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 lap band surgery significantly improves weight and BMI in severely obese Australian teenagers, with median BMI reduction of 10 kg/m2. The procedure is a safe and effective option for adolescents with severe obesity, provided performed by an experienced surgeon and managed regularly.
A new study of over 120,000 UK teens found that moderate digital screen use is not linked to negative effects on well-being. The researchers suggest a 'digital sweet spot' where screen time benefits teens by providing opportunities for social connections and skills. However, excessive engagement may displace important activities.
Teenagers who play video games for more than four hours a day suffer from symptoms of depression, but frequent use of social media and instant messaging may mitigate symptoms of game addiction. Strong friendships appear to be a key factor in balancing out the negative effects of gaming.
A new study by LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health shows that parents' concerns about their neighborhood restrict their children's outdoor play. Parents who do not trust their neighbors or feel they have no control over neighborhood problems are more likely to limit their child's physical activity.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that social ecology influences on personal experiences and interactions with family, peers, and healthcare providers hinder young men's use of sexual and reproductive health care. Long wait times, costs, and concerns about privacy also deter seeking care.
Severely obese teenagers who undergo gastric bypass surgery experience significant weight loss and improved health outcomes, including reduced diabetes and high cholesterol risks. However, some patients may need additional surgery or develop vitamin deficiencies, highlighting the importance of long-term follow-up and support.
Researchers found that female rats prefer dominant males who have experienced stress in adolescence, but reject submissive males with a history of stress. This study provides insight into the effects of environmental stress on reproduction and may lead to a better understanding of human reproductive capacity.
A study by Salk Institute scientists reveals that adolescent roundworms exhibit erratic behavior when seeking food, unlike adult worms which show efficient behavior. This discovery provides insight into the drivers of neurological development and may shed light on human brain function and diseases.
A new special section of Child Development explores the developmental course of violent offending, including factors such as emotion regulation skills and judgment. The research aims to inform novel practices and policies to prevent severe youth violence.
A study found that marijuana legalization significantly reduced perceptions of harm in eighth- and 10th-graders, but increased past-month use by 2-4% in Washington state. No change was seen in Colorado. The authors attribute the increase in teen use to reduced stigma and perceived risk after legalization.
A new study found that teen perception of marijuana's harmfulness decreased by 14.2% and 16.1% in Washington's 8th- and 10th-graders after recreational legalization, while marijuana use increased by 2.0% and 4.1%. No changes were seen in Colorado.
Research shows that brain maturation varies by individual and region, making it difficult to pinpoint a static baseline for maturity. Leah Somerville highlights the importance of considering brain development in policy-making decisions.
A new study found that adolescents are up to 183% more likely to carry out violent acts if their friends have also committed the same act. The contagion extends beyond friends to up to four degrees of separation, making it essential to stop violence in one person to prevent it from spreading to others.
A study of 3,063 children and adolescents with acute concussion found that physical activity within 7 days of injury was associated with reduced risk of persistent postconcussive symptoms. Engaging in early physical activity was linked to a lower risk of PPCS, regardless of intensity or exercise type.
Adolescents with autism face significant stress as they transition to adulthood, with difficulties in accessing services and adapting to change being major concerns. Social workers can play a vital role in supporting families by coordinating essential services such as medical treatment and independent living.
A new study from King's College London has found a link between adolescent obesity and the risk of developing heart disease in early adulthood, regardless of ethnicity. The study tracked an ethnically diverse group of children and found that being overweight in early adolescence adversely affects cardiovascular health in the 20s.
A new study found that children who spent more time on screen devices and watching television were more likely to engage in behaviors leading to obesity, including poor diet and lack of physical activity. The research suggests that limiting screen device use may be as important for health as limiting TV time.
Researchers found that N-acetylcysteine reduced both marijuana and alcohol use in treatment-engaged adolescents. The study's results suggest NAC may generalize to other substances and be useful in decreasing adolescent alcohol use.
A new study by UNC School of Medicine found that only 49.8% of surveyed teens consider cigar warnings 'very believable', highlighting the need for improved tobacco prevention campaigns. The survey, which included 1,125 adolescents aged 13-17, suggests that graphic warnings may be more effective in engaging youth.
A study of Israeli adolescents found that higher BMI in late adolescence and long-term cumulative burden of BMI predict poorer cognitive function later in life. Taller stature was associated with better global cognitive function, independent of socioeconomic position.
A recent study found that heavy alcohol use during adolescence is associated with reduced grey matter volumes, particularly in the anterior cingulate cortex. This can disrupt normal brain maturation, leading to potential long-term effects on impulse control and substance use disorder risk.
Researchers at UC Riverside found that when teens view their parents' parenting tactics more negatively, they show elevated levels of aggressive behaviors. The study highlights the importance of adolescents' evaluation of their parents' responses to challenging behaviors.
A new study examines data from a high-risk group of children with depressed parents to identify signs and symptoms preceding new-onset MDD during adolescence. Analyzed clinical antecedents found irritability and fear/anxiety associated with the first onset of adolescent MDD, highlighting multiple routes to the condition.
A new study aims to explore the challenges faced by teenagers at high risk for HIV who are required to obtain parental permission to participate in prevention trials. The research will examine parents' views on consent and teens' willingness to engage their parents in the process.
A recent study published in JAACAP found that obesity among adolescents with bipolar disorder is associated with increased illness severity, including more suicide attempts and psychiatric hospitalizations. However, the study also found that overweight adolescents with bipolar disorder are not more common than their peers.
A new study of U.S. adolescents has found an association between metabolic syndrome and impairments in reading, attention, and working memory. The researchers found that treatment can control and reverse metabolic syndrome, which may help reduce cognitive effects.
Researchers found that two new psychological treatments, alongside CBT, could reduce recurrence of depression in adolescents. The therapies showed sustained effects up to a year after treatment ended, with 50% reduction in symptoms.
A new study explores how adolescents perceive people with Tourette's Syndrome (TS), finding that media portrayals can perpetuate negative stereotypes and stigma. The researchers suggest using media as an educational tool to improve understanding and acceptance of the condition.
A recent study found that individuals experiencing stress and strain are more likely to engage in deviant behavior such as gambling and substance abuse. The research, conducted by Romy Greco and Antonietta Curci, analyzed the effects of family influences on younger people's coping strategies.
Research found that non-menthol flavors in most tobacco products play a vital role in how users perceive and use tobacco products. Banning these flavors could reduce tobacco product use, especially among adolescents. The study also highlights the detrimental public health impact of adolescent use of flavored tobacco products.
Research links household smoke exposure in early childhood to increased self-reported antisocial behavior in early adolescence. Long-term neurotoxic effects of second-hand smoke are suggested as a contributing factor.
A recent study found that obesity in adolescence is associated with weakened bone structure, including increased cortical porosity and decreased trabecular density. This suggests that adolescents with high visceral fat mass and low muscle mass are at risk for permanent bone loss.
Researchers found that 2-dose HPV vaccine regimens for girls and boys aged 9-14 years had noninferior antibody responses compared to 3-dose regimens for adolescent girls and young women. The study suggests using a 2-dose schedule could improve adherence to HPV vaccination programs and reduce healthcare costs.
A new study found that 14% of teenage girls and 13% of boys report being stalking victims, leading to increased symptoms of depression and risky behavior. The survey also revealed that teens in the victim class were more likely to engage in behaviors such as binge drinking and sexting.
A new study found that fathers' warmth positively affects teenagers' optimism, self-efficacy, and academic achievement. Fathers' involvement is particularly beneficial for low-income families, leading to better math grades and language ability in girls and boys.
A recent study by ETH Zurich researchers found that high-fat diets during adolescence can disrupt brain maturation, leading to impaired cognitive functions in adulthood. The study used mice and found that even short-term exposure to a high-fat diet caused behavioral problems after just four weeks.
A global study found a significant association between rising national income, education expenditures, and declining rates of adolescent childbearing. The median adolescent birth rate dropped by 40% from 1990 to 2012, with the highest rates in Sub-Saharan Africa and lowest in Europe and Central Asia.
A recent study suggests that the rate of adolescents reporting clinical depression has grown by 37% over the decade ending in 2014, with a notable increase among girls. The findings highlight the need for increased mental health support and targeted interventions to address this growing trend.
Research suggests that early childhood intervention can reduce the risk of adolescent substance use. Mothers with alcohol problems have lower levels of maternal sensitivity, which can lead to increased problem behaviors in children. Interventions focusing on maternal warmth and sensitivity may be beneficial for preventing adolescent su...
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found associations between non-medical use of prescription drugs and unhealthy weight management practices among high school students. Female students were more likely to engage in these behaviors, which can have adverse health outcomes.
Eating excessive fatty foods during adolescence may alter executive functions, leading to cognitive and psychiatric problems. The study found that high-fat diets deplete reelin levels, a key protein for brain synapses.
A study found that children with higher anxiety levels before a tornado showed greater resilience in their behavioral adjustment after the disaster. Children who were already involved in programs to prevent aggressive behavior may benefit from these programs even after a disaster.
Repeated binge drinking during adolescence can alter gene expression in the brains of future generations, impacting neurological health. The study found 159 gene changes in offspring of binge-drinking mothers, 93 in offspring of binge-drinking fathers, and 244 in offspring of both parents.
A study found that teens with asthma are twice as likely to smoke as their healthy counterparts. Despite knowing smoking is bad for health, they often smoke to manage anxiety and stress.
A new study found that adolescents with bipolar disorder are more likely to develop substance use disorders if they have lower gray matter volume in the brain. The researchers discovered different patterns of gray matter reductions in females and males, highlighting the importance of sex differences in neuroscience research.
Researchers found that group emotional intelligence and peer attachment positively relate to adolescent psychological well-being. Classrooms with greater emotional intelligence see stronger relationships between attachment and well-being, offering a potential tool for identifying classrooms in need of intervention.
A recent study published in JAMA Network has linked more frequent vaping among teens to a higher risk of heavy cigarette smoking. The study found that adolescents who vape regularly are more likely to progress to frequent and heavy smoking over time.
Researchers have developed a game-changing blood test that can identify concussions with greater than 90% certainty, using metabolomics to analyze small molecules in the blood. The test is unique and has been proven to be effective in distinguishing concussed patients from non-concussed adolescents.
Research from University College London found that older adolescents and adults can learn certain thinking skills more effectively than younger people. Non-verbal reasoning skills can be readily trained and do not represent an innate ability.
A study published in Pediatrics found that daytime sleepiness and evening chronotype are more strongly associated with poor self-regulation in teens than sleep duration. The researchers suggest that aligning school start times with natural circadian rhythms may improve self-regulation and overall health.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a consistent association between bedtime media device use and inadequate sleep quantity, poor sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness in children. Children who had access to but didn't use media devices at night also experienced similar sleep problems.
A new IU study reveals attitudes toward bisexual men and women have shifted only slightly from very negative to neutral. Bisexual individuals face disproportionate health disparities compared to gay/lesbian individuals.
Hospitalizations for prescription opioid poisonings in children and adolescents have increased dramatically over the years, with a significant rise in deaths and intentional overdoses among younger age groups. The study also found that opioid poisonings attributed to heroin and methadone increased substantially in this age group.
A study of over 150 meth users found that those with impulsive personalities were more likely to start using the drug at an earlier age. The researchers discovered a strong link between attentional and motor impulsivity, which contributed to early meth use.
A study assesses the cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery for adolescents with severe obesity, finding it may be cost-effective over 5 years but not initially. Bariatric surgery can result in life-altering weight loss and improved quality of life.
Research by the University of Plymouth found that adolescents are more likely to take online risks, despite being framed as either potential winners or losers. The study suggests that this is due to their limited ability to draw upon qualitative 'gist' representations, rather than quantitive calculations.
A Purdue University study found that mixing highly caffeinated energy drinks with alcohol can trigger changes in the adolescent brain similar to those seen with cocaine. The consequences last into adulthood, with exposed mice showing altered ability to deal with rewarding substances and increased risk of substance abuse.
The American Academy of Pediatrics releases new recommendations for children's media use, encouraging families to create personalized Family Media Use Plans. The AAP suggests limiting screen time, prioritizing creative playtime, and monitoring online citizenship and safety.
New research by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds that adults 26 years and older increased their past-month marijuana use from 5.87% to 7.15% after medical marijuana laws passed, but there was no effect on adolescents or young adults. Perceived availability of marijuana also increased among those over 25.
UK adolescents are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency due to limited sun exposure and northern latitudes' insufficient sunlight during winter. A study revealed the necessary vitamin D intake for adolescents is between 10-30 ug/day to maintain adequate levels and avoid deficiency.