Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A major Adelaide University study found that outside school hours care services that completed the Activated OSHC program showed substantial improvements in physical activity and screen time practices. The program, which provides tips for creating an active environment and reducing screen time, was trialled in 200 services caring for 1...
A 30-year analysis of data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System found a significant increase in suicidal thoughts and attempts in teens after nearly two decades of previous downturns. The study also revealed rising rates of obesity, insufficient sleep, and a decline in academic performance among teens.
A study found that household exposure to e-cigarettes increases the risk of asthma flare-ups in children, with no safe level of tobacco or e-cigarette exposure for kids. Researchers also found that children exposed to both combustible tobacco and e-cigarettes had the strongest links to poor asthma control.
A study of over 5,500 adolescents found that those who took more daily steps had fewer mental health problems a year later. Higher step counts were associated with differences in brain areas linked to movement and mood, explaining the link between physical activity and mental health.
Researchers found that lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and living environment contribute to faster biological ageing in early adulthood. Childhood and adolescent lifestyle and environmental exposures explained approximately 28% of the variation in biological age at the age of 22.
A new review of research from across sub-Saharan Africa found that food insecurity is linked to depression, suicide attempts, HIV vulnerabilities, and poorer sexual and reproductive health outcomes among adolescent mothers. The study suggests that addressing hunger may also help reduce depression and other mental health burdens.
A large Norwegian study found that people born preterm are less physically active as teenagers and adults. The study, which measured physical activity using wearable sensors, suggests that preterm birth may be associated with reduced physical activity in young adulthood.
A UK clinic's data suggests non-prescribed ketamine use among under-16s starts at age 13, with attendees more likely to live in socioeconomically deprived neighbourhoods and have experience of the care system. Heavy ketamine use is rising in the UK, with 8.4% in treatment now reporting ketamine use.
Researchers at Lund University found that heavy menstrual bleeding, skipping meals, and daily nicotine use are linked to higher levels of self-reported tiredness in teenage girls. Iron deficiency was not found to be a cause of fatigue in the study.
Researchers found that participants with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) outperformed those without CAS when trained in the morning, suggesting a potential optimal timing for speech intervention. This discovery could lead to more effective treatment strategies for individuals with long-standing CAS.
A review of legislative approaches to adolescent social media highlights potential benefits and risks, but systematic evidence is limited. Rapid research is needed to assess policy approaches and support child-centered policies.
Research from Austria and Ireland shows that nicotine addiction remains a major health concern, with vaping and smoking increasing among children and young people. The studies found that smoking has declined, but vaping has risen, particularly among those under 18, and that people are taking up smoking at a younger age. The findings hi...
A new study found that US children's emergency visits for mental health crises increased by 74% between 2016 and 2022. Half of these visits occurred in hospitals with low pediatric volume, highlighting the need for specialized resources and training.
A cross-sectional study suggests that seeking emotional support from generative AI is a unique marker of psychological distress in children and adolescents. Clinical frameworks and digital literacy programs should distinguish between functional AI assistance and algorithmic interfaces as a digital refuge for emotional needs.
A survey of 365 Australian adolescents aged 10-15 found that those who began using social media at a younger age reported more symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study suggests that delaying children's first exposure to social media may be a promising policy for protecting mental health.
Despite improved mental health challenges post-pandemic, Ontario students still face elevated stress, excessive screen time, and online gambling concerns. Drug use continues to decline, but barriers to seeking mental health support persist, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and targeted prevention initiatives.
Exposure to suicide attempts within social networks was linked to increased risk of subsequent suicide attempts and higher depressive symptoms in adolescents and young adults. Assessing recent exposure to suicide attempts may help identify high-risk youths undetected through symptom-based screening alone.
A cross-sectional study found that adolescents increasingly use AI chatbots to discuss mental health concerns, with significant implications for young people's well-being. The study's findings highlight the need for increased awareness and support for adolescents' mental health needs.
A systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a strong association between alcohol marketing exposure and increased drinking outcomes among youth. The study's findings suggest that reducing alcohol marketing can help mitigate the risk of youth drinking, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this public health con...
Researchers analyzed 16 enacted laws across 10 states to understand the patchwork of state social media laws, finding that limiting access had the least supporting evidence, while media literacy training showed promise
A 10-fold increase in new case rate of type 2 diabetes in young people under 20 years old since the turn of century has led to a significant shift in the disease's demographics. The study found an accelerating trend in type 2 diabetes incidence, with a 3.8% annual increase between 2002 and 2023.
The True Grit program, a Rutgers Health study, evaluates a model for supporting independence in young people with spinal cord injuries as they transition from high school to adulthood. Participants in the 2024 cohort demonstrated progress toward their individual goals, with gains seen in participation scores and emotional resilience.
Teenagers who experience online bullying are at greater risk of later emotional and behavioral difficulties, with loneliness and emotional regulation issues being key factors. The study found that helping young people feel less isolated and supporting their emotional wellbeing can mitigate the impact of cyberbullying.
A recent study found that TikTok food content prompts hunger and cravings in adolescents, but parents can help them navigate its influence by fostering critical conversations and encouraging family meals. The study suggests parents can provide a protective perspective by questioning influencer claims and promoting healthy social media ...
A new UCLA study found that teenage girls who experienced the highest levels of childhood trauma showed the largest gains in social connectedness after participating in a breathwork course combined with social-emotional learning. The program, developed by the International Association for Human Values, increased social connectedness by...
A new study found that certain aspects of a teenager's relationship with their pet dog are associated with healthier ways of coping with peer-related stress. Companionship and caring for the dog were linked to positive coping styles, while feeling emotional support from the dog was less likely to be associated with healthy thinking.
A new study suggests that a video game designed to raise teens' awareness of mental health issues can reduce symptoms of depression on par with in-school programs. The game, PlaySmart, was played by 269 students for up to six weeks, with significant reductions in symptoms reported after only six weeks.
A randomized controlled trial shows that an internet-based Master Your Worries programme significantly reduces anxiety symptoms and improves functional ability in children, even after two years. The study found the positive effects of therapy to be greatest among children with more severe symptoms.
A Rutgers study reveals that high school students who engage with beauty-related content on social media use more personal care products containing hormone-disrupting chemicals. The study found a significant correlation between time spent on social media and increased product usage, with girls reporting higher median daily product use.
A recent Finnish study found that more screen time since childhood is associated with better cognitive processing in adolescence. The researchers recommend encouraging active thinking and problem-solving through screen use. The study also highlights the importance of balancing physical activity and sedentary time to promote brain health.
An international study of 58,000 adolescents found that unstructured free time is strongly associated with delinquent behavior and exposure to violence. The study, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed data from 21 countries and found that association with delinquent peers was the strongest predictor of involvement in crime.
A recent study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal found nearly 500 children were injured by e-scooters between 2019 and 2024. Most injuries occurred due to falls or collisions with vehicles, highlighting the need for clearer public health messaging and regulation.
A cohort study found associations between perinatal factors and changes in brain maturation among adolescents. The study used conditional-longitudinal models to assess individual growth trajectories and mental health symptoms.
A global review found that high temperatures and heatwaves are associated with poorer mental health outcomes in children, with a 25% increase in risk during heatwaves. The study suggests targeted interventions for children and young people to mitigate the effects of climate change on their mental wellbeing.
A new study published in Psychological Medicine suggests that good sleep quality is more important than screen time for helping adolescents succeed in school and maintain healthy friendships. Healthy sleep habits explained a substantial portion of the relationship between mental health symptoms and school performance.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that strong social bonds and public recognition for achievements can reduce suicidal thoughts and behavior among teenagers. The study analyzed data from nearly 200,000 Pennsylvania teens and found that personal connections with family, school, and community can decrease suicide risk.
Researchers are developing a smartphone-based platform that combines driving data, personalized coaching and parent engagement strategies to improve driving safety for teens with ADHD. The platform will use telematics to monitor driving behaviors while allowing parents and teens to set shared goals and track progress.
After COVID-19 pandemic restrictions relaxed, Kawasaki disease incidence rebounded in Japan, with distinct age-dependent patterns. Nonpharmaceutical interventions may have contributed to the observed greater rebound in older children, while infants showed minimal changes, suggesting different exposure pathways.
A study of 3786 children found no significant associations between screen use and developmental difficulties, except for very high use of electronic games. Early high screen use was associated with greater difficulties at 10 years old, but not sustained at 15 years.
A new study by Oregon Health & Science University reveals that large corporations are shaping how kids in Medicaid receive care, leading to varying patterns in behavioral health services. The research highlights the need for closer scrutiny of managed care organizations' corporate strategies versus their public mission.
A national survey of over 1,000 U.S. adolescents found that nearly one-quarter of teens used mobile food delivery services during school hours, with fast foods and sugary beverages being popular options. Researchers raise concerns about the impact on learning environments and healthy nutrition for students.
A new study of teens around age 18 found that consuming breakfast increased their overall intake of important nutrients such as fiber, iron, zinc, and choline. Additionally, eating breakfast reduced the intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods throughout the day.
A recent national study analyzing over 11,800 adolescents found that substance use increases steadily with age, with 38% reporting use by age 16. The study highlights notable differences between boys and girls, particularly in polysubstance use patterns.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine identified a biological process that sheds new light on how memory circuits mature during late adolescence. The study found that memories formed earlier in life become temporarily difficult to retrieve before resurfacing later with less precise detail.
A recent study published by the University of Sydney found that dexamphetamine and methylphenidate are equally effective in treating ADHD in children, with no significant differences in symptom improvement. However, children taking dexamphetamine experienced greater weight loss compared to those taking methylphenidate.
Researchers argue that social media restrictions should be viewed as part of a complex system rather than isolated policies. They suggest using systems mapping to anticipate effects and design more balanced approaches, considering factors such as school engagement, social connections, and industry responses.
A new study by University College London researchers found that social prescribing improved behavior, relationships, and resilience among adolescents waiting for specialist mental health services. Young people who received social prescribing reported enhanced connections with others, increased confidence, and higher self-esteem.
A cohort study of California public high schools found that dedicated health courses were associated with modestly lower prevalence in several common forms of adolescent substance use. The study suggests that sustained, dedicated health coursework may be a scalable component of school-based substance use prevention.
A global analysis of childhood diets over nearly 30 years reveals that children worldwide consume low amounts of essential nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. In contrast to many other countries, the US sees a decline in consumption of these foods from infancy to adolescence.
Adolescents in the US are unaware of the dangers of fentanyl misuse, emphasizing the importance of public education programs and clinical communication. The study reveals a significant portion of younger adolescents are not aware of the risks associated with fentanyl use.
The e-BOCCHI program, developed to address adolescent loneliness, showed statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms. Participants demonstrated improvements in help-seeking skills compared to baseline, but modest improvements in loneliness and self-esteem scores.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that longer sleep is linked to more stable blood sugar levels in healthy 18-year-olds, even among those with no previous health issues. The researchers tracked participants over two weeks and found a two-way relationship between sleep duration and blood sugar stability.
A cohort study found that upper secondary school settings are associated with mental health trajectories in adolescents, suggesting a link between peer environments and risk of mental disorders. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering environmental factors in understanding adolescent mental health.
A mouse study found that social isolation during adolescence impairs emotion recognition and social behavior in adulthood. Resocializing does not reverse these behavioral changes. The study also showed that socially isolated adult mice were unable to tell the difference between stressed and unstressed mice.
Researchers warn that teens' reliance on AI chatbots may bypass opportunities for developing essential relationship skills. The technology offers immediate, nonjudgmental guidance but lacks needed safeguards, potentially reinforcing unhealthy relationship patterns and increasing vulnerability to mental health problems.
The Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center has received the 2026 Community Health Improvement Award from HANYS, recognizing its decades-long leadership in comprehensive, confidential, equitable care for adolescents and young adults. The award honors the Center's commitment to improving public health and advancing health equity.
A study of high school students found that total abortion bans in states were associated with increased suicidal ideation among females, with similar but less precise estimates for suicide attempts. The findings suggest that these policies may adversely impact female adolescents' mental health.
A new study found that Australia's Social Media Minimum Age Act has little effect on reducing teen social media use, with many under 16s using platforms despite age restrictions. The study also showed that many teens are actively circumventing age verification checks.
The article explores ways clinicians can deliver care tailored to each patient's unique needs, priorities, and identities. Research highlights the importance of considering life transitions in supporting adolescents and young adults with cancer.
A study found that a commonly used framework for assessing social-emotional skills in youth does not work equally well across cultures. The framework's structure changes with age and varies significantly by culture, highlighting the need for age-appropriate and culturally-sensitive approaches to measure these skills.