One in six children in the developed world is diagnosed with "developmental or behavioral problems." This book explains why this is happening and shows what can be done about it. Children across the developed world are suffering: rates of obesity, dyslexia, ADHD, bad behavior, and others are on the rise. It is not merely that our tendency to diagnose has increased, but there are very real and serious problems. Sue Palmer, a former school principal and expert in literature, has researched a range of troublesome areas, from poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and sleep deprivation to a range of modern difficulties that have a significant impact: television, electronic games, and mobile phones. This combined effect, along with the ever-increasing pressure in parents' lives, is leading to the creation of a toxic new generation. TOXIC CHILDHOOD illustrates the latest research from around the world and provides answers to concerned parents about how they can protect their families from the problems of the modern world and help their children develop into healthy, intelligent, and pleasant adults.