Articles tagged with Adolescents
A University of Toledo study found that 70.8% of K-12 educators surveyed are against allowing teachers to carry guns in schools. Despite proposals to train and arm teachers, the majority of educators strongly disagree with the idea, citing concerns about safety and normalization of school shootings.
A new study suggests that sun exposure may reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis in children and young adults by up to 52%. Vitamin D levels are also found to be higher in individuals with increased sun exposure, which may play a role in protecting against autoimmune diseases.
A new study has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on urban, racial, and ethnic minority children aged five to 11 years old. The research found increased rates of depression and anxiety problems among these children compared to before the pandemic, with rates rising from 5 percent to 18 percent.
Cases of new-onset anorexia nervosa among children and adolescents in Canada increased significantly during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found a notable rise in hospitalizations for newly-diagnosed anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa.
Researchers developed a web-based toolkit to integrate SafERteens into routine clinical care, which showed promising results in emergency departments and primary care settings. Both adapted interventions decreased violent behaviors among youth in diverse communities.
A meta-analysis of 17 controlled studies found Wraparound Care Coordination significantly reduces out-of-home placements, improves mental health functioning and school outcomes, and lowers overall care costs. The study also shows more positive effects for youth of color.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology found a significant increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among girls and young women in western Kenya, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers attribute this rise to increased stress-related changes in the vaginal microbiome.
Research suggests that adolescents who struggled with difficult peer interactions before the pandemic did not experience increased depression and anxiety during isolation. In contrast, teens in general reported increased symptoms. The findings imply that COVID isolation may have had a different impact on teenagers with problematic peer...
A new UniSA study is helping protect children from online predators by investigating language and behaviors used to gain unacquainted children's trust. The research aims to deliver new linguistic indicators to monitor, identify, and apprehend suspects.
A new study finds that schools with high levels of student substance use and depressed feelings have a higher prevalence of discipline, out-of-school suspensions, and police contact. Schools with lower levels of safety and support also experience higher discipline rates.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 clinical trials found that prevention programs may be effective in reducing teen dating physical violence. However, the evidence for reducing sexual violence among adolescents is still inconclusive.
A study from Boston Children's Hospital found that inadequate sleep can jeopardize brain organization in early adolescence, leading to deficits in cognitive processes such as attention, reward, and memory. The research identified racial disparities in the impact of sleep on brain networks, with non-white participants experiencing dispr...
A recent study reveals that child maltreatment is associated with altered oxytocin gene methylation, leading to atypical brain structures and function. This finding suggests a potential biological mechanism for targeting during adolescence to improve the lives of victims of childhood abuse.
A recent study published in Hypertension suggests that adolescent arterial stiffness may increase the risk of systolic and diastolic hypertension by 20% and 2-fold, respectively, seven years later. Higher arterial stiffness levels were also associated with an increased risk of abdominal and whole-body obesity.
States allowing minors to consent to HPV vaccination without parental involvement showed higher vaccine series initiation rates from 2015 to 2018, according to a JAMA Pediatrics analysis of nearly 82,000 adolescents. The study found increased vaccine uptake in these states compared to those with parental consent requirements.
A study by University of Cologne researchers found that COVID-19 has a particularly negative impact on young people from economically disadvantaged and less educated backgrounds. They exhibit decreased prosocial behavior, including lower generosity, altruism, and cooperation, as well as reduced trust in others.
A global study of nearly half a million students found that repeated grades increase the risk of bullying victimization. Girls who repeated grades faced higher risks of being bullied in various ways, including being made fun of and having possessions taken away.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland reveals that Finnish parents regard assessment as primarily a tool for supporting pupils' learning and growth. They hope for diverse forms of assessment, including numerical evaluations, to motivate children and facilitate comparison. The researchers propose that schools engage in clos...
The study analyzes how Sex Education fills the gap in sex education for teenagers, offering a more nuanced understanding of their needs. The show represents sex education as a conversation between teens, parents, and experts, challenging traditional gatekeeper ideas about adult protection.
Researchers found a significant rise in Instagram posts with hashtags related to self-injury, with nearly 110,000 posts in December compared to 58,000 at the start of 2018. The study also showed a connection between self-injury and depression, as well as suicide, highlighting the need for effective coping strategies and online monitoring.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that homeschooled adolescents tend to exhibit higher levels of character strength and engage in healthier behaviors, such as volunteering and religious service attendance. However, they are less likely to pursue higher education compared to their public school counterparts.
The MC3 program provides a lifeline for primary care providers in Michigan, connecting them with psychiatrists and behavioral specialists for consultation and training. This has led to improved diagnosis and care for young people with mental health concerns, including those who express suicidal thoughts or have harmed themselves.
The American Pediatric Society (APS) has named Dr. Megan A. Moreno the recipient of the 2022 Norman J. Siegel Outstanding Science Award, recognizing her significant contributions to pediatric science and adolescent health. The award acknowledges her pioneering work on social media research and its impact on adolescent wellbeing.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that universal school-based depression screening increased identification and treatment of adolescent depression. The three-year study involving over 12,000 students from 14 Pennsylvania public high schools showed that students who received screening were twice as likely to initiate treatment...
A meta-analysis of 43 studies on acculturation and alcohol use among immigrant youth found a statistically significant relationship among the Latinx population. The researchers discovered that length of residence in the US had the strongest correlation to alcohol use, followed by language proficiency and generational status.
A Rutgers researcher found that only half of US adolescents receive comprehensive sex education, with gaps in information about birth control and STI prevention. Gender and racial disparities were also identified, with queer youth and people of color receiving less instruction.
A new machine learning-based algorithm has been developed to identify adolescents who have experienced suicidal thoughts and behavior. The algorithm, applied to a large dataset of survey responses from over 179,000 high school students in Utah, shows high accuracy in predicting individual adolescents at risk.
Researchers developed an algorithm that predicts suicidal thoughts and behavior among adolescents with 91% accuracy, analyzing data from 179,384 students. The study reveals online harassment and bullying as leading predictors of suicidal ideation and behavior, with females more likely to experience suicidal thoughts.
Researchers assessed short- and long-term effects of stress on rodent models to better understand the brain's response. The study's findings aim to develop targeted treatments for anxiety disorders and PTSD.
Exposure to artificial light at night impairs crickets' activity cycles, disrupting their nocturnal chirping and potentially affecting reproduction. The study, conducted by researchers at Tel Aviv University and the Open University, highlights the need to reduce artificial light pollution to protect environmental behaviors.
A systematic review of youth helplines found that while they appear to be beneficial, there is limited evidence on their effectiveness, particularly for lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The study highlights the need for further research and tailored services to address systemic barriers to help-seeking.
A large national sample of US adolescents showed an increase in average total daily screen time from 3.8 hours/day pre-pandemic to 7.7 hours/day early in the pandemic period.
A new study found that adolescents in the US doubled their non-school related screen time to 7.7 hours a day during the pandemic, leading to increased depression and anxiety. The study also revealed that children of color and those from lower-income families spent more time on screens than their white, wealthier peers.
A five-year follow-up study found that alexithymia levels decrease significantly from adolescence to young adulthood. Consistency of alexithymia is associated with symptoms of depression and dissociation, while age-related decline in externally oriented thinking is also notable.
A survey study of high school students found that concern about school violence was associated with anxiety and panic symptoms. The results varied by race and ethnicity, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these concerns.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found a link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and myocarditis in adolescent males. Cardiac MRI was used to assess suspected myocarditis post-vaccination, with late gadolinium enhancement persisting in two patients undergoing repeat MRI.
A new study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that using Instagram or Snapchat before age 11 was significantly related to more problematic digital behaviors. Parental restrictions on phone use and checking social media ameliorated some of the negative effects.
Researchers found that moderate potato consumption among adolescent girls did not increase the risk of overweight or high blood pressure, and may even be associated with improved nutrient intakes. The study suggests that potatoes can be a part of a healthy diet pattern, particularly when consumed in moderation.
A new study by Kennedy Krieger Institute found that children with autism spectrum disorder are twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts during routine medical screenings. The study highlights the importance of implementing suicide risk screenings for all children, especially those with neurodevelopmental disorders.
A review and meta-analysis of 17 studies found a significant increase in cannabis vaping among adolescents in the US and Canada. The study reported nearly 200,000 participants, with a doubling of reported vaping prevalence over the eight-year period.
A study of 702 Swedish adolescents aged 15–19 found that 54.3% were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, with many citing a desire to protect others. Anxiety about vaccination and misinformation from parents contributed to reluctance.
Two studies confirm that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduces both COVID-19 hospitalization rates and severe illnesses among adolescents aged 12-18. A CDC-supported study found two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be 93% effective in preventing COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Experts warn of a crisis in sex education due to the continued creation and endorsement of abstinence-only curricula. Comprehensive sex education is proven to promote sexual health among adolescents, but its delivery has declined over the last 25 years.
The study shows that COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness is substantial in adolescents, with a 93% decrease in symptomatic cases and a 90% decrease in documented infections after the second dose. Vaccine effectiveness was lower but still significant before the second dose.
A new study found that adolescents' experiences with police can negatively impact their future orientation, leading to reduced educational and career aspirations. The research, conducted by the American Society of Criminology, analyzed data from 1,354 serious offenders and found that even positive interactions with police can create co...
A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that children can carry high levels of live, replicating SARS-CoV-2 virus in their respiratory secretions, with no correlation between age and viral load. The researchers also noted that viral loads are highest early in the illness in both symptomatic and asymptomatic children.
A new study investigates the experiences of Hispanic/Latinx youth during the pandemic, identifying seven themes related to racism, family support, and coping mechanisms. The research suggests that cultural factors may offer important protection against COVID-19-related stressors.
A new study reveals that childhood adversity is a major contributor to early and preventable causes of mortality and long-term physical and mental health issues. Childhood adversity was found to be associated with elevated risk for chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
A recent study published in British Journal of Psychiatry found that adolescents diagnosed with mental health disorders are more likely to be excluded from education and labor market for at least five years. The results highlight the importance of timely treatment and rehabilitation to prevent social exclusion.
A phase II clinical trial has shown that the DNA alkylation drug DM-CHOC-PEN improved survival in adolescent and young adult patients with central nervous system cancers. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no severe toxicities observed, and showed potential for combination with other treatments.
A recent study found that HPV vaccine hesitancy has either stabilized or increased in some ethnic and age groups, highlighting the need for targeted campaigns to encourage hesitant families. The study also identified several reasons why parents hesitate to vaccinate their children with the HPV vaccine.
Research finds that at-risk teen girls who have experienced sexual abuse are more likely to be cyberbullied and experience heightened offline sexual activities. Targeted intervention strategies using algorithm-based approaches could help these teens navigate the Internet safely.
Researchers discovered structural differences in brain regions responsible for decision-making and empathy in adolescents with conduct disorder compared to their unaffected siblings. These findings suggest that small changes in brain function may contribute to the development of antisocial behavior in some siblings.
Researchers found that depressed adolescents' brains reduce activity in brain areas related to visual processing when shown distressing images. Antidepressant treatment restored brain activity to healthy levels, suggesting a potential vulnerability in adolescent brains.
Researchers at UIC will evaluate the effectiveness of integrated behavioral health care coordination on mental health outcomes for teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The study aims to identify better care coordination models to reduce barriers to access to behavioral health care for this vulnerable population.
A new study of over 17,000 participants found that sibling bullying in early adolescence is associated with poorer mental health outcomes in late adolescence. The research suggests that prevention and clinical interventions aimed at reducing sibling bullying can benefit from improving positive mental health during late adolescence.
A Rutgers University study found that teenagers whose fathers are behind on paying child support suffer from more behavioral problems than those with other types of parental debt. Child support debt can lead to negative consequences for adolescent outcomes, including increased conflict and reduced physical and mental health.
A study of 604 Canadian teens found that high grades lead to higher perfectionism, which can result in anxiety, depression, and decreased motivation. Experts call for parents and educators to foster environments of self-acceptance and acknowledge successes, rather than pushing for perfection.
A new study published in the journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health found that eating well is associated with better mental wellbeing in children. Children who consumed five or more portions of fruit and veg a day had the highest scores for mental wellbeing.
A parent-led therapy for early signs of autism has significantly reduced the likelihood of an autism diagnosis at age three. The iBASIS-VIPP program uses video-feedback to support social development and unique abilities, resulting in increased parental sensitivity and language development.