Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that nearly one-quarter (23.6%) of children and adolescents were involuntarily admitted to psychiatric hospitals. Involuntary hospitalisation is associated with factors such as race, ethnicity, psychosis, substance misuse, and intellectual disability.
A study tracking young people from Switzerland found that those who experienced bullying or aggression had a marked increase in violent fantasies. The likelihood of these thoughts increased with the number of forms of mistreatment, with boys more prone to violent thinking overall.
This observational study examines COVID-19 rates in Israeli children aged 0-19 before and after school reopening. The results show a significant increase in cases following school reopening.
A recent study by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology found that children's mental health promotes physical activity during COVID-19 lockdowns. The research team analyzed data from over 1,700 children and adolescents and discovered a strong correlation between good mental health and increased physical activity.
A collaborative study identified strengths and challenges autistic teens face while learning to drive. Researchers recommend scaffolded instruction and caregiver-supervised practice to overcome obstacles. Autistic drivers show similar crash rates to non-autistic peers, with lower license suspension rates.
Changes in BMI vary by sociodemographic group across lifespan and generations, highlighting racial and educational disparities. The study analyzed data from four national longitudinal surveys to understand the magnitude of future disease burden.
A new study published in SLEEP found that later school start times significantly benefit middle and high school students' sleep schedules. Researchers discovered that the greatest improvements occurred for high school students, who obtained an extra 3.8 hours of sleep per week after a later start time was implemented.
A study by the University of Malaga found that children spending more time on screens are more likely to consume less healthy foods and more sweets. Parents' education level also plays a role, with lower levels associated with poorer dietary habits in children.
The Carolina Population Center at UNC Chapel Hill has received a $38.2 million NIH grant to continue the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, which tracks adolescents from adolescence to middle age. The study aims to understand how early life experiences impact adult health and well-being.
New research from the University of Kent and Warwick found that adolescents born preterm have the same levels of self-esteem and overall wellbeing as those born full-term. However, very preterm adolescents perceive their peer relationships as poorer than those born full-term.
A study conducted by researchers at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that family meal routines, such as sharing food and engaging in pleasant conversation, contribute to healthier eating habits among adolescents. The Mediterranean diet's emphasis on conviviality is crucial for promoting a healthy lifestyle.
A nationally representative US study found increasing blood pressure levels among children and teens over the past 20 years, with significant rises in systolic and diastolic pressures. The study's findings highlight growing concerns about childhood hypertension, emphasizing the need for preventive measures.
A study found that middle schoolers from a predominantly Latinx community with elevated mental health problems showed significant reductions in symptoms during the early stages of the pandemic. Family functioning and socio-emotional learning programs may have offered protective effects.
Researchers studied historical data from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami to better understand the effects of COVID-19 on adolescents' mental health. They found that limited physical exercise can help reduce mental health issues, contradicting previous studies that showed worsening psychological status during lockdowns.
Adolescents aged 10-19 worldwide face numerous challenges to their wellbeing, including social injustice, inadequate mental health, and climate change. Governments and health leaders are calling for concrete policies and sustained investments to address these issues and empower today's adolescents to solve the problems they will inherit.
A new study by the University of Georgia suggests that social media addiction is associated with an increased risk of cyberbullying behaviors among adolescents. Higher scores on social media addiction tests, more time spent online, and identifying as male were linked to a greater likelihood of perpetrating cyberbullying.
Recent Brigham Young University studies analyze how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) shape adolescents' delinquent behaviors and fathers' parenting approaches. ACEs are linked to girls' delinquent behavior, while having ACEs does impact fathers' use of harsh disciplinary techniques and positive parenting characteristics.
A study by NIH/NIDA found that adolescents who started using cannabis or misusing prescription drugs earlier are more likely to develop substance use disorders. The prevalence of substance use disorders was higher among adolescents than young adults at various time frames since first drug use, highlighting the vulnerability of young pe...
Family-centered programs reduce conduct problems and depression symptoms in young Black people exposed to racial discrimination. Supportive caregiving shields mental health outcomes, allowing youths to better cope with negative effects of racism.
A recent study suggests that inherited behaviors and traits appearing during adolescence, such as depression and neuroticism, can increase the risk of adult cannabis use. The research analyzed data from over 20,000 adolescents and found a small portion of the risk was attributed to genetic effects on these traits.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that the quantity and quality of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies differ significantly among children, adolescents, and young adults. The research has important implications for understanding the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines and informing public health strategies.
A study from the University of Eastern Finland found that adolescent binge drinking is associated with changes in the volume of the cerebellum in young adulthood. Heavy drinkers showed reduced posterior cerebellar lobules compared to light drinkers, affecting motor and cognitive functions.
A study found that children exposed to abuse before age 11 and those exposed to both childhood and adolescence are more likely to develop conduct problems. The early-onset persistent group developed conduct problems in childhood, while the adolescence-onset group developed them in adolescence.
Research suggests a mother's diet during pregnancy influences her child's BMI trajectory from birth to adolescence. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help prevent childhood obesity. Mothers' dietary habits during pregnancy are likely to shape their child's eating behaviors and food preferences.
Researchers compared rates of psychotropic drug prescriptions during adolescence and young adulthood between individuals born preterm and at term. Individuals born preterm were found to have higher rates of psychotropic drug prescriptions, suggesting a potential long-term impact on mental health.
Research found over 40% of students reported at least one adverse childhood event (ACE), with girls reporting more ACEs than boys. School connectedness buffered the association between ACEs and suicidality for some youth, while increasing risk for others, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A new analysis of cases in six US states experiencing surges found that adolescents and young adults are indeed more susceptible to COVID-19. The study, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed data from a total of over 200,000 cases.
A new study by Concordia researchers István Tóth-Király and Alexandre Morin found that adolescent problematic internet use is associated with increased depressive symptoms, substance abuse, and lower academic achievement. The study identified three key determinants of PIU: loneliness, parenting practices, and gender.
A North Carolina State University study finds that outdoor play and nature-based activities helped buffer negative mental health impacts of the pandemic for adolescents. The research highlights the importance of access to outdoor recreation opportunities for teenagers' well-being.
A study analyzing survey data from 2014-2019 found significant racial/ethnic disparities in autism spectrum disorder rates. The research estimated changes in these disparities over time, providing insight into the impact of diversity on autism diagnosis and prevalence.
Many children and adolescents hospitalized for COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome experienced neurologic involvement, mostly with transient symptoms. Life-threatening and fatal conditions occurred infrequently and long-term effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes are unknown.
Research at the University of Leicester found that two-thirds of children use multiple screens simultaneously, leading to reduced physical activity, higher BMI, and less sleep. The study also identified a strong correlation between screen use and poor self-esteem.
A new University of Michigan study suggests that adolescents who vape cannabis are at greater risk for respiratory symptoms indicative of lung injury than those who smoke cigarettes or vape nicotine. The study found that vaping marijuana was associated with a stronger relationship between respiratory symptoms and asthma diagnosis.
A research review recommends physicians conduct regular screenings, adopt a high level of suspicion, and intervene early with families at risk for pediatric Type 2 diabetes. The study highlights the importance of addressing underlying factors such as weight issues, food insecurity, and stress to slow the youth diabetes epidemic.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that black women and girls are more likely to engage in exercise and eat healthy when faced with discrimination. The study suggests that optimism plays a role in this positive response, contrasting with avoidant coping strategies seen in less optimistic individuals.
Children and adolescents exposed to tobacco smoke or living with a smoker may be at higher risk of elevated blood pressure. Researchers found a significant association between tobacco exposure and increased blood pressure in children.
A new study finds that peer aggression occurs at higher rates between friends and friends-of-friends than between those not closely tied. This form of bullying is often driven by a desire for social status and can be particularly difficult to stem.
A study of 1,750 Finnish adolescents found that loneliness is a significant risk factor for compulsive internet use. The study suggests that addressing loneliness can help prevent excessive internet use and its negative consequences, such as depression and poor academic performance.
A new study of nearly 4,000 school children found that children who felt they had empathic support from their parents and caregivers were less likely to commit serious crimes. The research also showed that parental empathy enhanced the development of empathy in teenagers, which in turn reduced delinquent behavior.
A recent study found that between 2010 and 2017, 60% of Spanish children actively commuted to school, with no significant variations observed during this period. The researchers attributed the stable trend to efforts in promoting measures for increasing active commuting.
A new report in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found significant increases in marijuana use among California adolescents, especially those in historically low-risk groups. Researchers attribute this to the growing normativity of marijuana use due to legalization.
Research suggests that acne can leave lasting psychological scars, particularly for women and adolescents with darker skin, affecting self-esteem and mental health. A new study calls for a comprehensive approach to treating acne, integrating psychology and dermatology.
A new study found that children with high behavioral inhibition in toddlerhood were more likely to experience worry dysregulation and elevated anxiety in young adulthood. This research could help predict who is at greatest risk of developing anxiety during stressful life events and inform prevention efforts.
A large-scale survey of over 80,000 adolescents reveals that non-school friendships are more strongly associated with deviant behaviors and alcohol use compared to in-school friendships. Participants with non-school friends also tended to be engaged with their schools and play central roles in their peer groups.
A new study by researchers at the University of Cambridge and Royal Holloway found that children who experience certain behavioral challenges, such as hyperactivity and anxiety, are more likely to develop poor mental health in adolescence. The study also showed that children from less affluent backgrounds are more likely to experience ...
A study by UniSA sleep experts found that teenagers need at least eight hours of sleep each night to function well. Insufficient sleep can lead to behavioral problems, anxiety, and depression in teens.
A Swedish study found a significant association between proton pump inhibitor use in children and adolescents and the development of asthma. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 children and adolescents, revealing a higher risk of asthma among those taking PPIs for gastrointestinal issues.
A study published in JAACAP found associations between physical discipline, cognitive deprivation, and specific types of developmental delay. The research indicates that physical discipline is linked to a higher risk of socioemotional delay, while cognitive deprivation is associated with cognitive delay.
A new Northwestern University study links adolescent firearm involvement to perpetration of gun violence in adulthood. Researchers found that youth victimized by firearms as adolescents were nearly three times more likely to become perpetrators themselves.
A new universal screening tool, CASSY, helps caregivers predict an adolescent's suicide risk by identifying risk factors such as suicidal thoughts, sleep disturbance, and family issues. The tool has been shown to be accurate in predicting future suicide attempts with over 88% accuracy.
A new computerized adaptive screener has been developed to identify youth at risk for attempting suicide, correctly identifying 82.4% of youth who went on to attempt suicide in the three months following screening. The screener, CASSY, offers an easy-to-use way for providers to detect youth suicide risk in emergency department settings.
A bioecocultural approach aims to address the needs of adolescent mothers and their young children in conflict-affected contexts, considering neuroendocrine development during adolescence. The framework proposes culturally anchored peer engagement, continued education, and child care support to break intergenerational cycles of poverty.
A study of over 1.1 million adolescents from 140 countries found that cigarette smoking decreased in 80 countries but remained unchanged or increased in 60 countries between 1999 and 2018. Other tobacco products like chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes also showed increased use in many countries.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that younger and older adolescents have similar weight loss and improvement in quality of life after bariatric surgery. The study's results suggest that age should not be a barrier to bariatric surgery for adolescents with severe obesity when medically indicated.
A study found that young autistic drivers have lower rates of moving violations and license suspensions, as well as similar crash rates compared to non-autistic peers. However, they were more likely to be involved in crashes while making left- or U-turns and failing to yield for other vehicles or pedestrians.
The International Diabetes Closed-Loop (iDCL) Trial found that hybrid closed-loop insulin therapy significantly improved glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes. The use of this technology increased Time in Range by 13%, especially during nighttime hours, and reduced time spent at blood glucose levels above 180 mg/dL.
A survey of Chinese school-age children and adolescents revealed a significant increase in self-reported psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk factors associated with psychological distress were also identified, including social isolation and parental concerns about child safety.
Researchers found that adolescent borderline pathology can improve with treatment, challenging previous assumptions about its intractability. The study of 500 adolescent patients over 18 months showed a significant downward trend of BPD features despite not undergoing specialized treatment.
Research suggests a link between maternal depressive symptoms and adolescent suicidal thoughts, with loneliness as a key mediator. Children of depressed mothers are up to 15% more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or attempts as adolescents. Interventions targeting loneliness may help reduce this risk.
New estimates reveal that at least 630 million women and children worldwide are affected by armed conflict, contributing to over 10 million child deaths. The international community is called upon to prioritize women's and children's health in conflict zones.