Long term studies of children are expensive, but the data collected may be invaluable — especially if wide-ranging policies are based on them. The amount of data Facebook is collecting on kids may be massive, but it’ll probably only be data mined for marketing purposes. Here are just a few examples of some kid research that could influence the way people raise their kids.

• Measuring the difference between heart rates when a baby inhales and exhales could lead to predictive indicators for whether or not that kid will overcome poverty. For “sensitive” babies, where the difference is large, a stable environment may have a greater effect on the child’s future well-being. [url]
• Preschool seems to be important for disadvantaged kids, but the benefits for middle class kids are not as clear. So flip a coin, tiger-moms, but some economists might have a good argument for government funded access to preschool for at-risk toddlers. [url]
• The 7 Up documentary began in 1964 and followed seven year old kids from different economic backgrounds as they grew up. The latest installment, 56 Up checks in on these people now as they face retirement (or not) — and presents a fascinating snapshot of society. [url]

If you’d like to read more awesome and interesting stuff, check out this unrelated (but not entirely random!) Techdirt post.

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