Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A new study published in Addictive Behaviors found that frequent social media use among US youth is associated with a higher risk of tobacco initiation. Youth who engaged with tobacco marketing on social media platforms were more likely to start using tobacco products, highlighting the need for regulation and education.
A new study from the University of Houston reveals that adolescents' life goals, particularly those related to education and prestige, have a significant impact on their educational attainment and occupational outcomes. As people grow older, these goals tend to become more important, with changes in them predicting later success.
A study analyzing nearly 900,000 high school students found that cannabis legalization and retail sales have limited associations with adolescent substance abuse. The researchers discovered modest decreases in cannabis, alcohol, and e-cigarette use following recreational cannabis legislation.
A study found that almost 17% of adolescents experience weight-related bullying online, with the highest rates reported by Twitter users. The survey also revealed a strong association between screen time, social media use, and weight-related bullying, with a 13% increase in bullying for every additional hour of screen time.
Pediatric opioid overdoses show a decreasing trend between 2008 and 2019, with a notable increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. High-risk populations include young children and adolescents, particularly males and those in urban teaching hospitals.
A new study reveals a significant positive association between conformity to masculine gender norms and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, including clinical risk for the condition and lifetime anabolic-androgenic steroid use. The research found that specific masculine gender norms like self-reliance and emotional control were most strongl...
A study found that social stress during adolescence in female mice leads to prolonged cortisol elevation after giving birth, similar to women exposed to adverse early life experiences. The researchers suggest alternative treatments may be more effective for postpartum depression.
Researchers from SGH and NNI found side-to-side differences in the corticoreticular pathway of patients with AIS, which may lead to better diagnosis and treatment options. The study's findings suggest that scoliosis is fundamentally related to brain and spinal cord interactions.
A new study found that individuals who experienced weight-related pressure from family or media as teenagers are at higher risk of internalized weight stigma as adults. The research, published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe, highlights the importance of addressing weight stigma and bullying to promote better mental health outcomes.
Research using 2011-2021 data found limited associations between recreational cannabis legalization and adolescent substance use. Recreational cannabis retail sales were linked to lower e-cigarette use and an increased frequency of cannabis use among users, leading to no overall change in cannabis use.
A new USC-led study on rats that fed a high-fat, sugary diet during adolescence found impaired memory and disrupted acetylcholine levels. The researchers suggest that a junk food-filled diet in teens may disrupt their brains' memory ability for a long time.
Research suggests that frequent mobile device use among preschoolers leads to lower-quality and quantity of parent-child interactions compared to non-users. Joint, real-life activities help prevent problematic digital device use and its negative effects.
A four-component school-based nutritional intervention package improved diet quality among adolescents and their household members, reducing undernutrition and obesity. The study found promising spillover effects into households and communities, highlighting the transformative potential of schools in combating adolescent malnutrition.
A study from the University of Jyväskylä found that low youth cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with decreased work ability in adulthood. The association persisted until the end of working life, highlighting the importance of physical fitness assessment in childhood and adolescence.
A new study reveals a significant rise in mental health problems among Ukrainian children and adolescents displaced by the war. Key findings include a one-third of child population experiencing clinically relevant anxiety, traumatic stress, depression, conduct behavior, and ADHD.
Researchers analyzed 60 hours of Netflix content, finding that it often portrays only violent injuries as causing pain, neglecting medical procedures and chronic pain. The study highlights the need for more diverse and inclusive portrayals of pain in media to better support adolescents' experiences.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that adolescents with high positive affect reported lower rates of anxiety and depression, and higher optimism as adults. Positive affect was associated with healthier behaviors and decreased risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.
Healthcare professionals express frustration with limited time and training to support families in addressing childhood obesity. They highlight the need for dedicated services and practical advice to help parents make healthy lifestyle changes.
The journal features five original articles from Kennedy Krieger faculty members, providing actionable insights on caring for children with autism. The volume addresses a significant gap in resources for pediatric clinicians and researchers globally.
Researchers identified four weight-gain trajectories and factors associated with rapid or gradual weight gain, including age, sex, ethnicity, and baseline body mass index scores.
A Finnish study reveals that bone-strengthening physical activity levels decrease during adolescence, especially among the least fit youth. Regular exercise during childhood and adolescence is essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis later in life.
A recent Johns Hopkins Children's Center study reveals a significant negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth minority mental health. The research found increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among adolescents in racial and ethnic minorities, with Black females showing a 90.2% increase in suicidal thoughts.
A new study reveals that a father's understanding of his son's readiness for sexual relationships is key to effective condom guidance. Fathers consider factors beyond age, such as maturity and life opportunity trajectories, when deciding when to initiate discussions.
Researchers identified three key factors influencing fathers' assessments: completion of life milestones, cognitive-social emotional maturity, and preparedness to have sex safely. This study offers practical suggestions for engaging fathers in primary care to promote adolescent male correct and consistent condom use.
A new study found significant reductions in total symptom score and faster return to physical activity among concussed adolescents and young adults treated with branched chain amino acid supplementation. The study's findings provide important preliminary data for a larger trial of BCAA therapy.
Research suggests that early-life tobacco exposure significantly increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in adulthood, particularly for individuals with a high genetic risk. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking habits may modify this risk, emphasizing the importance of healthy lifestyle choices.
A recent study reveals significant differences in intimate partner violence injury patterns across age groups, with adolescents experiencing a higher incidence of sexual assault and unique fracture patterns. Healthcare providers can use these findings to detect IPV in previously overlooked age groups, potentially preventing the cycle o...
A new study calls on pediatric primary care to prioritize menstrual health, highlighting barriers that limit clinician engagement and patient guidance. Researchers offer practical solutions to improve access to menstrual health services for adolescents.
A new study found that short-term very low calorie diets are safe and acceptable for teenagers with moderate to severe obesity, with most experiencing rapid weight loss and some reporting side effects. The diets were closely monitored by an experienced dietitian and included meal replacements to ensure essential nutrient requirements.
A large study of 2.2 million teenage girls found that teen pregnancy increases the risk of premature mortality later in life. The researchers suggest that support for pregnant teenagers may help prevent future premature deaths.
A recent study from The Hospital for Sick Children found that pregnant teenagers in Ontario were at a 50% higher risk of premature death before age 31 compared to those with no teen pregnancy. The Young Prenatal Program and Young Families Program offer integrated physical, mental, and developmental care to support adolescent parents.
Researchers found that explicitly teaching socioemotional skills in PE lessons can have a key role in supporting students' communication skills, handling stress and accepting failure. This approach can be integrated into everyday teaching to ensure young adolescents enjoy positive outcomes linked to wellbeing and academic success.
Adolescents with high adverse childhood experiences showed improved mental health scores with in-person schooling and engaging in healthy behaviors. Positive affect and lower perceived stress were significantly higher among those with in-person schooling, suggesting a protective factor.
A nationally representative US survey found appreciable Δ8-THC use prevalence among adolescents. States without marijuana legalization or existing Δ8-THC regulations have higher prevalence rates, highlighting the need for surveillance and policy efforts.
A recent study found that 11% of 12th-grade students in the US used delta-8 THC, with higher rates in states without cannabis legalization or delta-8 regulations. The survey also showed that delta-8 use was more common in the South and Midwest regions.
A study analyzing nationally representative data found that youth experienced a sustained increase in mental health issues between 2006 and 2019. The findings suggest that treatment and prevention strategies must address preexisting psychiatric needs in addition to the pandemic's direct effects.
A new treatment has been shown to reduce mental health difficulties in children with epilepsy compared to standard care. The Mental Health Intervention for Children with Epilepsy (MICE) treatment uses a modular approach to treat multiple conditions simultaneously, reducing the likelihood of psychiatric disorders by 40%.
A new study found that waist circumference-to-height ratio detects excess fat mass and distinguishes it from muscle mass in children and adolescents significantly better than body mass index (BMI). The measure is inexpensive and accurate, making it a promising alternative to BMI for diagnosing childhood obesity.
A University of Waterloo study found that urban spaces with nature elements can significantly reduce anxiety and boost positive outcomes in adolescents. After just two minutes in a natural setting, youth scores decreased by up to 13%.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine consensus study report highlights different effects of social media on adolescent mental health. Research is recommended to address specific harms such as cyber-stalking and harassment, as well as promote healthy social media use through digital literacy curricula.
A new study from the University of Toronto found an association between poor sleep and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian young adults. Participants who reported greater muscle dysmorphia symptoms had shorter sleep duration and difficulty falling or staying asleep more than half the time.
A survey study reveals primary care pediatricians lack preparedness in managing adolescent OUD, with a notable gap compared to other substance use disorders. The results underscore the importance of workforce training programs to address this critical healthcare issue.
Calls to US poison centers involving psilocybin among teens and young adults tripled and doubled, respectively, after decriminalization, leading to alarming concern over potential long-term consequences. Most calls involved intentional consumption, with adverse reactions including hallucinations, agitation, and heart rate issues.
A study of 8,988 preadolescent children found a significant link between tobacco product use and an increased risk of suicide attempts among elementary school-aged children. The findings suggest that emerging tobacco products are also associated with this increased risk, emphasizing the need for preventive policies.
A new study found that antidepressant dispensing to adolescents and young adults increased sharply after March 2020, particularly among females, indicating a worsening mental health crisis. The rate rose nearly 64% faster, with females experiencing a 130% increase in dispensing rates.
A Swedish study of over 9,000 men found that those who were physically fit in adolescence had a lower risk of atherosclerosis nearly 40 years later. The researchers used advanced imaging technology to examine plaques in the coronary arteries and found associations with both good cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in youth.
A one-year interdisciplinary therapy program reduced inflammation and cardiometabolic risk in obese adolescents, improving insulin resistance and weight management. The semi-intensive model produced better results than previous intensive models, reversing hyperlipidemia and promoting energy balance.
Males with anorexia nervosa have a sixfold higher mortality rate than the general population. Early identification and prompt treatment are essential for effective management of the condition.
A new study found that high food responsiveness in early childhood is linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing eating disorder symptoms in adolescence. Children who exhibited high levels of hunger and desire for food were more likely to develop binge eating, emotional eating, and restrictive eating behaviors.
Researchers identified rare variants in the SLC6A9 gene linked to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), disrupting glycine uptake and leading to aberrant glycinergic neurotransmission. The study suggests sodium benzoate as a potential preventive therapy, paving the way for targeted treatments and personalized medicine.
Flu vaccines significantly reduced the risk of both moderate and severe disease for children and adults in the US during the 2022-2023 flu season. Vaccination effectiveness was found to be around 40-45% for all age groups, with greater reductions in younger populations.
Recent research suggests that problems with sleep and internal body clock can trigger or worsen psychiatric disorders. The study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between sleep, circadian rhythms, and mental health, which could lead to new preventative measures and therapies.
A new study found that adolescents and young adults with cognitive disabilities had a higher prevalence of nicotine vaping compared to those without disabilities. Major depressive episodes were also associated with an increased risk of vaping in this population.
Moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity after concussion decreases symptoms when reaching a specific volume but provides no additional benefits beyond that point. This finding is significant for recommending post-concussion exercise routines.
A new study found that 17% of young mothers in Wales experienced at least one child being taken into care between 2014 and 2021. The study also revealed that many care-experienced mothers experience early motherhood and placement instability, leading to concerns about family separation.
A new study found that young teenagers who develop a strong distrust of others as a result of childhood bullying are substantially more likely to have significant mental health problems as they enter adulthood. Researchers used data from 10,000 children in the UK and found that adolescents who were bullied at age 11 and developed great...
A new U of M Medical School study reveals that bias-based bullying amplifies emotional distress in youth with multiple marginalized social positions, such as race, ethnicity, and LGBTQ+ status. The research analyzed over 80,000 students and found a significant reduction in emotional distress among those who experienced no bias-based bu...
Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities face higher risk for foster care involvement, particularly among Black and female populations. The study highlights the urgent need for system-level interventions to address these disparities.
Two new studies by UCL researchers found that nearly half of teenagers are worried about having children due to fear, self-doubt, and lack of education on reproductive health. The studies also highlighted gaps in sex education, with many students expressing concerns about endometriosis, infertility, and the impact of lifestyle on ferti...
A study published in Nutrients found that eighth- and 11th-grade students in Texas who used Nutrition Facts labels made healthier food choices. The study analyzed data from the 2019-2020 Texas School Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey and found a positive association between label use and healthy eating habits.