Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A new study found that measurements of how pupils react to light can be used as a physiologic biomarker to diagnose sports-related concussions in teens. The researchers tested this method on adolescents and found it to be effective.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a new study using a handheld device to measure pupil response to light, revealing clear differences between concussed and healthy adolescent athletes. The study found significant variations in pupil diameter, constriction, and dilation velocity among concussed athletes.
A study by Tokyo University of Science researchers found that self-esteem increases with age in Japan, peaking in the 50s and 60s, unlike previous research in Europe and the US. The findings suggest that cultural factors such as the seniority system and respect for the aged may contribute to this difference.
Adolescents with pre-existing conditions are more likely to receive approved medication for mental illness. Children who experience initial hospitalization also tend to be prescribed these medications.
Researchers at University of Guelph discover that e-cigarette vapour is more rewarding for adolescents, even with shorter exposures, compared to adults. The findings may help explain why e-cigarettes are popular among adolescents and contribute to their continued use.
The University of Illinois Chicago is leading a consortium to investigate how adolescent binge drinking affects genes, brain circuitry, and behaviors through epigenetics. The five-year project aims to identify neurobiological changes resulting from early binge drinking and its impact on adult psychopathology such as anxiety and addiction.
This observational study investigated psychological symptoms, nonsuicidal self-injury, and suicidal ideation among Chinese primary school students before the COVID-19 outbreak and two weeks after school reopening. The results showed significant changes in mental health outcomes during this period.
A study identified three key factors that predict the first occurrence of nonsuicidal self-harm in adolescent girls: low conscientiousness, high avoidance, and parental substance abuse history. These psychological vulnerabilities were found to distinguish girls who initiated self-harm from those who did not.
A study found that obese children who took probiotics Bifidobacterium breve BR03 and B632 lost more weight and had improved insulin sensitivity compared to those on a diet only. The findings suggest that probiotic supplements and a calorie-controlled diet may help manage childhood obesity.
A systematic scoping review of 186 studies found that high levels of screen time are linked to unfavorable psychological outcomes, while green time is associated with favorable outcomes among children and adolescents. Young people from low socioeconomic backgrounds may be disproportionately affected by high screen time and low green time.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that a text messaging intervention combined with MyDiaText improved self-care for adolescents with T1DM. The study showed persistent engagement and potential increase in glycemic control, suggesting a promising method to engage this population.
A new NYU study found that adolescents who perceive their parents as loving and supportive are less likely to engage in cyberbullying. The study analyzed responses from over 12,000 US teens and found that emotional support from parents is a significant factor in preventing cyberbullying behavior.
The Center for BrainHealth's Adolescent Reasoning Initiative has trained over 600 middle and high school teachers to reach 80,000 students, improving executive function skills. The initiative aims to develop problem-solving, reasoning, and innovating abilities in students.
Healthcare providers can empower adolescents by addressing concerns and educating them on effective contraception options. The etonogestrel implant is a highly effective and reversible method that can be tailored to individual needs.
Research released at ESC Congress 2020 links depression or anxiety in adolescence to a 20% increased risk of heart attacks by middle age. A mental disorder in adolescence is associated with poorer stress resilience and lower physical fitness, contributing to the risk.
A new AI app aims to improve the diets and nutrition of adolescent girls in urban settings in Ghana and Vietnam. The app will use machine learning to analyze users' food consumption, provide personalized dietary advice, and encourage healthy eating habits.
A longitudinal study of 167 children found that early adversity increases the risk of depression by flattening testosterone slopes, leading to reduced hippocampal growth and increased emotion dysregulation. The findings suggest a need for interventions targeting mental health problems resulting from early poverty.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that trauma-exposed adolescents with moderately elevated acyl-ghrelin hormone levels are almost eight times more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study also suggests that lower acyl-ghrelin levels may reduce the risk and severity of subsequent PTSD.
The USPSTF recommends behavioral counseling to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for all sexually active adolescents and adults at increased risk. STIs have risen across the US, with 20 million new cases annually, leading to serious health complications if untreated.
Researchers found that adolescents who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity had stronger hips at age 25, while time spent in light intensity activity was less clear. The study suggests that supporting young people to remain active could benefit future bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
Researchers examined adolescents' interest in quitting vaping through a survey, revealing that many have seriously thought about quitting. The study found that nearly half of the participants reported serious thoughts or attempts to quit vaping.
A new study published in Social Psychology Quarterly explores how high school students categorize their peers into groups based on physical appearance. The research found correlations between these groupings and aspects of mental health, academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, social status, and risk-taking behaviors.
A new study by Columbia University researchers found that daily social media use is not a strong or consistent risk factor for depressive symptoms among adolescents. The study analyzed survey data from over 74,000 students and found no association between social media use and increased depressive symptoms.
A new study found that few TikTok videos address COVID-19 transmission and prevention, instead focusing on anxiety and quarantine. The researchers believe this missed opportunity to engage young people with vital health information related to the pandemic.
A Stanford-led study found that vaping is linked to a substantially increased risk of COVID-19 among teenagers and young adults. Those who vaped were five to seven times more likely to be infected with the virus, highlighting the importance of warning teenagers and young adults about the dangers of vaping.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that young adults and adolescents prescribed opioids for the first time are at a slightly greater risk of developing a substance-related problem, but not as high as previously thought. The risk was found to be around 1-2% higher than those who were not prescribed an opioid.
A review by Dr Chawla finds that connecting with nature supports young people's happiness, health, and environmental awareness, while also generating complex emotions linked to climate change. The study highlights the need for strategies that balance promoting a positive connection with nature with addressing its challenges.
A Canadian-UK research team is conducting a $100,000 study to understand teenage vaping habits. The 'by-youth-for-youth' approach involves teen co-researchers and will culminate in developing a youth-informed education campaign.
Researchers found that teenagers who pay more attention to sad faces are more likely to develop depression, especially when stressed. Greater sustained attention to negative stimuli was linked to greater depressive reactions to real-world stress.
A new study shows that IUDs significantly reduce menstrual symptoms in adolescents with disabilities, including heavy bleeding and cramping. The research found that 65% of young women reported less bleeding and 95% kept their IUD after one year.
Restricting handgun sales to those aged 21 could save hundreds of young lives each year in the US, say researchers. State policies with a minimum age of 18 were linked to increased suicide rates among adolescents.
A University of Guelph study finds that sweetened coolers with high-fructose corn syrup can promote harmful alcohol consumption among teenagers. The researchers suggest that these beverages act as a gateway to introduce young people to alcohol, increasing the likelihood of binge drinking.
A recent study published in Orthopedics found that high school athletes require at least one month of recovery following a concussion. The study analyzed data from 357 adolescents who sustained one or more concussions and found that those with multiple concussions required longer recovery times, up to 30 days.
A meta-analysis of 62 studies and 44,000 participants reveals that eight specific types of early life stress are associated with an increased risk of developing depression in youth. These include emotional abuse, poverty, and death of a family member, while others like sexual abuse and physical abuse show stronger links to the condition.
A recent study by San Francisco State University found a correlation between adolescents who reported high conflict at home and those who later identified socially undesirable traits as ideal leadership qualities. Researchers discovered that individuals who experienced high conflict in their childhood were more likely to prefer tyranni...
A new UCSF study reveals that young adults with smoking habits are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19. The study found that medical vulnerability was 33% for males and 30% for females, with smoking surpassing other less common risks.
A University of Rochester Medical Center partnership increased long-acting reversible contraception adoption among adolescents in Rochester by 20 times compared to the national average. The Hoekelman Center's community outreach initiative empowered adults to educate teens, providing accurate information and resources.
A UBC Okanagan researcher conducted a survey of 191 Grade 9 students to determine the extent they see themselves as kind in online and face-to-face interactions. The results showed that adolescents accomplish an average of 943 acts of kindness, with 94% completing three or more assigned acts.
A large-scale US study reveals associations between high levels of outdoor and artificial light at night with less sleep and increased risk of mood disorders among teens. Teens living in areas with high levels of outdoor artificial light tend to report later bedtimes and shorter sleep duration.
A new study found that teenagers who go to bed late have a higher risk of developing asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms. Researchers suspect that disruptions to melatonin production due to digital screen exposure may be the cause, and are urging clinicians to ask about sleep habits when diagnosing allergies and asthma.
A study published in ERJ Open Research found that teenagers who prefer to sleep later have a higher risk of developing asthma and allergic rhinitis. The research suggests that the body's internal clock plays a significant role in respiratory health, with late-sleepers more likely to experience symptoms.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of early identification and management of T2D in Indigenous communities, where it is most prevalent. The guidelines recommend tighter diabetes control, transitioning adolescents to multidisciplinary care teams, and exploring newer medications for treatment.
A new study found that specific infant sleep problems can signal mental disorders in adolescents, including psychotic experiences and borderline personality disorder. The research analyzed data from over 7,000 participants and found associations between irregular sleep routines and shorter nighttime sleep.
A study of over 6,000 Japanese adolescents found that emotional competence can both protect against and worsen the negative effects of cyberbullying. The researchers suggest that intrapersonal and interpersonal emotional competence play different roles in moderating the impact of cyberbullying victimization on adolescent mental health.
This survey study examines psychological factors associated with adolescent behaviors during COVID-19, including attitudes and behavioral patterns. The findings provide insight into the mental health impact of the pandemic on this age group.
A Europe-wide study of 582 children and adolescents confirms that COVID-19 generally causes mild disease, with fatalities extremely rare. The majority of patients experienced mild symptoms, while a notable number required intensive care support.
The report identifies gaps in understanding how teens support each other through digital media during times of stress and isolation. It highlights the need to move beyond simplistic questions about social media's impact on mental health and instead consider specific forms of engagement that amplify or mitigate risks.
A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found a significant link between poor sleep and teenage depression. Teenagers who experienced depression reported both poor quality and quantity of sleep, while those with anxiety had poor quality sleep only.
A new longitudinal study found that teenagers whose parents are overbearing experience difficulties in social relationships and educational attainment by adulthood. The study, published in Child Development, suggests that overcontrolling parenting can stunt adolescent development and lead to long-term problems.
A study of high-risk adolescents found those with callous-unemotional traits were more likely to carry and use guns in crimes. These traits, characterized by reduced empathy and emotional regulation, are associated with aggressive behavior and poor treatment outcomes.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that 73% of LGBTQ adolescents experience bias-based bullying for reasons beyond their sexual identity. Schools with Gay Straight Alliances report lower rates of bullying, emphasizing the importance of promoting broad-reaching inclusion and acceptance.
The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health experts call for policymakers to prioritize young people's social development and wellbeing during the pandemic. Research suggests that reduced face-to-face interaction with peers may have detrimental effects on brain development, mental health, and self-esteem in adolescence.
Children in social care have poorer mental health and school performance, but trust school staff and perform better after individual assessments. School-based interventions can help these children do better, with improved intelligence, literacy, and mathematical skills, according to a new study.
A recent study published by Boston University found that consuming 100% fruit juice during the preschool years was associated with higher intakes of whole fruit and better diet quality through childhood into middle adolescence. Preschoolers who drank more fruit juice tended to maintain healthier diets into adolescence.
The Women's Preventive Services Initiative recommends screening for anxiety in women and adolescent girls to detect specific types of anxiety and co-occurring conditions. Researchers found strong evidence that screening instruments are moderately to highly accurate.
A survey study found that starting flavored e-cigarettes may lead to a higher risk of starting smoking, while quitting unflavored e-cigarettes was associated with a lower risk of relapse. The study suggests flavored e-cigarette use can be a gateway to nicotine addiction.
A study found that an inflammatory syndrome linked to COVID-19 is more common among children of African ancestry, with notable gastrointestinal symptoms and heart inflammation. The researchers urge doctors to be vigilant, particularly in countries with a high proportion of African children.
A new study suggests that video visits may become a permanent feature of the patient-provider landscape due to the coronavirus pandemic. The study found that patients with eating disorders required significant workarounds to provide regular monitoring of weight and vital signs.
A UT Southwestern study found that teenagers with vaping-linked respiratory disease EVALI also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms and a history of psychosocial factors, including substance abuse. Treatment with glucocorticoid led to improvement in symptoms and lung function.
Former child soldiers in Sierra Leone who were accepted by their families and communities experienced improved emotional and social well-being. The longitudinal study of over 500 former child soldiers found that stigma was a significant barrier to their recovery, with some experiencing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress dis...