Scientists Say Laughter Boosts Children's Brain Development, Lowering Cortisol and Raising Serotonin
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 7
Scientists Say Laughter Boosts Children's Brain Development, Lowering Cortisol and Raising Serotonin
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 7
Summary
New research says laughter acts as a "mental workout" for children, activating broad brain networks tied to learning, creativity, working memory and early social connection even before speech develops.
At the chemical level, it lowers stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine while increasing dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin—changes linked to resilience, emotional well-being and stronger parent-child bonds.
Dr. Jacqueline Harding of Middlesex University argues prolonged stress drives the opposite effect, impairing learning, weakening immune function and disrupting the developing limbic system that shapes emotion and long-term memory.
Parents and teachers can use spontaneous play and humor to build emotional regulation and "co-regulation," while Harding says classrooms should prioritize safe relationships and low-stress play environments alongside the curriculum.
Is the decline of childhood play creating a hidden neurological crisis for the next generation?
As screens replace playgrounds, are we engineering anxiety into our children's brains from birth?
How can parents biologically transfer their calm to an anxious child's developing brain?
Laughter’s Lasting Impact: 2025-2026 Breakthroughs on How Joyful Interaction Shapes Children’s Brains and Development
Overview
Recent research highlights that positive social interactions, especially laughter, play a crucial role in shaping children's developing brains. Laughter not only lowers stress hormones and boosts key neurochemicals, but also helps build healthy brain architecture. However, when parents are distracted by technology, the quality of parent-child interactions suffers, which can harm children's cognitive and emotional growth. These findings emphasize the importance of genuine, joyful moments—like shared laughter—for healthy development, showing that active, engaged connections between parents and children are essential for building strong, resilient brains.