Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
Teenage exploration and risk-taking can be attributed to dramatic changes in the brain, driven by the need for immediate reward. According to Dr. Beatriz Luna's research, the teen prefrontal cortex is not immature but rather overruled by heightened motivation centers.
A recent study found that methamphetamine chronically used by adolescents causes greater brain damage and alterations in the 'executive function' area compared to adults. The research, conducted on South Korean participants, revealed significant changes in gray matter thickness and white matter integrity in adolescent users.
Research from the University of British Columbia found that caring parent-adolescent relationships reduce the likelihood of suicidal thoughts leading to attempts. Adolescents with a history of suicide attempts reported lower parental care than non-suicidal adolescents.
A longitudinal study found that mental health improved among Latino adolescents over three years, but discrimination-related stress had a more detrimental effect on native-born immigrants. The study highlights the importance of considering discrimination in therapy sessions to help Latino youth flourish.
A new study of adolescent girls found that HPV vaccination was not associated with an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contrary to previous concerns. The study included over 21,000 vaccinated females and 186,500 non-vaccinated females, finding no evidence that HPV vaccination leads to higher rates of STIs.
A new study found that LGBT teens who come out at school have higher self-esteem and lower levels of depression as young adults. Researchers analyzed data from the Family Acceptance Project and found that coming out was associated with better well-being outcomes. The study suggests that being open about one's sexual orientation or gend...
A recent position paper from the ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee recommends bariatric surgery for carefully selected young children with severe or morbid obesity and associated medical conditions. The procedure can strongly reduce the risk of adulthood obesity and obesity-related diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
A global study found that socioeconomic differences in adolescent mental and physical health increased between 2002 and 2010, with poorer youth more likely to be less active, have larger BMI, and report more symptoms. The study highlights urgent action needed to tackle inequities in adolescent health.
Teenagers who own smartphones spend more time online during the night, leading to an increased risk of poor sleep and depressive symptoms. Smartphone use at night is associated with a higher likelihood of sleep disturbances.
Research found that teens who misperceive their weight have a 40% greater risk of becoming obese as adults. This association was strongest for boys, with an 89% increased risk of later obesity compared to those who perceived themselves accurately.
The study found that well-established rules for getting good sleep, such as limited caffeine and a regular bedtime, led to sufficient sleep quantity and adequate sleep quality. Reducing the encroachment of technology into sleep time is crucial to support well-known sleep hygiene principles.
A recent study found that adolescents with psychological symptoms often exhibit visual distortions and hallucinations before developing a full-blown mental disorder. The researchers also discovered that these symptoms are strongly linked to self-destructive thought processes, which can increase the risk of suicide.
A new study finds that colorectal cancer incidence is increasing among young adults aged 20-39 years in the US. The data also showed greater CRC risk for certain racial groups and differences in tumor location and stage at diagnosis compared to older adults. Colorectal cancer is uncommon in people younger than 50 years of age.
A study of over 1,000 Spanish teenagers reveals that 83% have fallen victim to at least one form of violence during their lives, with cyber-bullying affecting 12.6%. The research highlights the need for prevention and support for children who experience multiple forms of violence.
A new study found that both genetic and environmental factors influence the correlation between an individual's own drinking and their peers' drinking behaviors. Genetic factors play a more significant role in adulthood, while environmental factors dominate adolescent behavior.
A new study found that adolescents who experience sleep difficulties and insufficient sleep are more likely to develop binge drinking, driving under the influence of alcohol, and risky sexual behavior. The study analyzed data from over 6,500 teenagers and found a strong link between poor sleep habits and substance-related problems.
Researchers identified four promising approaches to prevent intimate partner violence and sexual violence among adolescents, including school-based interventions, psychological support interventions, community-based interventions, and parenting interventions. These strategies show promise in preventing violence in high-income countries...
A University at Buffalo psychologist's study shows that parents who communicate the risks of alcohol use with their young children are more likely to have kids who think critically about drinking. The research suggests maintaining those discussions as children grow older can help prevent underage drinking. The study found a correlation...
A new study reveals that adolescents have dramatic misperceptions about their peers' behaviors, leading to conformity to social norms. Teens overestimate the amount of drug- and alcohol-use and sexual behaviors among their peers, while underestimating the time spent on studying or exercise.
The study found that major depression was highly prevalent in adolescents, with a lifetime prevalence rate of 11%, and females had twice the rates of males. The majority of adolescents with MDD demonstrated severe role impairment and substantial comorbidity with other mental conditions.
A new study published in Childhood Obesity journal found that teenagers who lose weight for their own sake tend to succeed more, with 60% citing health as the primary motive. The study suggests parents can help by modeling healthy behaviors and providing healthier options, leading to a 30-pound average weight loss.
A University of Alberta economics professor has discovered a link between contraband cigarette use and illicit drug use among Canadian teens. Contraband smokers are more than double as likely to use illicit drugs compared to non-contraband smokers, according to the study.
A study by the University of Hawaii Cancer Center found nearly 30% of Hawaiian teens had tried e-cigarettes, with 17% using them only. The rate is three times higher than previously reported US studies. E-cigarette manufacturers' aggressive marketing and wide availability may contribute to this trend.
A study found that one-third of Hawaiian adolescents have tried e-cigarettes, with half having never used another tobacco product. E-cigarette users ranked somewhere between never-smokers and dual-users in terms of risk factors for smoking cigarettes.
A study published in Population and Development Review found that adolescent fertility in Iraq increased by over 30% between 2003 and 2010. The trend was particularly pronounced among less-educated adolescents, highlighting the need for expanding access to secondary education and promoting security for young girls.
A Dartmouth study found that low-income adolescents consume more fruits and vegetables when eating at school, while high-income peers consume fewer during the school months. School food plays a crucial role in improving dietary quality among vulnerable students.
A new study finds that support from friends generally influences the effects of peer victimization on maladjustment, differing depending on the form of victimization and relationship with peers. Teenagers who suffered relational victimization experienced lower feelings of depression with more supportive friendships.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology analyzed data from nine population-based studies and found no overall association between eczema and short stature. However, a small group of children with severe eczema who experienced sleep disturbances showed potentially reversible growth impairment.
Shoulder pain affects athletes like baseball pitchers, with various structures contributing to the issue. Nonsurgical options include icing and medication, while arthroscopic surgery can be effective for repairing partial rotator cuff tears.
A study found that hookah pipe tobacco use and smokeless tobacco snus were associated with an increased risk of cigarette smoking among teenagers and young adults. The study also showed that individuals who used these products had a higher likelihood of becoming current or high-intensity smokers.
A recent clinical trial found that young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who received high-intensity pediatric protocols had better overall survival rates, with 78% achieving overall survival and 66% maintaining event-free survival. This is a significant improvement over previous studies for this age range.
Research from the University of Southampton shows that identifying deafness early can significantly improve teenagers' reading development. The study found that children who were screened for hearing impairment at birth had better language skills and reading abilities than those not screened.
A new study links a sweet-smelling chemical marker in the breath of children with type 1 diabetes to a build-up of potentially harmful chemicals in the blood. The researchers hope to develop a diagnostic device to identify children with the disease before serious illness sets in.
A study of 600 teenage boys found that up to 28% were inaccurate in estimating their weight status. The majority had a normal weight, but some underestimating or overestimating, leading to unhealthy behaviors like dieting and skipping meals.
A recent study by Indiana University researcher Jonathon Beckmeyer found that adolescents' alcohol use is influenced by their close friends' use, regardless of peer consumption perceptions. Parents can encourage teens to make friendships with non-alcohol-using friends to help prevent teen alcohol use.
A high-fructose diet during adolescence can exacerbate depressive-like behavior and alter the brain's response to stress. The study found that rats on a high-fructose diet had an altered stress hormone response and changed genetic pathways associated with stress regulation.
Researchers found better health outcomes in Nigerian city of Ibadan compared to Baltimore and Johannesburg, where teens reported high rates of mental health problems, substance use, and violence. In contrast, New Delhi teens reported little depression and cigarette smoking.
A study by Indiana University researchers found nearly 60% of Latino adolescents experienced depression, with those having moderate acculturative stress being 10 times more likely to have depression. A yearlong program boosting self-mastery and resiliency is being developed to address this issue.
Researchers studied adolescents' brain connections, impulsivity, and sugar intake to understand the risk of alcohol use and abuse. The findings suggest that reduced executive cognitive functioning and impaired connectivity in key brain networks may contribute to risky behaviors.
A new study found that moderate consumption of high-fructose and high-glucose beverages has little impact on the metabolic health of weight-stable, physically active adolescents. The researchers suggest that physical activity can help mitigate some of the negative effects of drinking sugary drinks.
A new University of Michigan study finds that children born to mothers with higher education levels tend to excel academically in reading and math. The research suggests that the educational attainment of adolescent mothers has a lasting impact on their children's academic achievement, particularly if birth occurs later in life.
A new study tracked the changing sleep habits of children from ages 9 to 18, finding that sleep timing shifted later as they matured. Despite getting less sleep overall, teens' bodies resisted sleep signals longer, leading to groggier mornings and potential negative effects on academic performance and mental health.
A new study published by the American Sociological Association finds that schools with limited social choices and prescribed formats lead to less clique formation and segregation. In contrast, larger schools with more freedom and choice tend to foster cliquishness and self-segregation among teens.
A new study from the University of Edinburgh finds that teenagers living in neighborhoods with a large number of tobacco shops are almost 50% more likely to smoke. The research suggests that reducing tobacco retailer density could be an effective strategy to reduce smoking rates among adolescents.
A new article provides 10 practical tips to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), empowering them to participate in their communities and receive personalized care. The 'Ten Tips' offer a framework for clinical practice and global advocacy, prioritizing the individual's hopes, dreams, and self-determination.
Researchers found that teenagers who placed high importance on both work and family goals, as well as having confidence in achieving them, were more likely to report feeling successful in their careers and families later in life. These individuals also reached higher education levels than those with only family-oriented goals.
Researchers found that adolescent binge drinking causes lasting damage to the prefrontal cortex's myelin sheaths, leading to impaired cognitive and behavioral control. This can lead to increased risk of alcoholism in adulthood and related psychiatric conditions.
According to a new study, teenagers who live in California cities with strong social host laws are less likely to report drinking at parties. The researchers found a correlation between the laws and reduced underage drinking, but noted that more research is needed to determine the laws' effectiveness.
A study found that heavy drinking in adolescence can lead to structural changes in the brain and memory deficits that persist into adulthood. Rats given daily access to alcohol during adolescence had reduced myelin levels and performed worse on a memory test later in life.
A study by Penn State researchers found that subjective screening questions used in adolescent hearing screenings are unreliable and miss high-frequency hearing loss. Objective hearing tests were more effective, but refining them is necessary to accurately identify teenagers at risk for hearing loss.
A new longitudinal study found that teens whose parents exerted more psychological control at age 13 had problems establishing friendships and romantic relationships with balanced closeness and independence. The study suggests that parents' use of psychological control can hinder teens' development of autonomy in relationships.
A family-focused intervention program for middle-school Mexican American children has been shown to reduce high school dropout rates and lower rates of alcohol and illegal drug use. The program, Bridges to High School, strengthens core competencies that allow youth to thrive, even when faced with adversity.
Conflicts at home and school often occur together, with family problems increasing the likelihood of school issues, while school problems can also lead to conflicts at home. The study found that negative mood and psychological symptoms play a key role in this spillover process.
A consensus statement from leading clinicians and researchers recommends a systematic approach to evaluating youngsters with sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including obsessive-compulsive disorder. The guidelines aim to clarify diagnostic boundaries, develop evaluation strategies, and identify urgently needed studies.
A new UK study has found that teenage self-harm is associated with a higher risk of developing mental health and substance misuse problems as adults. The research, which analyzed data from over 4,700 adolescents, reveals that even non-suicidal self-harm can increase the likelihood of depression, anxiety, and other issues.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that installing calorie-counting signs in stores led to a significant decrease in sugary drink purchases among black adolescents. The study, which lasted six weeks, showed that teens who saw the signs were more likely to choose lower-calorie beverages or smaller sizes.
A new study finds that boys develop sympathy and altruism just like girls when they have a positive relationship with their siblings. Sibling relationships uniquely promote prosocial behavior, especially for teens who can count on each other.
The study found that emergency department visits by children increased across all insurance groups, with the largest growth among those who were privately insured or uninsured. Meanwhile, Medicaid beneficiaries experienced slower growth in ED use, but still had the highest rates.
Researchers found no link between levels of physical activity at age 14 and depressive outcomes at age 17. The study suggests that any potential benefits of exercise on mood may be small or nonexistent during adolescence. This finding has important public policy implications, highlighting the need for alternative preventive measures.
Research by high school students found that high media multitaskers outperformed low multitaskers when filtering out distractions, while struggling to focus on single tasks without distractions. The study suggests that digital natives may develop enhanced working memory and perform better in distracting environments.