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The gift of time? School starting age and mental health

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  • Thomas S. Dee
  • Hans Henrik Sievertsen

Abstract

Using linked Danish survey and register data, we estimate the causal effect of age at kindergarten entry on mental health. Danish children are supposed to enter kindergarten in the calendar year in which they turn 6 years. In a "fuzzy" regression‐discontinuity design based on this rule and exact dates of birth, we find that a 1‐year delay in kindergarten entry dramatically reduces inattention/hyperactivity at age 7 (effect size = –0.73), a measure of self‐regulation with strong negative links to student achievement. The effect is primarily identified for girls but persists at age 11.

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  • Thomas S. Dee & Hans Henrik Sievertsen, 2018. "The gift of time? School starting age and mental health," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 27(5), pages 781-802, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:hlthec:v:27:y:2018:i:5:p:781-802
    DOI: 10.1002/hec.3638
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    JEL classification:

    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education

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