Adolescents
Articles tagged with Adolescents
Genetic risk of schizophrenia manifests in early adolescence, study shows
Children with high genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia show decreases in frontal cortical surface area during early adolescence, contrasting with regional expansion in those with low genetic susceptibility. This suggests neurodevelopmental deviations prior to symptom onset.
60% of U.S. teens have tried AI chatbots, 11.4% use them almost daily
State-level differences in HPV vaccine uptake among 13- to 17-year-old adolescents
The study found substantial state-level variation in HPV vaccine uptake, with Northeastern states exhibiting higher rates and Southern states showing lower rates. Several sociodemographic factors were not significant predictors of vaccination rates, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve vaccine uptake.
Research Alert: Teens view cannabis as less harmful than alcohol, vapes and cigarettes
A recent study analyzing data from two California school surveys found that adolescents consistently perceive cannabis as the least harmful substance among their peers. The study, which examined responses from over 175,000 students, also identified age, experience, and social environment as factors influencing teens' perceptions of can...
Landmark study improves adolescent mental health in India’s urban slums
A scalable digital mental health care model and anti-stigma campaigns reduced depression, self-harm, and suicide risks among Indian adolescents. The ARTEMIS project reached over 70,000 adolescents and showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitude, and behavior toward mental health.
Social media promotion, ease of access increase risk of adolescent inhalant misuse
Two new studies reveal that social media content promoting recreational nitrous oxide use can lead to adolescent inhalant misuse, with younger teens and girls being at higher risk. The research also found that behavioral problems, such as fighting and stealing, coincide with inhalant use.
Many young people are sexting on social media
A recent survey found that 31% of 16-year-olds and 39% of 18-year-olds had sent sexually suggestive photos or videos. Most teens receive these messages from strangers, while those in relationships often send them to their partners.
Who do tipsters really work for?
Adolescents who follow social media tipsters report higher gambling intention and increased frequency. The study highlights the need for stronger regulation of tipster-related marketing and media literacy programmes to address persuasive strategies and improve risk awareness.
Anti-vaping advertisements and lung injury news coverage helped reverse trend in teen vaping
A US study found that anti-vaping advertising and widespread news coverage of a lung-injury outbreak tied to vaping reversed the country's youth vaping trend in 2019. Quit attempt rates nearly doubled among current vapers, while susceptibility to future vaping dropped among teens who had never vaped.
Breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance among youths
A cross-sectional study found no association between longer breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance in unadjusted models, however, a positive correlation emerged after controlling for socioeconomic factors. Longer breastfeeding durations were more common among low-income families, highlighting the need for continued support.
Suicide mortality among adolescents and young adults after launch of a suicide and crisis lifeline
The study found significant reductions in suicide mortality among adolescents and young adults after the US launched its 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Larger reductions were observed in states with the highest adoption of the 988 Lifeline services.
Q&A: What do teenagers need from their parents?
Penn State professor Greg Fosco emphasizes the importance of parental monitoring, autonomy-supportive parenting, and fostering a sense of purpose in teenagers' lives. Research suggests that when adolescents perceive a stable relationship with their parents, their well-being suffers, while having a sense of purpose is linked to lower su...
Bullying, state policy, and mental health symptoms in gender-diverse youths
A cohort study found that bullying and restrictive legislation were associated with higher rates of psychotic-like experiences in gender-diverse youths. The study suggests that supportive environments and policies can help alleviate mental health concerns among this population.
Pediatric investigation study reveals urbanization shapes mental health of youth in China
A recent study found that children from rural China are more prone to emotional issues, while urban children show more behavioral problems. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and underscore the impact of environment on mental health outcomes.
Average age of young fatal stab victims now 14, national data indicate
In an analysis of child and teen fatalities from 2019 to 2024, the average age of young fatal stab victims is now 14, with Black ethnicity individuals being 13 times more likely to be fatally stabbed. Children living in the most deprived areas are 7 times more likely to die of their wounds than those in affluent areas.
Widely used food preservative implicated in recent uptick in UK suicide deaths
A comprehensive analysis of UK suicide data from 2019-2024 found a significant rise in cases involving sodium nitrite poisoning, predominantly affecting Gen Z and Millennials. The study highlights the need for urgent action to restrict access to this preservative and provide antidotes to mitigate its effects.
Pediatric Investigation study uncovers the link between academic burnout, internet gaming, and depression
A recent study found that academic burnout is associated with increased internet gaming and depression in Chinese adolescents. The study highlights the importance of targeted prevention strategies, including mental health check-ups, counseling sessions, stress management programs, and attentional bias modification training.
Online searches for gun-related harm
A notable minority of US youth and young adults, particularly those facing structural disadvantages and mental health distress, engage in intentional online searches for gun-related harm. Public health strategies combining digital interventions with structural reforms offer promise to reduce gun-related harm among vulnerable populations.
Teaching teens critical thinking could be key to challenging fake news, AI slop and toxic social media
Critical thinking skills are crucial for teenagers to spot fake news, resist online addiction and harms like sextortion and bullying. Parents and educators can equip teens with practical skills to evaluate sources, seek multiple perspectives and make informed decisions.
Teens are becoming concerned about their attachment to AI chatbots
A Drexel University study found that teens are concerned about their attachment to AI chatbots, using them for emotional support and entertainment. The study suggests that these interactions can evolve into addiction-like behavior, affecting their lives offline.
The brain’s emotional hub is linked to alcohol use differently in young men and women
A study found divergent neural pathways for drinking patterns in young men and women, highlighting the importance of sex-specific prevention strategies. Amygdala reactivity was associated with depressive symptoms in males, while females showed a 'threat-avoidance' profile with lower alcohol risk scores.
Age at first ADHD diagnosis and educational outcomes
A cohort study found that individuals diagnosed with ADHD at a younger age tended to perform better academically, receiving more education and experiencing lower dropout rates compared to those diagnosed closer to age 16. This suggests that targeted support for early diagnoses could help prevent school dropout.
Alliance marks Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is enrolling adolescent and young adult cancer patients in various trials, including genetic services and treatment studies. These trials aim to address longstanding gaps in care and improve outcomes for AYAs with cancer.
“Better design instead of blanket bans”
The report proposes new strategies for digital safety, including AI-powered tools to detect and intervene in harmful situations. Experts also recommend involving children and youths in the design process, particularly schools, to promote agency and well-being.
Why teens are more self-serving than adults in social situations
A study published in eLife found that adolescents focus more on their own interests compared to adults when navigating social dilemmas. The researchers recruited 261 participants, aged 14-17 and 18-30 years, to play a repeated cooperation game called the Prisoner's Dilemma Game.
Stress in adolescence causes lasting brain changes, study with mice suggests
A study on mice suggests that adolescence stress causes permanent changes in the prefrontal cortex, increasing vulnerability to schizophrenia and depression. The researchers found that traumatic experiences during this stage of life disrupts communication between brain cells, compromising neural control.
Psychotherapists aren’t prepared to treat eating disorders in boys and men
A binational study found most psychotherapists lack adequate knowledge and confidence treating eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia in boys and men. Clinicians identified a need for specialized training on assessing unique risk factors, tailoring treatment to male-specific experiences, and addressing stigma.
Screen time among children and adolescents has increased over three decades – especially after COVID-19 pandemic
A new systematic review found that screen time use among children and adolescents has dramatically risen over the past three decades, with a clear increase occurring after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The review analyzed 60 peer-reviewed studies and found that older children and adolescents reported higher screen time than young...
Children and teenagers more open to meat free diets - but struggle to maintain it
A new study from the University of Exeter found that children and teenagers are more open to vegetarian or vegan diets, but often struggle to keep it up. The study identified key reasons for this, including disgust at learning about animal meat sources, health concerns, and environmental issues.
Later sleep and wake times tied to poor diet and sedentary behavior in teens
A study found that late sleep schedules are linked to unhealthy eating habits, including increased calorie intake and snacking, as well as reduced physical activity, particularly during school hours. The researchers suggest that parents should pay attention to their children's sleep timing during adolescence.
FAU-collaborative NSF study: Stem teacher pipeline shows resilience amid challenges
A landmark study highlights the stability of STEM teacher qualifications and turnover rates in high-need schools, with some improvement in credential alignment. However, gaps in subject-specific qualifications remain, and compensation structures are insufficient to address financial pressures.
Sleep health dimensions from wearables and transdiagnostic mental health in young adolescents
The study identified six sleep health dimensions in young adolescents: irregularity, timing, duration, social jetlag, weekend oversleep, and continuity. Greater irregularity was associated with higher concurrent transdiagnostic mental health symptoms, while shorter duration was linked to increased symptoms at follow-up.
Self-esteem, openness to LGBTQ peers helps all high schoolers
Research at Cornell University found that inclusive environments can ease anxiety in all high schoolers, particularly LGBTQ students who start with high self-esteem. Openness to LGBTQ peers also contributes to improved psychological well-being among majority-group students.
Physical activity improves work ability
A 45-year study found that early life leisure-time physical activity is linked to better work ability in late adulthood. Higher levels of activity throughout the lifespan contribute significantly to work ability, with a dose-response association observed in late adulthood.
National Poll: 1 in 3 parents fear their teen or young adult could cause a crash
A national poll finds 1 in 3 parents worry their teen or young adult driver could cause an accident, with most witnessing unsafe driving behaviors. Despite concerns, most parents rate their child's driving as average or better, and relatively few impose consequences for risky behaviors.
FAU researchers find concerning rise in US teen obesity over a decade
A concerning rise in adolescent obesity has been found, with overall rates climbing to 15.9% in 2023. Obesity patterns also reveal a decline in weight-loss attempts, with females more likely to attempt weight loss but fewer adolescents reporting efforts in 2023.
Long-term trends in pediatric self-injury in high-income countries
A systematic review of 42 studies reveals a rising trend in self-injury among children and youth in high-income countries, with significant variability across countries. The findings highlight the need for effective, contextually informed prevention strategies to curb this growing concern.
Teens using AI meal plans could be eating too few calories — equivalent to skipping a meal
A new study found that AI-generated meal plans for teenagers often underestimate total energy and key nutrient intake, leading to potential health risks. The plans tend to overemphasize protein and fat, while underestimating carbohydrates, which may negatively affect growth and metabolic health.
War undermines human rights and agency of Israeli adolescents new study finds
The study highlights the negative impacts of war on Israeli adolescents' personal safety, equality, and freedom of expression. Despite parents being a trusted source of information, adolescents report feeling less free to express their opinions than their parents think.
Study finds teens spend nearly one-third of the school day on smartphones, with frequent checking linked to poorer attention
A new study found that middle and high school students spend nearly one-third of the school day on their smartphones, with frequent checking linked to weaker attention and impulse control. The study also found that students who checked their phones more frequently showed poorer cognitive control, a key skill for learning and academic s...
Digital media use and child health and development
A systematic review and meta-analysis found consistent associations between digital media use and risks to child health and development, particularly social media use. The study highlights the need for multifaceted policies and interventions to mitigate potential harms from digital media exposure.
Smartphone use during school hours and association with cognitive control in youths ages 11 to 18
A cross-sectional study found that smartphone use during school hours is associated with reduced cognitive control in youths aged 11-18. The study highlights the need for school-level policies and digital literacy programs to address habitual smartphone-checking behaviors that fragment attention.
Greaux Healthy Day declared in Lake Charles: Pennington Biomedical’s Greaux Healthy Initiative highlights childhood obesity challenge in SWLA
The Greaux Healthy initiative, launched by Pennington Biomedical Research Center, aims to prevent and treat childhood obesity in Louisiana. Studies show that childhood obesity is a national healthcare crisis in Louisiana, with over 1 in 3 children living with overweight or obesity.
Teen aggression a warning sign for faster aging later in life
Research connects adolescent aggression to accelerated aging and higher body mass index by age 30. Early aggression alone does not predict faster aging unless it leads to ongoing relationship problems later in life.
Autonomy in school is not one thing: New study identifies distinct pathways to adolescents’ achievement and school burnout
A new study published in the Journal of Adolescence suggests that autonomy is not a single entity, but rather two distinct psychological experiences: autonomy satisfaction and autonomy frustration. These experiences steer adolescents toward markedly different academic and emotional outcomes. The research highlights the importance of re...
Science of fitting in: Do best friends or popular peers shape teen behavior?
A groundbreaking longitudinal study reveals that peer influence is specialized, with best friends primarily shaping internal emotional states and academic behaviors, while popular peers set the standard for public image and social media engagement. The findings suggest that adolescents use different mental calculations to navigate thei...
Within-person association between daily screen use and sleep in youth
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a small correlation between daily screen use and later sleep onset in youth. However, short-term fluctuations in screen time had limited effects on sleep duration, efficiency, or quality.
Insufficient sleep among US adolescents across behavioral risk groups
A study found insufficient sleep among US adolescents, with trends suggesting environmental and structural factors are driving the issue, rather than specific behaviors. The findings highlight the need for population-level interventions to address widespread sleep loss.
Pediatric investigation study highlights two-way association between teen fitness and confidence
A pediatric investigation study reveals a two-way association between teen fitness and confidence, highlighting the importance of holistic youth health strategies. The study found that cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, and self-efficacy mutually reinforce each other during adolescence.
The Institute of New Imaging Technologies at the UJI leads the European FAIR GAME project to protect children in online gaming environments
The European FAIR GAME consortium aims to create participatory mechanisms that foster digital literacy, strengthen mental wellbeing and embed practices grounded in children's fundamental rights in online gaming environments. The project seeks to bring about cultural and structural change in gaming platform policies and standards.
Adolescent cannabis use may follow the same pattern as alcohol use
A new study based on extensive data from Swedish school surveys found that changes in average cannabis use among adolescents are reflected across the entire group. The distribution of cannabis use has remained highly stable over time, with increases or decreases occurring in parallel across all user groups.
Adolescent cannabis use and risk of psychotic, bipolar, depressive, and anxiety disorders
A cohort study found that adolescent cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders, particularly psychotic and bipolar conditions. The study's results inform the development of interventions and policies to prevent or delay adolescent cannabis use.
Study: Adolescent cannabis use linked to doubling risk of psychotic and bipolar disorders
A large new study published in JAMA Health Forum found that past-year cannabis use during adolescence is associated with a significantly higher risk of incident psychotic, bipolar, depressive, and anxiety disorders. Cannabis use preceded psychiatric diagnoses by an average of 1.7 to 2.3 years.
More time spent on social media linked to steroid use intentions among boys and men
A new study found that social media use, particularly exposure to muscularity-focused content and body comparisons, is strongly associated with increased intentions to use anabolic-androgenic steroids. Young men who frequently view muscular bodies or advertisements promoting muscle-building supplements also report stronger intentions.
Cardiovascular events in women with prior cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
A nationwide study found that adolescents and young adults with prior cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) are at a higher risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. The study suggests that women with prior HSIL should be more closely monitored for cardiovascular disease and prevention strategies should be imple...
Researchers recommend a verification phase for measuring adolescents’ maximal oxygen uptake
A Finnish study found that verifying adolescents' maximal oxygen uptake requires a brief phase to ensure reliable results. The researchers also discovered that different time averaging strategies can significantly affect the final measurement values, highlighting the need for explicit strategy specification.
National poll finds gaps in community preparedness for teen cardiac emergencies
A national poll found that nearly half of parents are aware of the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in teens, but only about half know their school has an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site. Parents support CPR and AED training, with four in 10 already trained to use an AED, and nearly nine in 10 willing to receive free training.
Study finds link between sugary drinks and anxiety in young people
A recent study published in Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics has identified a link between high sugary drink consumption and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. The research team found consistent associations between energy-dense but nutrient-poor drinks and increased anxiety rates.
Adolescent and young adult requests for medication abortion through online telemedicine
The study found increased requests for medication abortion among adolescents in states with gestational bans and parental consent requirements. Young adults also sought more medication abortion services post-Dobbs, with the highest demand in states with restrictive abortion laws.