Story perspectives

England's Lockdown-Born Kids Show Lower Executive Function

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers found children born in England during the first COVID-19 lockdown have lower executive function than pre-pandemic norms.
The BICYCLE study assessed 205 children born 23 March–23 June 2020 via in-person and Zoom tests.
Caregivers reported about one-third show executive-function needs, while language scores were age-appropriate overall but expressive language lagged.
Authors warned the study lacks a matched control group, may be biased by caregiver reports, and urged ongoing tracking.

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Story summary

Researchers found children born in England during the first COVID-19 lockdown have lower executive function than pre-pandemic norms.
The BICYCLE study assessed 205 children born 23 March–23 June 2020 via in-person and Zoom tests.
Caregivers reported about one-third show executive-function needs, while language scores were age-appropriate overall but expressive language lagged.
Authors warned the study lacks a matched control group, may be biased by caregiver reports, and urged ongoing tracking.