Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
The University of Louisville has opened an expanded Pediatric NeuroRecovery Center, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and increasing treatment capacity by 33%. The center provides life-changing therapies to children with spinal cord injuries, accelerating recovery and expanding access for those in need.
A new study from Georgetown University's Berkley School of Nursing found that youth-led environmental design can foster a unique form of 'Situated Strength' among high school students in rural Appalachia. The project transformed an unused concrete pad into a multifunctional wellness space, supporting emotional regulation and resilience.
A new study suggests a novel electronic health record-based marker, MLVI, can help identify transplant patients at high risk for organ rejection due to non-adherence. The study found that using MLVI as a risk marker reduced overall rejection rates by bringing them down to levels typically seen in low-risk patients.
A new study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that metabolic and bariatric surgery for teens with severe obesity is a cost-effective option over 10 years. The procedure sends type 2 diabetes into remission, sparing patients years of medication and complications.
A new study from the University of Jyväskylä explores how people's relationship with music affects their emotional experiences. The research found that songs used to evoke emotions, experience emotions, and express identity tend to elicit more mixed emotions.
Leading child psychologist Dr. Barish argues that grandparents have a crucial role to play in helping children develop a sense of purpose beyond personal success and in providing emotional support. He recommends practices like volunteering together and frequent family conversations about kindness and understanding.
A new study suggests that lower baseline dopamine may drive teenage risk-taking behavior, such as substance experimentation, which tends to decrease with age. The research found that adolescents with lower dopamine levels were more likely to try substances, but their use declined after the college years.
A recent study published by the University of the Basque Country found that girls are the biggest consumers of psychotropic drugs among adolescents in most European countries. The research team analyzed data from 32 European countries and discovered a significant link between consumption rates, gender equality, and economic level.
A cohort study found that smartphone acquisition at age 13 was linked to increased risk of insufficient sleep at age 14. Excessive smartphone use was also tied to higher odds of depression and obesity. Limiting screen time may protect adolescents from these outcomes.
A new study reveals that adolescents who use their smartphones more before bed have more late-night smartphone usage. The research found that teenagers with greater pre-bedtime smartphone use had greater late-night use, with an average of 46 minutes of late-night use per night.
A systematic review of 73 studies found that early diet may shape cognitive performance and academic outcomes in adolescents. Unhealthy dietary patterns in infancy have lasting consequences for intelligence in adolescence, according to the study.
Research reveals cannabis and tobacco co-use is associated with impaired neurocognitive performance in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis. This critical gap in research provides clinicians and scientists with vital new insights into the risks of co-use on vulnerable youth.
A nationally representative survey of US adolescents and young adults found that a fifth used AI chatbots for mental health advice. Proactive discussion with parents and clinicians about chatbot use is necessary to promote safety and linkages to evidence-based care.
A study by Brown University researchers found that exposure to violence is strongly associated with increased tobacco and e-cigarette use among adolescents. The study analyzed data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System and found that each form of violence exposure was linked to increased risk of using both substances.
Researchers aim to build a cohort of 2,000 AYA cancer survivors in NYC to study the short- and long-term effects of newer cancer treatments. The study will focus on challenges such as fertility and sexual health concerns, as well as financial stress.
A new study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that most children meet guidelines for restrained sitting, but urban children and those with more vehicle time are less likely to meet the guideline. Higher levels of physical activity were associated with greater likelihood of meeting the recommended guideline.
A new Finnish study found that a healthy lipid profile is associated with better cognitive function in adolescents. Higher blood concentrations of markers indicating lipid dysfunction were linked to slower processing speed and poorer performance on tasks requiring fast information processing.
A nationally representative study found a nearly 4-fold increase in type 2 diabetes prevalence among US children and adolescents between 10 to 17 years old. The substantial rise is concerning due to the disease's lifetime risk of severe complications and premature deaths.
A new study from Florida Atlantic University and Mykolas Romeris University found that maternal disapproval is a significant factor in the demise of best friend relationships. Children who reported their mothers' disapproval were more likely to abandon those friendships, even if they initially persisted.
Researchers argue that childhood behaviors are being pathologized, and instead propose addressing the root causes of psychological distress by reforming education and mental health systems. They advocate for a more collaborative approach, trusting children and families to define themselves and co-construct their support needs.
A longitudinal study identified distinct brain-wave patterns emerging from age 9 that can forecast a child's vulnerability to anxiety or depression by age 13. The predictive markers reveal divergent neurodevelopmental trajectories linked to the right and left sides of the brain, respectively.
A study found that adolescents aware of their state's minor consent laws were more likely to seek and receive HIV and other sexually transmitted infections testing. Teens who accurately knew their legal capacity to consent to healthcare services had higher testing rates.
A recent study reveals that nearly one in three adolescents with cannabis use disorder (CUD) experience treatment delays, highlighting the need for system-level improvements. Younger adolescents, males, White non-Hispanic youth, and those in residential rehabilitation and outpatient settings are particularly at risk.
A national poll reveals that most parents value private conversations between teens and healthcare providers during checkups, but few actually provide such opportunities. Experts suggest that these barriers can hinder young people from seeking care for sensitive issues like mental health and reproductive health.
A study of over 20,000 South Australian students found that wellbeing declined across every measured domain, including happiness and life satisfaction, after transitioning to secondary school. The decline was independent of developmental changes associated with adolescence.
Children and adolescents in Gaza who suffered penetrating traumatic brain injury during armed conflict experienced substantial morbidity and mortality. Survivors often endured neurological impairments and long-term psychosocial challenges.
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.
A recent study reveals widespread exposure to harm among US teens using AI chatbots, with entertainment being the most common motivation. The study found that nearly half of teens experienced at least one risk, including exposure to unsafe content and encouraging risky behavior.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.