Authors

David Robson
David Robson

David Robson is an award-winning science writer specialising in the extremes of the human brain, body and behaviour. He previously worked as a features editor at New Scientist before moving to BBC Future. His writing has also appeared in The Guardian, The Atlantic, Aeon and Men’s Health.

All articles by David Robson
The manosphere’s influence is growing - can teachers fight back?
The rise of the ‘manosphere’, and its potential to incite aggressive behaviour, has become a national talking point. But what does research tell us about the scale of the problem and how schools should respond? David Robson investigates
General
3 June 2026
Montage of Manosphere stuff
Do schools need to change course on behaviour?
‘Bad’ behaviour is damaging teacher wellbeing and disrupting learning, despite successive governments trying to tackle it. Could findings from behavioural psychology and child development hold the answer? David Robson takes a look
General
4 February 2026
Alternative route
How earlier puberty is affecting pupil behaviour
Children are going through puberty earlier than ever. What does this mean for education? David Robson investigates
General
8 October 2025
Abstract Clocks Collage
How school became more sedentary - and why it matters
In recent years, PE has been squeezed out of school timetables, while breaktimes have grown shorter. What effect is this reduction in physical activity having on students’ health and learning? David Robson investigates
General
11 June 2025
Physical activity vanished
Can belonging really help fix behaviour, attendance and outcomes?
Generating a feeling of belonging in schools has been repeatedly cited as the key to solving multiple challenges, but is that claim supported by evidence? David Robson investigates
General
5 March 2025
People illustrations spread out
How much prescription over how lessons are taught is too much?
Across the world, teachers are increasingly being told how to teach and some claim that is having a negative impact on pupils. But, asks David Robson, where actually is the sweet spot of teacher autonomy?
General
27 November 2024
How much prescription over how lessons are taught is too much?