Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A University of East Anglia study found that trauma-focused CBT significantly improved PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation in children with multiple traumas. The therapy was effective and safe, even for those with complex and severe symptoms.
A cohort study found an association between parental diseases of despair and youth suicidal events, suggesting a potential underlying factor in the increase in adolescent suicidal behavior. Improved access to care for parents with these conditions may help reduce the adolescent suicide rate.
A prospective study of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development cohort found that modifiable parental factors, such as screen use and emotional regulation, are associated with specific adolescent sleep outcomes. Parental warmth is also linked to sleep chronotype, highlighting potential targets for evidence-based interventions.
A new report reveals a significant north-south divide in autism assessment times, with children in the North waiting an average of 54 days compared to just 13 weeks in some areas. The data also shows that girls from Pakistani heritage are 11 times less likely to receive an autism diagnosis than White British boys.
New research published in CMAJ found that Black adolescents with mental distress are less likely to access mental health care, with Black girls being the least likely. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive and sex-specific adaptations to care, as well as policy changes to equalize mental health service use.
Problem gambling in minors is linked to a higher risk of suicide, substance use disorder, theft, and assault. The Canadian Medical Association Journal urges the federal government to expedite legislation to regulate sports betting advertising and protect young people from its harms.
The study highlights the importance of support networks during adolescence, including family connectedness and school and peer relationships. Stronger connections are associated with better mental health outcomes, lower rates of depression and suicidal ideation, and increased resilience.
A study found that adolescents become highly motivated to seek rewards after just a few hours of social isolation, which can be beneficial in driving them towards social interaction. However, limited opportunities for connection may lead to pursuing less healthy rewards.
A new study found that 89% of children and young people play video games, with loot box purchases linked to enhancement, distraction/compulsion, and FOMO. The yRAFFLE scale validated the motivations of children and young people who buy chance-based items in games.
A study by São Paulo State University found a direct association between adults' levels of physical activity and their children's sedentary behavior. Children of inactive parents tend to be more sedentary, but when mothers and fathers maintain an active routine, their children usually follow suit.
A state ban on flavored e-cigarettes may lead to a net negative effect on health for young adults, increasing traditional cigarette use while reducing vaping. The study found that comprehensive bans had no impact on tobacco participation among adults aged 25 and older.
A comprehensive state ban on flavored e-cigarettes leads to a decrease in vaping among young adults aged 18–24 years by about 2–3 percentage points, while increasing traditional cigarette use by a similar amount. For youth under 18, there is suggestive evidence of an increase in cigarette use, undermining broader tobacco control efforts.
A recent study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that young people from diverse cultures worldwide perceive digital environments as affecting their mental health. They highlight the need for more support and involvement from adults in their digital lives, including reflection on one's own digital habits.
A study of over 4,400 Australian children found that those experiencing tooth loss were more than four times as likely to be bullied. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and rural areas were disproportionately affected. The researchers highlight the need for improved access to dental care and prevention programs.
A recent study found a sharp increase in hospitalisations for pertussis among children and adolescents in Tuscany, Italy, between 2016 and 2024. The study emphasizes the critical role of timely vaccination administration to prevent further cases and hospitalisations.
Dr. Valentin Fuster, a renowned cardiovascular expert, has been awarded the inaugural World Heart Federation oration lecture for his groundbreaking work in promoting global cardiovascular health. He will discuss early detection and education as key strategies for preventing heart disease, focusing on low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers analyzed neuroimaging data from over 650 individuals aged 8 to 21, discovering a key organizational shift in the dorsal prefrontal cortex. The study found that this refinement of brain architecture is driven by specific changes in the medial part of the prefrontal cortex.
A study involving over 2,000 Brazilian students found that changing school shifts does not significantly improve academic performance for students with ADHD. However, afternoon classes only improved the performance of students with few or no symptoms of ADHD.
Among youth aged 15-24, polysubstance-involved opioid overdose deaths rose steadily with age, driven by fentanyl and synthetic opioids. By age 21, polysubstance involvement surpassed opioid-only fatalities, primarily due to stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine.
A recent study found that large portions of obesity-related conditions in US adolescents and young adults are attributable to obesity. Treating and preventing obesity may reduce these conditions and associated costs. The researchers emphasize the importance of addressing childhood obesity to prevent future health issues.
A study suggests that children's depression may contribute to worsening maternal depression, rather than the other way around. This finding highlights the need for family-centered approaches to mental health care.
Despite federal law requiring some form of sexual education, a patchwork of state-level provisions mandate inaccurate or outdated curricula. Only 19 states require medically accurate instruction, while many states prioritize abstinence over comprehensive sex education.
A study of over 10,000 teenagers found that sleep problems at age 14 were directly associated with self-harm behaviour at both ages, highlighting the importance of prioritizing sleep health in adolescents. The research also suggests that poor sleep can have long-lasting impacts on mental health.
A new study found that nearly half of US adolescents with major depressive episode received no mental health care in 2022. The odds of specialist treatment were lower among marginalized groups, including males, Black youth, and those living in rural areas or without insurance.
A cohort study found a higher prevalence of eating disorders among adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The study suggests that reducing population-level socioeconomic inequalities may aid in preventing eating disorders.
A new study published in BMC Public Health found that school connectedness significantly reduces depression symptoms in adolescents who experience peer bullying. The research suggests promoting school connectedness can foster peer support and collaboration among students.
A new study found that over 1 in 10 Medicaid-enrolled youths experiencing a mental health crisis are kept in hospital emergency rooms for three to seven days. The research highlights the shortage of appropriate care in Oregon and nationwide, with experts warning that boarding kids can worsen their conditions and demoralize families.
A study by Annenberg Public Policy Center found that firearm use in popular US movies increased by 200% from 2000 to 2021, mirroring the rise in firearm homicide rates among young people aged 15-24. The research suggests that portrayal of guns in entertainment may play a role in promoting their use for violent purposes.
A systematic review of 172 studies reveals significant gaps in global representation of adolescent mental health research. Traditional bullying is reported more frequently in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries.
A study found that kids who displayed kind, caring behaviors were more likely to consume fruit and vegetables as teenagers. Prosociality strengthens social ties and improves psychological functioning, influencing health-related choices.
The study found that commonly used mental health screening tools may not be reliable for everyone, particularly African American youth. Research highlights the need for improved assessments that are both psychometrically sound and culturally responsive to protect vulnerable youth in the juvenile justice system.
A study by the University of Jyväskylä reveals an intergenerational link between parents' and their children's school commuting habits. Parents' own experiences and attitudes towards walking or cycling to school influence how they support and enable their children's physically active commuting.
The report warns that immigration enforcement is a public health emergency for millions of children, causing constant anxiety and harm to their emotional development and academic performance. Clinical case studies reveal how trauma is transmitted across generations, shaping the mental health of immigrant children.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that excessive screen time among children and young adults may pose heart health risks. The analysis of over 1,000 participants showed a significant association between increased recreational screen time and higher cardiovascular and cardiometabolic risks.
A new study shows that higher levels of hope are linked to reduced bullying and cyberbullying, with students with more hope being less likely to engage in these behaviors. Strengthening hope could be a powerful strategy in preventing bullying by helping young people build resilience and invest in their futures.
A recent University of Michigan study found that nonmedical use of prescription ADHD drugs among adolescents has dropped from 10% in 2005 to 6% in 2023. Lifetime medical use also increased slightly during the same period, but overall trends suggest a decrease in misusing these prescriptions.
Nearly 17 million teens and young adults are eligible for GLP-1RA therapy, but one in five is uninsured and nearly a third lack healthcare access, hindering treatment of cardio-kidney-metabolic diseases.
A cohort study found that oseltamivir treatment during influenza episodes is associated with a reduced risk of serious neuropsychiatric events. This suggests that oseltamivir can be used to prevent these complications in children and adolescents.
New research from the University of Georgia finds that unpredictable environments during childhood can lead to poor behavior and mental instability in children as they grow up. Homes with consistent co-parenting and routines are associated with better youth outcomes, highlighting the importance of predictability for healthy development.
A phase 3 study found canagliflozin significantly reduced HbA1c levels in children with type 2 diabetes, outperforming placebo. The medication also showed a favorable safety profile, with minimal risk of hypoglycemic events.
US adolescents spend nearly an hour per school day on smartphones, with most of this time dedicated to social media. The study highlights developmental differences in smartphone use, with younger teens using less than older adolescents.
A new study found that young adults using high-strength cannabis in California tend to consume more and experience greater symptoms of cannabis use disorder. The study, which surveyed over 400 participants, showed a significant association between THC potency and cannabis consumption frequency and quantity.
A Rutgers-led study of nearly 12,000 youth found that genetic predispositions, brain structure, personality traits, and environmental conditions contribute to the onset and progression of adolescent alcohol use. The research highlights the importance of early interventions targeting high-risk youth.
Among US adolescents, current medical use of prescription stimulants for ADHD increased from 2005 to 2023, while nonmedical use decreased. Lifetime nonmedical use was more prevalent than medical use in early cohorts but shifted to being less prevalent in recent cohorts.
A long-term study suggests that UK teens who vape are 33% more likely to start smoking than those who don't vape. The decline in teenage smoking rates is waning for those who have used e-cigarettes and has reversed for those currently using them.
A new blood test leverages AI to identify Lyme disease sooner and more accurately than current standard tests, with sensitivity and specificity over 90%. Additionally, an AI tool, Medicine-GPT, demonstrates promise in helping adolescents gather useful medical information, outperforming ChatGPT-4 on completeness and helpfulness.
A French-language study found that gender-fair job titles do not influence adolescents' reported career interest or sense of belonging in nursing, surgery, and clinical psychology. The study suggests that more comprehensive strategies are needed to counter deeply rooted gendered expectations.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University found that US adolescents with cannabis use disorder have low treatment completion rates, ranging from 34.2% to 33.8%. The most common reasons for not completing treatment were dropping out, transferring facilities, and being terminated. Adolescents who began using cannabis at a younger age...
A new Northwestern University study suggests that teen dating apps may provide valuable social connections for adolescents, particularly those in sexual and gender minority populations. The study found no significant differences in mental health outcomes between teens who use dating apps and those who don't.
A digital mental health intervention reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in displaced Ukrainian children and adolescents. The study found that a small, low-cost intervention delivered through mobile devices significantly improved mental health outcomes.
The study found a significant increase in extremely severe obesity among US children and adolescents, leading to severe metabolic and cardiovascular complications. Extremely severe obesity was linked to conditions like metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, prediabetes or diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
A comprehensive new study analyzed scripts from nearly 7,000 episodes of children's TV shows in the US spanning 1960 to 2018. The research found enduring biased patterns in how male and female characters are portrayed through language, with men associated with agency and rewards, while women were linked to family and relationships.
Researchers developed a non-invasive questionnaire to identify children at risk of maltreatment, highlighting seven behavioral problem areas linked to maltreatment. The study found critical timing patterns and type of abuse matters, offering a more comprehensive approach to support maltreated children.
Research from the University of Sydney reveals that children aged 10-16 years sweat at the same rate as adults in extreme heat, contradicting previous advice on dehydration and hyperthermia risk. The study's findings emphasize the importance of proper hydration for children during physical activity.
A recent study of 1,543 males aged 15 to 35 found that those who used prescription weight loss medications reported significantly higher levels of disordered eating behaviors and attitudes. The study suggests that boys and men may face unique pressures or vulnerabilities related to body image and weight control, highlighting the need f...
A study using AI language models analyzed sentiments and emotions expressed by almost 400 pediatric patients on social media, finding that 94% of comments were negative, with sadness and fear prevalent. The study highlights the need for integrated care approaches to support vulnerable young patients managing complex medical conditions.
A new study from Uppsala University shows that short teaching interventions on disinformation have no long-term impact on students' ability to distinguish between credible and misleading news. However, students who valued democratic ideals highly were better at identifying true and false information. The study suggests that isolated le...
Research in Health Economics found that introducing school grades at younger ages may negatively impact children's mental health. Girls exposed to earlier grading were more likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety by the end of compulsory school, particularly those with low to moderate academic achievement.
A large study of Danish children found that COVID-19 mitigation policies affected BMI across all weight categories, not just those with obesity. The findings suggest that age and BMI class differences were present, warranting policies targeting all BMI groups in children.
A new study published in JCPP Advances found that watching a ten-minute video can shift how teenagers view themselves by promoting mental well-being. The intervention appeared to have little immediate effect on symptoms of anxiety or depression, but may work best as part of a broader toolkit of services.