for the U.S.
If public school in America is free for kindergarten through high school, why not extend the same guarantee for the earliest years, when the potential impact is greatest? The United States can learn from Britain's experience in this area.
27 Oct 2017
Why sleep matters to the world's bottom line
Sleep and sleep loss matters to all aspects of society, from an individual's health to the success of the global economy. Insufficient sleep costs five of the largest economies more than half a trillion dollars per year, but improving sleeping habits and duration can have major impacts.
27 Sep 2017
Why the Mental Ill Health of Academic Researchers Remains a Hidden Problem
Students at universities are not the only ones who suffer from mental ill-health. While in recent years they have arguably received more attention, particularly in the UK, academic staff at universities and other higher education institutions require support too.
28 Aug 2017
Why Europe's Work-Life Balance Proposal Could Be in Limbo for Years
The work-life balance proposal has a chance of having an impact on the labor markets and welfare systems in Europe. However, given the variation in policies across member states and levels of political support among key stakeholders, the proposal may end up stuck in negotiations.
30 May 2017
Professional Expectations, Families and Brexit Shape Future for UK International Researchers
Mobility has become an even higher priority for researchers since the results of the UK’s EU referendum, Brexit. To continue to attract and keep top talent, the UK needs to understand how and why researchers move between countries.
05 May 2017
Cambridgeshire Is at the Heart of England's Teacher Shortage Problem
Teacher shortages could be a real threat in Cambridgeshire, unless larger numbers of secondary school teachers are attracted and retained. There are simply too few new teachers replacing those who retire, with this gap being even more pronounced in STEM subjects.
21 Mar 2017
How businesses can take the lead in getting people to sleep more
Insufficient sleep is linked to lower productivity, which results in working days being lost each year. With a few simple measures, employers could help improve the health and well-being of staff, improve their bottom lines, and contribute to a growing economy.
20 Dec 2016
Americans don't sleep enough, and it's costing us $411 billion
Sleep and sleep loss are often considered to be among the most intimate of personal behaviors, but sleep matters to all aspects of society, from an individual’s health to the success of the global economy.
30 Nov 2016
Finding the 'Sweet Spot' in the UK Minimum Wage Debate
Increases in the UK national minimum wages have not had adverse effects on employment overall. But it's important that the new national living wage and minimum wage aren’t increased to a point that is unsustainable for businesses.
28 Nov 2016
Measuring What Works: Workplace Well-Being
The link between productivity and well-being is recognized and increasingly accepted as a prerequisite of strong employer and employee performance. HR professionals and CEOs believe that high employee well-being means high staff engagement and a real intention to do well for the workforce.
28 Nov 2016
Why Being a Migrant Is Not the Biggest Barrier to Education in Europe
Migrant students tend to have lower performance and are more likely to leave school early. But factors other than migrant status, such as language barriers, can explain these differences.
31 Oct 2016
How Can Europe Encourage Fathers to Take Parental Leave?
Whether fathers take parental leave depends on economic factors, but flexibility of timing and workplace culture also seem to make a difference. The link between fathers taking parental leave and improvements in child development makes it an important area for European policymakers to consider.
14 Oct 2016
Is It Time to Extend Maternity Leave Across Europe?
Any policy solution for extending maternity leave must strike a balance between protecting infant health through extended breastfeeding and mitigating any potentially negative impact on the mother's career progression or increased costs to business.
13 Sep 2016
What Is Being Done in Europe to Get Mothers Back to Work?
Helping mothers get back to work has many benefits. It supports women's economic independence, helps reduce the gender pay gap, and boosts the economy. Perhaps most importantly, it could keep more children out of poverty.
26 Apr 2016
Are the Effects of the Economic Crisis Still Impacting Children in Europe?
If EU member states do not invest in early childhood education and care now, negative long-term effects may follow in future years. Unfortunately, it might be the case that the fallout of the economic crisis is blocking some of the investments that need to be made.
17 Feb 2016
Using Evidence on 'What Does Not Work' to Improve Services and External Recognition
Applying practices and interventions requires learning not only about what works, but also what does not. Negative evaluation findings can be disappointing. But acting on the information they provide can present an opportunity to strengthen an organization.
18 Sep 2015

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