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Humans routinely use external thinking tools, like pencil and paper, maps, and calculators, to solve cognitive problems that would have once been solved internally. As many youth face unprecedented exposure to increasingly capable technological aids, there is a growing pressure to understand children's cognitive offloading capacities and propensities, and what they stand to gain or lose as frequent offloaders in the modern world. In this article, we review emerging research on the development of cognitive offloading. Children as young as 4 years can engage in effective offloading strategies that follow principles similar to those used by adults—for example, greater recruitment of external support when tasks are more difficult. However, young children's strategies also show evidence of bias (sometimes inadequate and sometimes excessive offloading), lack of selectivity, and lack of self‐initiation. We also draw attention to important avenues for future research, working toward protecting and nurturing children's cognitive well‐being in the digital age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT- This paper explores the possibility that adolescence may be a sensitive period for the development of spirituality. Evidence suggests that many of the normative developmental characteristics of adolescence may make teenagers more responsive to spiritual overtures. We review research on the characteristics of adolescent psychological development in conjunction with research on spirituality. On the basis of this research, we hypothesize that adolescents may be more likely than individuals in other age groups to engage in spiritual exploration, have a conversion experience, and make spiritual commitments that endure throughout the life span. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT- Child trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) are egregious crimes, extreme forms of child maltreatment, and major violations of children's human rights. Although empirical research is sorely lacking on the impact of such crimes on children's developmental well-being, numerous reports describe the physical and emotional trauma, humiliation, violence, degradation associated with treatment as a commodity, and unrelenting fear and abuse. This paper provides an overview of the impact of trafficking and CSE on children and the practical implications of related research in the areas of child maltreatment and victimization. Findings suggest that trafficking and CSE present grave risks to the physical, psychological, spiritual, and social-emotional development of young victims. Implications for psychology and social policy, in terms of prevention and psychosocial rehabilitation for children who have been victimized, are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An index of papers included in Volume 4 of "Child Development Perspectives" journal, is presented.

The authors talk about the Society for Research in Child Development's (SRCD) journal "Child Development Perspectives" (CDP). Particular focus is given to the primary goal of CDP, as well as its target papers or submissions. According to the authors, the journal is also intended to provide access to a wide readership. Also mentioned are the journal's manuscript requirements, peer review process and professional editing aspect.