Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that an average of 21% of teen drivers engage in distracted driving, with many believing their peers drive distracted due to social norms. The study suggests encouraging strategies like 'Do Not Disturb' mode and ensuring teens get adequate sleep can mitigate this behavior.
A new study published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that adolescents with both loneliness and low resilience are more likely to develop anxiety and depression as adults. Health professionals can identify and intervene early, using screening and targeted programs to promote social skills and build resilience.
A new University of Toronto study reveals that over one-third of boys and men know someone who uses steroids, increasing their own intention to use them. The research highlights the importance of targeted prevention efforts considering social environments and identity factors.
A study found a significant increase in adolescent vaping of THC, CBD, and synthetic cannabinoids from 2021 to 2023. The prevalence of THC vaping peaked in 2022, while SCs continued to rise, with females having a higher rate of vaping these substances.
Researchers at USF have developed a system that can detect distinct patterns in facial movements linked to emotional expression in children with PTSD. The technology uses de-identified data from video analysis to provide an objective, cost-effective tool for clinicians to identify and track PTSD in children and adolescents.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that structured exercise programs improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in children. The study, involving 38,000 young people across 375 clinical trials, suggests benefits can emerge quickly, even for short periods of time.
A survey study of California adolescents found exposure to e-cigarette or cannabis posts was associated with increased use of these substances. The study suggests that improving social media community guidelines and policy attention may help prevent youth substance use.
This study found that increased screen time in late childhood was associated with more depressive symptoms, likely due to shorter sleep duration. Poor white matter organization during early adolescence may also contribute to this link.
A new study reveals that tweens who use devices in bed and receive notifications are more likely to experience sleep disturbance. Experts recommend keeping screens outside the bedroom, turning off notifications, and avoiding social media before bedtime to promote healthier sleep habits.
A cross-sectional study of 23,000 adolescents found significant racial and ethnic disparities in mental health service use among minority groups. Adolescents from minority groups were less likely to receive mental health visits or psychotropic medications, underscoring the importance of improving access for these populations.
A new study has found that addictive use of social media, but not total screen time, is associated with worse mental health among preteens. The study analyzed data from nearly 4,300 children and found that high or increasingly addictive screen use was linked to increased risk of anxiety, depression, aggression, and suicidal behaviors.
A new study found that extreme weather events worsen resource insecurities and increase risks of sexual and gender-based violence, transactional sex, and menstruation insecurity among refugee youth in Uganda. Climate-related pressures push young women into early marriage and transactional sex to access food.
A study identified distinct trajectories of addictive social media, mobile phone, and video game use in US youths, finding links to increased suicidal ideation and worse mental health outcomes. The research suggests that high or increasing addictive screen use may warrant further clinical evaluation and intervention design.
A cohort study suggests severe neonatal morbidity is a significant risk factor for childhood mortality, highlighting the importance of preventing and identifying early signs of severe conditions. Efforts to reduce mortality through infancy and late adolescence may benefit from targeted prevention strategies.
A recent study found that parental firearm storage methods, such as locking and unloading guns, may not be effective in preventing teens from accessing household firearms. Storing additional firearms securely does not necessarily negate the perceived risk of access if at least one gun remains unlocked.
A study found that teenage girls using multiple products on their faces increase the risk of skin irritation and allergy. The average cost of a daily skin care regimen is $168, with some costing over $500.
Researchers identified biomarkers like uric acid and bile acids as critical regulators of arterial stiffness and inflammation in adolescents with obesity. These findings provide new avenues for early intervention to prevent the progression of vascular stiffness and cardiovascular disease.
Research found that LGBTQ+ adolescents experiencing violence, bullying, or rejection have trouble falling asleep, whereas those with supportive environments sleep better. Gender minority youth who can use restrooms matching their identity also report less sleep struggle.
A recent study by Luiza Cesar Riani Costa and Diene Monique Carlos has provided insights into non-suicidal self-harm among adolescents. The booklet, featuring photographs and experiences of young people, offers a low-cost therapeutic and educational tool to address mental health concerns.
State policies on adolescent social media use have significant limitations, according to research published in The Milbank Quarterly. While there is evidence of negative outcomes from excessive social media use, particularly among vulnerable youth, the current research cannot definitively establish causal effects.
Researchers found that greenspace exposure is associated with widespread patterns of structural brain development during early adolescence, leading to better academic and mental outcomes. This study highlights the importance of integrating natural environments into urban and educational settings.
A new University of Minnesota report shows a continued 30-year decline in MN teen birth rates, with lower chlamydia rates than in decades. The report also emphasizes the importance of addressing social determinants of health and providing accurate sexual health information to all youth.
A new study finds that fathers who ate healthier during their teenage years were more likely to encourage positive food habits in their children. The researchers also discovered that the children of these fathers were significantly more likely to meet dietary recommendations for fruits and vegetables.
A cohort study found that lower-than-recommended lead levels were associated with worse academic grades, suggesting the need to reconsider current blood lead reference values for further interventions. The findings support lowering these values to improve outcomes for children and adolescents.
A new study found that climate change is driving sexual and reproductive health risks among young adolescents in Kenya, with food, water, and sanitation insecurities linked to school dropout, gender-based violence, and early pregnancy.
A new study found that eight times more American young adults now take HIV-prevention medication than a decade ago, but inconsistent use and barriers persist. PrEP can reduce the chances of acquiring HIV by 99%, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers and public health agencies to promote consistent use among high-risk patients.
A recent study published in Medicina found a significant increase in the number of young patients with anorexia nervosa in Japan following the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers analyzed large-scale clinical data and discovered that the incidence of this eating disorder rose sharply during this period.
The Lancet Commission warns that over 1 billion adolescents worldwide face preventable health problems, with inadequate progress in addressing issues like anaemia, mental health, and obesity. The commission emphasizes the need for increased investment in adolescent health and wellbeing initiatives to safeguard the future.
The landmark report highlights poor mental health, rising obesity rates, exposure to violence, and climate change as major challenges for adolescents. The report urges targeted actions, including early intervention and partnerships with young people, to improve their health and wellbeing.
A study found that children exposed to higher levels of air pollution experienced rapid weight gain and higher BMI by age 13, leading to increased insulin resistance in their mid-20s. The study suggests early interventions can help reduce the risk of chronic disease.
A new study reveals that synthetic opioid-involved fatal overdoses among youth aged 15-24 in the US were predominantly caused by fentanyl alone. The rates of overdose deaths involving only fentanyl increased significantly across age, sex, and race/ethnicity, with the highest rates found among males and young adults.
US survivors of adolescence and young adult cancer experience significantly worse mental health outcomes into middle age and older adulthood. Cancer clinicians should acknowledge this mental health burden and take steps to address it.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that combining air pollution, dense urban development, and limited green spaces increases the risk of asthma. In contrast, a more favorable environment can prevent up to 11.6% of asthma cases, suggesting that urban planning can play a crucial role in reducing the disease.
A new study reveals a strong association between viewing muscularity-oriented social media content and muscle dysmorphia among boys and men. Exposure to images of muscular bodies, posts promoting muscle-building supplements, and content featuring steroids increased the risk of muscle dysmorphia.
A new national survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of The Kids Mental Health Foundation, identifies parents' greatest fears for their children around screen time. Parents' top fears include privacy and safety concerns, exposure to misinformation, and not socializing in person.
A new study has discovered a link between delayed puberty and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in boys. According to the research, adolescent boys who experience delayed puberty are 37% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in early adulthood, regardless of their weight or socio-economic status.
A cohort study of 12,480 mother-offspring pairs found that pre-pregnancy obesity, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with increased offspring blood pressure. These risk factors may also promote a faster rate of blood pressure change from age 2 to 18 years.
A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that children born to mothers with obesity, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders have higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The study's findings suggest that early blood pressure interventions could start as early as pregnancy.
A study published in Contemporary Economic Policy found that adoption of vertical identification laws has not reduced teenage drinking and smoking. The analysis of 1991-2019 data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveys revealed no statistically significant or economically important effect on these behaviors.
This study finds that teen drivers in older vehicles are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes, highlighting the need for safer vehicles. The study's authors stress the importance of ensuring teens drive newer vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance technologies.
A study found that losing a parent increases the risk of bullying among female children, adolescents, and those in rural areas. The researchers hope this data informs tailored support for bereaved youth. Effective interventions should address emotional and social dimensions of support, fostering inclusive environments.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas has developed a new pilot program called 'YES YOU CAN!' focusing on brain plasticity and comprehensive support for children, teens, parents, and counselors. The initiative aims to promote well-being and provide access to expert care through virtual and in-person methods.
A new study reports a substantial increase in mental health and neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses among publicly insured children between 2010-19. The percentage of diagnoses rose from 10.7% to 16.5%, with a significant increase observed even before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that adolescents with mental health conditions spend an average of 50 minutes extra on social media each day compared to their peers. They also report higher levels of social comparison, mood changes due to online feedback, and lower self-control over time spent on platforms.
A study published in Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that adolescents who are more physically active have a lower risk of developing depression symptoms. The research followed 873 participants from age 6 to 18 and found that physical activity protected against depression symptoms in adolescence.
A new study finds that Medicaid unwinding disrupted kids' and young adults' access to chronic disease medication, particularly for those living in states with the largest drops in Medicaid enrollment. The disruptions led to increased use of private insurance or cash for prescriptions, exacerbating health issues.
A cross-sectional study finds a doubling in nicotine pouch past-30-day use and an increase in pouch plus e-cigarette dual use, leading to decreased exclusive e-cigarette use among US 10th and 12th graders. Prioritizing surveillance, regulation, and prevention strategies is crucial for addressing pediatric nicotine pouch use.
A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reveals that childhood trauma significantly increases the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, including harmful alcohol consumption, smoking, and illicit drug use. The research also found an unexpected connection between trauma and cardiovascular health, wit...
Researchers analyzed data from over 35,000 young people to capture how depression symptoms interact throughout adolescence. The study found that symptom patterns become more stable across age, with individuals more likely to experience persistent depression in adulthood.
The proposed taxonomy identifies patterns of digital media use that could be problematic but warrant further evaluation. The study suggests that these patterns may require remediation to promote healthy adolescent development.
A recent study published in Diabetes Care found that persistently high blood sugar and insulin resistance significantly increased the risk of worsening functional and structural heart damage during adolescence to young adulthood. The study showed a five-fold increase in prediabetes prevalence among adolescents, with females being dispr...
Canadian experts urge protection for children from extreme heat in schools and child care settings, citing health hazards and learning impairments. The call for action highlights the need for climate-resilient infrastructure and warns of amplifying social inequities.
A longitudinal and multi-country study found that parental warmth during childhood and adolescence predicts positive world beliefs, while other experiences have little impact. The study provides insights into human development across diverse cultural contexts.
A study of 50-90 year olds across 29 countries found that middle-aged Americans experience high levels of loneliness, unlike other countries. The reasons for this vary by country, but factors like unemployment, depression, and poor health contribute to the problem.
Research found that adolescents who slept longer performed better at cognitive tests, with those sleeping 7-25 minutes more performing better. The study also found differences in brain volume and structure between the groups.
Long COVID can result in significant health risks for young people, including chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal symptoms, and cardiovascular conditions. Studies found that children with COVID-19 face elevated risks of developing these conditions, even years after the initial infection.
A study found that exposure to traffic-related air pollution in childhood is associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance later in life. Higher BMI growth from early adolescence into young adulthood may partially explain this link.
Researchers found a significant difference in parental support for adolescent consent when the question was framed using "Mature Minor Doctrine" versus describing specific scenarios. The study suggests that clear and detailed information can greatly impact parents' opinions on these issues.
New research found that COVID vaccines significantly reduced the risk of long COVID in children and adolescents. Vaccination was about 95% effective in preventing long COVID in some cohorts, primarily due to its ability to prevent initial infection.
A study published in Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice found significant improvement in depressive symptoms and emotional well-being in adolescents after receiving inpatient psychiatric care. The study highlights the effectiveness of pediatric inpatient psychiatry units in improving mental health outcomes.