Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A recent survey of 582 adolescents aged 13-17 found that nearly half reported not being asked about sex by their primary care providers, while only 13% received sexually transmitted infection screening. Meanwhile, 90% of parents reported discussing sex with their adolescents, but only 39% reported the same.
A new study found that at-risk adolescents are less likely to post about depressive symptoms on social media as they mature. The research suggests a decrease in posts describing depression symptoms between adolescence and young adulthood.
A new study examining factors associated with sexual coercion among 10th graders in a rural high school found that sexual coercion was reported by 18 percent of students. The research identified predictors including age, race, ethnicity, prior substance use, and controlling relationship behaviors.
A new study from the University of Arizona found that young men and women who shared musical experiences with their parents during childhood and adolescence report better relationships with their moms and dads in young adulthood. Simple activities like listening to music together may have a greater impact than formal experiences.
A study published in the Journal of Advertising Research found that both Black and White teens perceive Black-oriented media as being targeted towards them, suggesting the potential for increased profitability when marketed to a broader audience. The study surveyed 1,900 adolescents ages 14-17 about their movie preferences.
Researchers found that positive family climate and effective parenting strategies during adolescence can lead to better problem-solving skills and less-violent romantic relationships as young adults. Positive engagement with parents is also associated with feelings of love and connection in young adult relationships.
Research suggests genetic factors drive increases in teen substance use, with environmental influences playing a smaller role. The study used twins to tease apart genetic and environmental effects on substance use between early and late adolescence.
Researchers found that regular mid-day naps improve neurocognitive function and daytime attention in adolescents. The ideal nap duration is between 30-60 minutes, and routine napping is associated with better nighttime sleep quality.
Teens prioritize family as the most important factor in happiness, but many don't consider their own family a positive example. Researchers believe this may contribute to high divorce rates and unpreparedness for married life.
This study reveals that cybergossiping has a positive impact on adolescents' relationships, promoting social interaction and understanding. The researchers also found that addressing cybergossip in the classroom can help promote healthy virtual relationships and reduce risky behavior.
A new study reveals a rapid rise in mass school shootings in the US over the past 18 years, with 66 people killed and 81 injured since the start of the 21st century. The authors call for policy and legislative actions to address the alarming trend, including expanded background checks and mental health support.
Research found a link between poorer health-related quality of life in adolescence and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Adolescents with lower scores in social and mental well-being domains had structural changes in their retinal blood vessels, which could be indicative of future cardiovascular disease risk.
Frequent cannabis use among young people is associated with decreased cognitive performance, which subsides with abstinence. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 69 studies found a significant link between heavy cannabis use and reduced cognitive function.
Research at the University of Warwick has found that children and adolescents who regularly sleep less than others of the same age gain more weight when they grow older and are more likely to become overweight or obese. The study suggests that getting enough sleep is equally important as healthy eating and exercise in preventing obesity.
A systematic review of 49 randomized trials involving 23,098 participants found that various self-regulation interventions were effective in promoting emotional control, social skills, and learning. The review suggests that these programs can help maintain health and well-being throughout life.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that racial minority adolescents have a high prevalence of substance use and are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The research team analyzed data from over 20 years of national surveys and found that Pacific Islander, multiracial, and Ame...
Research found higher prevalence of frailty, pre-frailty, and comorbidities like depression & anxiety among adolescent & young adult cancer survivors. Lifestyle factors, including smoking & obesity, contributed to this risk, as did delay in care due to lack of health insurance.
Global rates of mental disorders among children remain stable, with prevalence high and constant across emerging regions. Mental disorders surpassed infectious diseases as main causes of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in children, according to a new study.
A new study found that delaying school start times by 45 minutes results in students getting more sleep and feeling better. In Singapore, where students are driven to trade sleep for academic success, the study showed a significant increase in time-in-bed and improvement in mental health, prosocial behavior, and attentiveness.
A new study found that a brief, web-based program is effective in delaying drinking initiation among female ninth-grade students. The program was more effective than traditional education when combined with personalized feedback.
Rats exposed to nicotine during adolescence showed increased alcohol self-administration compared to those not exposed or exposed as adults. The study suggests that adolescent nicotine alters the brain's reward pathways, leading to a long-lasting risk of problem drinking later in life.
A recent study found that immigrant youth from specific racial-ethnic groups in the US have lower rates of certain mental disorders compared to their non-immigrant peers. The study examined the lifetime prevalence of mood, anxiety, and behavior disorders among 6,250 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years.
A recent study found that consuming food at restaurants, fast-food outlets, or cafeterias is associated with increased levels of phthalates in the body. The study suggests that eating at home may be less likely to contain high levels of these chemicals, which are linked to fertility problems and other health issues.
A University of Waterloo study found that mandatory nutrition policies in Ontario reduced sugar-sweetened beverage consumption by 16% compared to Alberta. The study suggests that schools alone may not be enough to curb adolescents' intake of sugary drinks, highlighting the need for broader environmental changes.
Research reveals strong connections between longitudinal beverage intakes and adolescent caries experience, with higher sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and lower fluoride intakes leading to increased caries risk. The study emphasizes the importance of adjusting for preventive factors such as brushing frequency in future studies.
A new study reveals that children with physical disabilities are at a higher risk of poor mental health, especially girls from socio-economically vulnerable families. The research found that these children use medication for mental health issues more frequently and experience greater problems if they also come from low-income families.
According to a new PSU study, children from wealthier families are more likely to have an internal locus of control, meaning they feel control over their lives. This is largely due to parental discussions about school, access to resources and academic performance.
A study found that bariatric surgery significantly improves cardiovascular disease risk factors and blood glucose control, while medication has limited effectiveness. The analysis of existing data from two studies showed a 70% improvement rate in A1c levels among surgically treated teens.
Research published in BMC Public Health found an association between increased social media time and reduced wellbeing in later adolescence among girls. However, the study did not find a similar association for boys.
Researchers have discovered that changes in social behavior during adolescence are not triggered by pubertal hormones. Using Siberian hamsters as a model, the team found that behavioral shifts, such as play-fighting to social dominance, occur at the same time regardless of puberty timing.
A meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials found that SSRIs were more effective in treating youth anxiety disorder than SNRIs. Patients started to see improvements from medication around two weeks, with the most significant improvement occurring in the fourth week of treatment.
A new study by The Endocrine Society shows that an insulin pump system can improve glycemic outcomes in children with type 1 diabetes starting from age 7. The MiniMed 670G system also demonstrates effectiveness in adults and adolescents, leading to significant improvements in time spent within target glucose ranges and reduced A1c levels.
A study from the University of Waterloo found that 39% of students in Alberta and Ontario eat breakfast fewer than three days a week, with 48.5% skipping breakfast nationwide. The study highlights the need for improved social awareness and economic support for breakfast programs to reach their full potential.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that bariatric surgery significantly improved health outcomes for adolescents with severe obesity and type 2 diabetes. The research, led by Children's Hospital Colorado experts, compared the effectiveness of surgical intervention to medical therapies in treating these conditions.
A recent study found that university education has a dramatic positive effect on non-cognitive skills like conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds experience significant improvements in these traits, narrowing the initial gap with their more privileged peers.
A study found that adolescents with mental health conditions and treatments were more likely to transition from initial opioid prescriptions to long-term opioid therapy. The study analyzed data from over 1.2 million adolescents aged 14-18 with first-time opioid prescriptions between 2003 and 2014.
A new study found that adolescent and young adult cancer survivors have more available resources for emotional and practical support as well as advice on weight and physical activity. The study also showed a correlation between the strength of social networks and better coping skills.
Research from Uppsala University suggests that digital gaming has no impact on social connections among teens. Teenagers who identify as gamers tend to form close relationships with peers sharing similar interests.
Young women in high schools and colleges reported experiencing sexual harassment and viewing it as normative. They often disengaged from situations and didn't feel empowered to change the behavior. The researchers found a pervasive sexual double standard, where boys are rewarded for aggression and girls are shamed for agency.
A study of 1213 Italian adolescents found that nearly half exceeded the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommended daily caffeine intake. Coffee was the main contributor to daily caffeine consumption, highlighting the need for awareness campaigns to reduce caffeine intake among adolescents.
In conflict-affected populations, adolescent girls are perceived as responsible for their own safety and burdened by violence, with communities holding differing views on responding to abuse. Research highlights the need for programs addressing victim-blaming and silencing experiences of violence through community structures.
A new study found that US immigration policies are causing significant psychological distress among Latino parents, with 64% reporting worries about family members getting separated. The researchers also found that these parents are more likely to avoid medical care, police help, and social services due to immigration news and policies.
A study of nearly 8,000 girls found that those who began menstruating earlier were more prone to depression and antisocial behavior in their late 20s. This suggests that psychological problems can persist for years after adolescence, warranting continued awareness and support from pediatricians.
A new study by researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found no evidence of a link between hormonal birth control and depression. Dr. Brett Worly notes that while some groups may be at higher risk of depression, including adolescents and postpartum women, this is not due to the birth control itself.
Dr. Koplewicz highlights the urgent need to prioritize mental health in response to mass shootings like Parkland. He emphasizes that social isolation can exacerbate emotional problems and calls for better support systems in schools.
A study found that nearly all adolescents aged 13-19 in an economically disadvantaged San Francisco population had measurable levels of NNAL, a biomarker for exposure to tobacco smoke. The prevalence of tobacco exposure was highest among African-American adolescents, with 32% identified as active smokers.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found no significant change in adolescent recreational marijuana use following enactment of medical marijuana laws. The study analyzed data from four large-scale US surveys and concluded that medical marijuana laws do not increase recreational pot use among teens.
Research by Candice Odgers highlights both positive and negative uses of smartphones among teens. While moderate usage is linked to no negative impact on mental well-being, increased screen time among low-income teens correlates with more physical fights, arguments, and school troubles.
A total of 1.8 million young people between ten and 24 years old are estimated to develop tuberculosis (TB) annually, with 20-24-year-olds at the greatest risk. Young adults with TB may face disruptions in education, employment, or family responsibilities due to their illness.
New research fails to support desvenlafaxine's effectiveness in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in children and adolescents. A recent study found that neither a low nor high dose of the medication was significantly more effective than placebo.
Researchers argue that taking action before pregnancy is essential to prevent obesity, mental health problems and substance abuse in young people. The first 1000 days of life are crucial, but current policies start too late. Investing in adolescent development can guarantee a healthy future for both parents and children.
Researchers emphasize that addressing obesity, mental health issues, poor nutrition, and substance abuse in adolescents before pregnancy is essential for a healthy start to life. The study highlights the importance of engaging health services with young adults and creating healthier environments to prevent intergenerational health risks.
A study found that self-compassion can weaken the link between perfectionism and depression in both adolescents and adults. The research suggests that self-compassion interventions could help mitigate the negative effects of perfectionism, paving the way for future experimental studies.
A new study by the Eurasian Child & Adolescent Mental Health Study network reveals a strong correlation between Human Development Index scores and the availability of mental health services. Countries with high HDI rankings have higher ratios of child and adolescent psychiatrists per population size, indicating better investment in chi...
A new study found that adolescents with sexual orientation discordance are 70% more likely to experience suicidal ideas or attempts compared to those with concordant orientations. This association remains even after controlling for other factors, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to support youth.
A Penn nursing study found that sex communication with parents is rarely discussed among gay, bisexual, and queer male adolescents, often being heteronormative and reactionary. The study suggests that targeted family-based sexual health discussions can minimize risk behaviors and improve overall health outcomes for this demographic.
Recent research by Children's Hospital Colorado found that loss of control eating impacts bariatric surgery success rates in adolescents. The study, published in Pediatrics, revealed that patients who engaged in loss of control eating after surgery experienced poorer weight loss outcomes.
A study led by Duke Health found that a short course of the Alzheimer's drug donepezil can reverse structural and genetic brain changes caused by alcohol exposure in rats. This reverses dendritic spine density, affecting learning and memory. The research identifies a specific gene target for potential repair.
A study found that higher cigarette taxes may increase the use of smokeless tobacco products, like chewing tobacco, and cigars in adolescents. The authors suggest that comprehensive tobacco control policies are needed to address this issue.
The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study has released a comprehensive dataset of over 4,500 youth, providing insights into brain development, substance use, and mental health. The data will inform future prevention and treatment efforts and policy decisions.