Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
Rates of nonsuicidal self-injury ranged from 11% to 20% among heterosexual young people and 38% to 53% among sexual minority youth over a 13-year period. The study highlights the need for progress in addressing this public health concern.
A recent study of 563 sexual assault cases in Massachusetts found striking similarities in the types of injuries and violence experienced by adult and adolescent victims. Teenage victims were more likely to experience violence, force, and choking, with significant increases in use of force as age increased.
A new Lancet Series highlights persistent failures by governments and health institutions to address gender equality despite its impact on health. The series presents evidence-based recommendations to reduce gender inequality, reform workplaces, fill data gaps, empower civil society, and strengthen accountability.
Dr. Helen Genova of Kessler Foundation has received a $357,000 grant from the New Jersey Governor's Council to develop a virtual reality job training tool for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. The study aims to improve interview skills and increase confidence among teens with autism.
A study of over 3,000 children followed from age 9 to 17 found that those with persistent obesity experience increased arterial stiffness, a clear sign of atherosclerosis. The researchers emphasize the importance of normalizing fat mass and improving metabolic health in this age group.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that only 54.1% of teenagers diagnosed with chlamydia or PID filled their prescribed antimicrobial treatments, highlighting barriers to treatment adherence for this high-risk population.
A Rutgers-led study concludes that bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for adolescents with obesity, as long as they can maintain a healthy lifestyle afterward. The procedure has been shown to remit type 2 diabetes and other complications of obesity in teens.
A recent UTSA study found that vaping is associated with an elevated risk of engaging in criminal activities such as violence and property theft among 8th and 10th grade students. The study suggests that vaping may embolden adolescents to engage in delinquent behaviors due to the ability to conceal illicit substances.
A study of 102 participants, including those with anorexia and healthy controls, found that 30 years later, the majority were healthy but some had persistent eating disorders. The study identified age as a factor in recovery prospects, with teenagers who started anorexia at a slightly older age having better health outcomes.
Adolescent cannabis use linked to impairments in working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive function. Cannabis exposure also associated with schizophrenia-like effects and affective abnormalities.
A comprehensive review of new stimulant formulations for treating ADHD provides clinicians with a valuable guide to choosing effective treatments. The review highlights novel delivery systems, advances in individual variability, and nuanced approaches to treatment.
A global study of 1,284 adolescents aged 10-14 in low-income urban settings found that boys are more likely to report physical neglect, sexual abuse, and violence victimization. The study suggests that addressing childhood adversity and intervening earlier can help prevent adolescent violence and depression.
A new study led by Penn State found that exercise can help teenagers sleep longer and more efficiently. Participants who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity fell asleep 18 minutes earlier and slept for 10 minutes longer than those who were sedentary. The researchers also found connections between sleep and activity the fo...
Cholesterol levels in US children and adolescents decreased over two decades, with favorable changes observed in total cholesterol and triglycerides. However, only half of participants achieved ideal levels for all measures, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address childhood obesity.
Researchers found that overweight adolescents have similar increased risks of developing heart disorders as obese teenagers. Cardiovascular fitness tests with boys and girls aged 10-17 showed no significant difference in heart rate variability between the two groups.
Limiting evening exposure to light-emitting screens can improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of fatigue and bad mood in teenagers. A one-week study found that adolescents who reduced screen time experienced earlier wake-up times and fewer symptoms of sleep loss.
New research reveals that young adults are distressed by labels of narcissism and entitlement, which they believe are negative traits. Emerging adults have negative reactions to these labels, even when applied to their own age group.
Research found that persistent picky eaters at age 3 had similar dietary differences by age 10, but these reduced by age 13. The diets of all children, including non-picky eaters, showed low fruit and vegetable intake, despite efforts to encourage healthy eating habits.
A University at Buffalo study found that cyberbullying is linked to poor sleep quality, which can exacerbate depression in teens. Nearly 15% of high school students report being bullied online.
A new study found a significant association between digital media use and depression among Chinese adolescents. The research suggests that excessive screen time, particularly online activities, is a major risk factor for depression, while spending more time on non-screen activities can reduce symptoms.
A new study found that hospitalizations for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) surge in the US among young adults, but remain relatively low in Canada. The disparity is attributed to differences in healthcare systems and access to insulin, with the US experiencing a significant increase in DKA rates as teenagers become young adults.
A new study among US adolescents found lesbian, gay, and bisexual teens more likely to engage in polysubstance use compared to their heterosexual peers. The researchers identified distinct patterns of substance use that varied by sexual orientation, sex, race/ethnicity, and age.
A large-scale Oxford Internet Institute study of UK teenagers found that social media use had limited effects on life satisfaction, with some bidirectional effects observed. The researchers used improved data and statistical approaches to test the relationship between social media use and life satisfaction, finding modest trends.
A new study reveals that bullying has a profound impact on both victims and perpetrators, leading to increased substance abuse and social issues. Research found that girls are more likely to internalize problems and exhibit psychosomatic complaints, while boys and girls are equally likely to engage in risk behaviors after being bullied.
A study of over 12,000 adolescent participants found that social media use was associated with improved life satisfaction across multiple domains. Girls showed a stronger link between social media and life satisfaction compared to boys.
A new study found that traditional labels of 'gay', 'bisexual', and 'straight' do not accurately describe the complex patterns of attraction and identity over time. Women showed greater fluidity in sexual preference, with one in six identifying as bisexual or in the middle of the sexuality continuum.
Researchers compare substance users and non-users with eating disorders to identify key differences. Teens with eating disorders who used substances were more likely to have bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa binge/purge subtype, but also had similar physical health characteristics as non-users.
A University of Cincinnati expert supports raising the age limit on tobacco purchases in Ohio to combat nicotine dependence among youth. Research suggests that e-cigarette use has increased among adolescents, and banning certain flavors may have contributed to this trend.
Despite substantial reductions in child and adolescent mortality, US maternal mortality rate increased by 67.5% between 1990 and 2017. This divergence in trends highlights the need to prioritize maternal health alongside that of children and adolescents.
A new study found that daily intake among adolescents and middle-aged adults may be leveling off, but use by young adults continues to rise. Energy drinks are linked to negative health consequences due to high caffeine content and added sugar.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open shows that precision medicine can be a reality for pediatric tumours, identifying genomic anomalies to guide treatment and offer targeted therapies. The TRICEPS project has successfully enrolled 84 patients, leading to better patient management and more effective treatment options.
Mortality rates among children and adolescents (birth to age 20) decreased globally between 1990 and 2017 due to declines in infectious diseases. However, years lived with disability (YLDs) rose, primarily caused by iron-deficient anemia, vitamin A deficiency, and mental health disorders.
Recent studies found a strong association between teen vaping and increased engagement in nine out of ten sexual risk behaviors, as well as several substance-use behaviors. The research suggests that initiatives to reduce youth substance use and risky behavior should focus on reducing teen vaping at all frequency levels.
A new study found that text message reminders significantly improved timely HPV vaccine series completion among eligible adolescents. The study showed that even when compared to historical controls, those receiving text message reminders had higher rates of completing the full vaccine series.
Despite the availability of a safe and effective HPV vaccine since 2006, coverage rates remain suboptimal. Pediatricians and nurse practitioners reported using various strategies to improve HPV vaccination rates, but still face challenges such as parent refusal and lack of training. The study suggests that more work is needed to overco...
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that over half of parents and one-third of children underestimated their own or child's weight status. Health professionals also shared this misperception, with factors such as ethnicity and cultural norms influencing parental accuracy.
A new study found that personal gun access is associated with depression, suicidal ideation, and perceiving school as unsafe. In contrast, attending a school with common gun access is linked to lower odds of perceiving school as unsafe. The findings suggest complex associations between gun access and adolescent health.
A new study from Kaiser Permanente suggests that adolescents with access to SBIRT services have sustained reductions in mental health conditions and lower healthcare utilization over a period of three years. The study found that those with access to SBIRT were less likely to have mental health or chronic medical conditions after one year.
The study found that Americans spent more time sitting, with 62% of children, adolescents, and adults watching TV or videos for at least 2 hours a day in 2015-2016. The proportion of people using computers during leisure time increased across all age groups from 43% to 56%.
Researchers from the University of Surrey argue that a switch to permanent daylight saving time would undermine the sleep benefits of delaying school start times. This could lead to inadequate levels of sleep among teenagers, despite efforts to improve their health and graduation rates.
Researchers warn that permanent daylight savings time could negate benefits from delaying school start times, which aim to give teens more sleep. The study suggests that schools would need to delay start times by one hour during winter months under permanent DST.
A new study identifies four key factors influencing transgender youth's decision on fertility preservation, including family values, cost, and concerns about worsening gender dysphoria. The findings highlight the need for standardized protocols in primary care counseling and support for young adults navigating this complex issue.
Researchers found that reframing how students view food-marketing campaigns can spur adolescents to make healthier dietary choices for an extended period. Teenage boys reduced their daily purchases of unhealthy drinks and snacks in the school cafeteria by 31 percent, while girls' purchases remained similar.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that adolescents with cognitive impairments and intellectual disabilities have similar weight-loss outcomes after bariatric surgery as those with typical cognitive function. The study's authors recommend a case-by-case approach to determining eligibility for weight-loss surgery.
Nearly 2,200 adolescent homicides were analyzed; 150 were committed by an intimate partner, with nearly all female victims killed by firearm. The study highlights the need for understanding early adolescent dating relationships to inform prevention and intervention efforts.
Research finds increased indicators of despair, including depression and suicidal ideation, among Gen X-ers in their late 30s and early 40s, regardless of demographic group.
Researchers found that teens have an overly simplistic understanding of consent, ignoring non-verbal cues, and believe silence indicates consent. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce sexual violence and improve resilience among teens.
Researchers found a small male advantage in mental rotation skills among children aged six to eight, with no difference detected among preschoolers. The study suggests that other factors may be more important than biology in driving the gender gap in spatial skills during childhood.
A new research project aims to investigate how opioid use is treated in adolescence, a significant public health problem. The study will analyze insurance claims data to identify patterns of opioid use leading up to addiction and long-term treatment outcomes.
A new study by NYU's Steinhardt School finds that police stops lead to increased delinquent behavior and psychological distress in Black and Latino adolescent boys. The research also highlights the negative impact of proactive policing on racial disparities and youth criminality.
A recent study has found that JUUL electronic cigarette products contain dangerously high levels of nicotine, which can be toxic to living cells. The researchers also discovered that flavor chemicals in JUUL pods may make them attractive to youth and could lead to adverse health effects with chronic use.
A study on Spanish teen series reveals that audiences tend to favor male and female characters based on gender, with males being seen as 'rebels' and females as 'nice people'. The study highlights the need for more diverse and complex characters to break away from traditional stereotypes.
A new study found that food insecurity at home, particularly during early childhood and adolescence, hampers learning abilities in Indian adolescents. The research team analyzed test scores and found that 47% of children experienced household food insecurity, leading to lower scores in reading, vocabulary, maths, and English.
Research suggests that physical activity levels begin to decline around age 7, with childhood and adolescence playing a significant role in determining long-term inactivity. Factors such as parental support, socioeconomic status, and chronic illnesses can influence an individual's likelihood of persistent or increasing activity.
A study found that frequent police stops in ninth-graders led to higher engagement in delinquent behaviors over time. Proactive policing may unintentionally contribute to adolescent criminality, with psychological distress playing a key role.
A simulated study found that exposure to SSRIs differed among poor, normal, rapid, and ultra-rapid metabolizers. This information could inform SSRI dosing to optimize efficacy and minimize adverse effects.
A study by Oxford University researchers found no clear association between digital screen engagement and adolescent well-being, contradicting the widely held notion that excessive screen time damages young people's mental health.
A study of over 17,000 teenagers found no clear evidence that screen time decreases adolescent well-being, even before bed. The research analyzed data from three different countries and used rigorous methodology to gather information about screen time.
Research suggests that discrimination during the day is linked to poor sleep quality at night. Minority youth, particularly Black and Latinx adolescents, experience disrupted sleep patterns and increased daytime symptoms.
A new study found that delayed-release, extended-release methylphenidate can be taken in the evening without affecting its efficacy for at least 10 hours. This formulation may provide a more flexible treatment option for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).