A Children's Hospital Colorado study explores a neuromuscular training intervention to reduce injury risk in athletes returning from sports-related concussions. The research found that athletes who completed the 8-week training program had a significantly lower risk of time-loss injuries compared to those who did not participate.
A new study found that adolescents who reported suicidal ideation were more likely to report infrequent seat belt use and drunk driving. The researchers emphasized the need for mental health support to protect adolescent health and well-being.
A new study has found that children in sub-Saharan Africa who are hospitalized with COVID-19 are dying at a rate far greater than children in the US and Europe. Children under 1 year old had nearly five times the risk of death compared to adolescents aged 15-19 years.
A recent study of Dutch citizens between ages 14 and 26 reveals that lower educational attainment is associated with higher rates of alcohol use, rather than the other way around. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the relationship between education level and substance abuse.
A study found that adolescents' ratings of food products were influenced by naturalness, with simpler judgments on taste components. Experts also applied the same rule, but with more consistent knowledge about food ingredients. The results suggest that nutrition education for adolescents should target their knowledge about food ingredi...
Researchers found that adolescent arterial stiffness may be a causal risk factor for hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance in young adulthood. Arterial stiffness also temporally precedes low HDL-cholesterol in young adults, with a positive association with triglyceride levels.
Adolescents experienced improved health-related quality of life during school closures, with increased sleep duration by about 75 minutes per day. This positive effect outweighs the negative impacts of depression and anxiety.
A new study suggests that combining two drugs can reduce postoperative opioid use and side effects in adolescents with scoliosis. The combination of intrathecal morphine and oral gabapentin provides more effective pain control, resulting in fewer side effects and lower narcotic consumption.
A new study by National Jewish Health finds that adjusting school start times can benefit parents' sleep, particularly those with children in middle and high school. Parents reported improved sleep duration and reduced daytime fatigue after the start time adjustments.
Research found marked decreases in orphanhood, especially double orphanhood, among adolescents in Rakai, Uganda, corresponding with the rise of antiretroviral therapy and male medical circumcision. The study suggests that HIV combination prevention reduces mortality among adults and orphanhood among their adolescent children.
A study found that schools account for only 2.4% of variation in social-emotional-behavioral difficulties, depressive symptoms, and well-being among 11-14 year olds. School climate was associated with mental health, despite its small impact.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateDec 23, 2021
A mixed-methods survey found that pain science education helped people recover from chronic pain by understanding it was not tissue damage and that stress and emotion could heighten perceptions. The study also identified seven learning objectives to help teenagers better understand pain, including reframing perceptions of pain as an 'o...
A new study published in Health Promotion Practice highlights the flaws in sexual education on TikTok, a video-based social media platform. The study found that many videos on the app provide unverified claims and misinformation, posing a risk to teenagers and young adults seeking sex education.
A multidisciplinary panel of experts developed guidelines for outpatient management of patients with post-prematurity respiratory disease (PPRD), regardless of prematurity or disease severity. The recommendations address diagnostic testing and clinical management, aiming to improve outcomes for premature infants born prematurely.
A study by the University of Exeter found that older male elephants help keep younger, more aggressive males calm by policing their behavior. Without these older bulls, adolescent elephants become more fearful and aggressive towards non-elephant targets, posing a threat to humans.
A new study found that children and adolescents with persistent high levels of anxiety are more likely to develop psychosis in their early 20s. Treating early anxiety by targeting stress hormones and non-resolving inflammation during childhood and teenage years could help prevent young adults from developing psychosis.
A new study by ISGlobal found no association between overall mobile device exposure and sleep disturbances in pre-adolescents, but suggested an effect on sleep when exposure occurs in the evening. The study of over 1,500 children aged 9-12 years old found that those making phone calls in the evening had reduced sleep time.
The inaugural WHO classification of childhood tumors presents a single, updated compendium of all tumor entities in childhood or adolescence, divided by organ sites. This classification incorporates traditional morphology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular characteristics to provide essential criteria for definition of tumor types.
Researchers are part of a five-year global study examining the behavioral and long-term health impacts of different regulatory approaches to e-cigarettes and other new nicotine products among youth and adults in seven countries. The study aims to inform US public policy based on evidence, maximizing population health.
The Monitoring the Future survey found a significant decrease in illicit drug use among adolescents in 2021, with notable declines in alcohol, marijuana, and vaping use. The survey also reported moderate increases in mental health indicators, highlighting an unexpected consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers found alarmingly high attendance rates at hospital emergency departments for children, teens, and adult victims of child abuse and neglect. Children exposed to child maltreatment have substantially increased risk of attending emergency departments during childhood and early adulthood.
A Penn State study found that live-streaming ads for alcohol, energy drinks, and junk food significantly increased during the pandemic, targeting young viewers. The researchers discovered that energy drinks made up nearly 80% of marketing, while ads for restaurants and soda were also prevalent.
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.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 3, 2021
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.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 3, 2021
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.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 2, 2021
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.