Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
The study reveals that nearly two-thirds of adolescent deaths in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia occurred, despite these regions containing only 42% of the global 10—24-year-old population. Traffic accidents and violence were among the leading causes of death, with more than half of all deaths due to injuries or violence.
In Canada, contraband cigarettes are a significant concern among adolescent daily smokers, accounting for 17% of total consumption. The study found that cigarettes from First Nations reserves were particularly popular among adolescents, leading to higher smoking levels compared to other brands.
A prevention system implemented in seven states has significantly reduced rates of teen binge drinking, with a notable drop of 37% among eighth-grade students. The system also led to lower levels of alcohol and smokeless tobacco use and fewer delinquent behaviors.
A 12-week moderate aerobic exercise program improved insulin sensitivity in both lean and obese sedentary adolescents, increasing fitness without the need for weight loss. The study suggests an aerobic program like this could be a useful tool in preventing obesity-related illnesses.
A study found that parents' influence can significantly impact whether teenagers progress from experimenting with tobacco to becoming daily smokers. Parents who smoke increase their children's chances of smoking, but quitting also sends a strong anti-smoking message.
A new family care model called I-FAST aims to assist families dealing with severe emotional and behavioral issues in their children and adolescents. The model empowers agencies to develop their own home-based treatment protocols, reducing reliance on out-of-home placements and support.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that working too many hours in the wrong environment can lead to teenagers dating older partners, which is associated with riskier sexual behavior and STDs. High self-esteem and low alcohol use can offset the negative effects of excessive work hours.
A new study suggests that adolescents who engage in high-risk activities have more adult-like white matter tracts than their peers. This finding challenges the assumption that delayed brain maturation is the cause of impulsive and dangerous decisions during adolescence.
A new analysis reveals that adolescents and young adults with blood-related cancers have better long-term survival rates than those diagnosed in the 1980s. However, survival rates in this age group are still lower than those seen in younger children and some older adults.
Researchers found that ads for beer, spirits, and alcopops aired more frequently when more teens were watching, with a 7% increase in each 1-percentage-point increase in adolescent viewership. The study suggests that the alcohol industry's voluntary self-monitoring is not effective in reducing adolescent exposure to ads.
A longitudinal study of nearly 400 teens, half of whom were prenatally exposed to cocaine, will investigate the association between prenatal exposure and substance use, sex, and delinquent behaviors. The study aims to understand how environmental factors shape developmental outcomes and inform targeted therapeutic interventions.
Research highlights the negative impact of social stigma on LGBT teens' health, leading to substance use, risky behaviors, and suicidal ideation. Clinicians are called upon to provide high-quality, confidential care to address these disparities.
A five-year study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researcher Dr. Uma Rao found that adolescents with shorter rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep latency are more likely to develop depression. These teens reached the REM stage earlier in their sleep cycles, indicating a greater risk for depression.
Researchers created a mouse model with low kalirin levels that developed schizophrenia symptoms as an adolescent, mimicking human delayed onset. The study suggests stimulating kalirin activity could help alleviate cognitive symptoms, offering new treatment direction.
A recent study by Temple researchers found that heavy drinking is more likely to lead to heavy smoking among adolescents, highlighting the need for a multi-pronged approach to education and intervention. The study's findings emphasize the importance of addressing both topics together to combat this growing health risk.
A study of high school seniors found that most who took opioid medications without a prescription did so for reasons other than pain relief, including relaxation and getting high. Students who used the drugs only for pain relief were less likely to engage in heavy drinking or other substance use.
A school-based program that integrates healthy relationship information into the curriculum appears to reduce adolescent dating violence and increase condom use. The effects of the low-cost intervention are stronger in boys. Rates of physical dating violence were greater in control students than those who participated in the program.
Researchers found specific tendencies and behaviors linked to disordered eating habits among overweight adolescents, including socio-environmental and psychological factors. Strong family relationships are also crucial in preventing disordered eating behaviors, particularly the lack of family connectedness.
Researchers found that adolescents with low social support levels reported higher levels of depression after a suicide bombing in Israel. Social support was a protective factor against depression, with happier adolescents better able to cope with terrorism-related stress.
A new study found that genetic predispositions can be expressed earlier in life through behavioral problems, while environmental influences can modify gene expression. Females may be more susceptible to certain environmental factors, which can encourage or inhibit the expression of genetic traits.
Overweight youth are twice as likely to have overweight friends, according to a USC study that found strong social connections contribute to obesity. Researchers also discovered that overweight girls tend to name more friends but be less popular among their peers.
A study found that girls' brain regions associated with social rewards and motivation responded differently when thinking about being judged by peers, especially those with whom they wanted to interact. This difference was not evident in younger boys.
A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that teenage girls' brains activate more in social emotion circuitry as they age, indicating a shift towards approach rather than avoidance. This may reflect resilience to psychosocial stress among healthy female adolescents.
Researchers found that adolescents show more activity in neural networks tied to social cognition and self-perception when asked about themselves compared to adults. This suggests that adolescent self-appraisals depend heavily on others' opinions, particularly peers.
A new study using brain-mapping techniques confirms young adolescents' sensitivity to social perception. Tweens tend to view themselves in ways influenced by what they believe others think about their abilities and attributes.
A study found that movie smoking exposure is associated with an increased risk of established smoking in both team sport participants and nonparticipants. Team sports participation is linked to a reduced likelihood of youths becoming established smokers.
A study by researchers at Dartmouth College found that exposure to smoking in movies can lead to an increase in smoking among teenagers. The study, published in the July 2009 issue of Pediatrics, suggests that even positive characters who smoke have a stronger influence on youth than previously thought.
A new study finds that laparoscopic gastric banding surgery can improve and even reverse metabolic syndrome in obese adolescents, lowering their risk for future cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The procedure reduces weight, waist circumference, and blood levels of C-reactive protein and other markers of the condition.
A study by University of Minnesota researcher Iris Borowsky found that one in seven adolescents believe they will die before age 35, predicting increased risk-taking behaviors. Those who believed they'd die young were more likely to engage in risky behaviors and have poor health outcomes.
A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that Latino adolescents who maintain strong ties to their native cultures perform better academically and adjust more easily socially. Parents who develop a strong bicultural perspective also have teen children who are less likely to face social problems.
Teenage girls experience increased stress levels, with seven out of ten suffering from stress. To withstand this, girls rely on various sources of strength including emotional support, controlling their daily lives, and engaging in recreational activities.
A UCLA study reveals that adolescents at high risk for schizophrenia show altered brain development, including reduced white matter integrity. This alteration can predict future functional decline and may be key to identifying individuals who need more treatment.
A four-year NIH grant enables researchers to track health behaviors and microorganism changes in 72 adolescent males, ages 14-17. The study aims to identify normal variations and how they influence susceptibility to infections.
Research in the American Sociological Review finds that neighborhood violence plays a role in intergenerational transmission of disadvantage. Family and religious environments also deter delinquent behaviors among teens and young adults.
A study found that young adults decreased their calcium and dairy product intake as they entered their twenties, which can lead to a higher risk of osteoporosis. The researchers suggest that interventions targeting families and adolescents should encourage milk consumption at meals and promote healthy eating habits.
A new study found that laparoscopic gastric banding surgery can significantly improve and even reverse the metabolic syndrome in teenagers, reducing their risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. The procedure resulted in statistically significant decreases in body mass index, waist circumference, and blood levels of inflammation.
Research found that adolescents who get more high-quality sleep have better math scores, while those who experience difficulties waking up tend to perform worse in English. The study suggests that a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for academic success, especially during critical developmental periods.
A study of 320 children found that those who slept less consumed more caffeine, had more screen time, and had a higher body mass index. Reduced sleep duration was also associated with increased symptoms of sleep disorders.
A study by James Gangwisch found that later parental-mandated bedtimes for teens are associated with increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts, likely due to reduced sleep duration. The research suggests that adolescents require more sleep than previously thought, and inadequate sleep can lead to depression.
Concussion experts recommend strict monitoring and activity restrictions for children and teens after a concussion. Cognitive rest is crucial, with limits on academic activities and at-home/social activities like texting, video games, and TV watching to facilitate recovery.
A new study found that 14-year-olds with greater family obligation reported fewer depressive symptoms by 16, suggesting a protective effect against depressive symptoms. This strong family bond may provide teenagers with a sense of security during adolescence and beyond.
Studies examine the impact of family financial stresses, parenting styles, and family obligations on the academic achievement and mental health of Asian-American adolescents. Research highlights the importance of close family ties and authoritative parenting practices in facilitating successful transitions to adopted countries.
A cognitive behavioral program significantly reduced depressive episodes and symptoms among adolescents at risk of depression. The program was effective even when a parent had current depression, but not in the presence of active depression.
A groundbreaking new study is exploring the effectiveness of a high-protein diet in preventing type 2 diabetes in overweight adolescents. The research, funded by the MBF Foundation, will investigate whether a lower-carbohydrate and increased protein diet can delay or prevent the progression to insulin resistance.
Children spend more than 6 hours a day with media, making parental monitoring difficult. Media exposure contributes to various health problems, such as violence, earlier onset of sexual intercourse, smoking initiation, and obesity. Education about media literacy and responsible consumption is crucial.
The University of Missouri's public health program has received a grant to combat human trafficking in rural areas. Faculty and students will work with local organizations to raise awareness, conduct surveillance, and provide resources for victims. The program aims to address human trafficking as a public health concern.
Researchers Halliday and Kwak found strong correlations between adolescent weight gain and friend BMI, but also noted that sorting on BMI contributes to these effects. The study's policy implications focus on school-based interventions to combat obesity.
A nationwide study found a significant decrease in baseball-related injuries among children and adolescents, with emergency department treatments dropping by 25%. The most common injuries were soft tissue injuries, followed by facial and upper extremity injuries, highlighting the importance of injury prevention efforts.
INTUNIV demonstrated significant efficacy in treating ADHD symptoms, particularly in children aged 6-12 years with oppositional behaviors. The study showed improved symptom reduction on various rating scales, including the ADHD Rating Scale-IV and Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement.
A new longitudinal study reveals that fathers respond to their children's risky sexual behavior by increasing supervision and monitoring. Teens who engage in risky sexual activity are more likely to have involved fathers, who show a greater interest in their children's lives.
A family-based prevention program was found to be especially effective in reducing substance use and risk behaviors among young teens with a genetic risk factor. The study showed that the program helped adolescents with the short allele of 5-HTTLPR overcome their predisposition to engage in risky behaviors.
A Finnish study suggests that family and network-oriented, stress-reducing care can improve the overall functioning and mental health of adolescents at risk of developing psychosis. The JERI project provides a multiprofessional, community- and family-focused intervention that reduces stress levels and supports adolescents in their natu...
Research by Florida State University criminologist Kevin M. Beaver found that genetic factors contribute to adolescent victimization, accounting for 40-45% of variance in male and female adolescents. Genetic factors also play a significant role in repeated victimization among adolescents.
Researchers found that increased stress levels in adolescents are associated with a greater likelihood of being overweight or obese. The study also highlights the importance of reducing stress and food insecurity in households to prevent childhood obesity.
A University of Washington study found that black teens are less likely to start smoking as adolescents due to parental guidelines and consequences. Teens who associate with deviant peers are more likely to smoke, regardless of race. Parents can reduce their teen's likelihood of smoking by setting clear guidelines and maintaining a str...
A new UCLA study reveals that traumatic brain injuries in children can lead to persistent cognitive problems, emphasizing the need for targeted treatment and prevention through helmet use and seatbelt safety. The research also found that younger children are disproportionately affected by severe TBI.
A recent study found that nearly one-third of healthy, young black adolescents have an impaired renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which regulates blood pressure. This dysfunction may lead to difficult hypertension in adulthood. Researchers hope to identify youth at risk using genetic mutations linked to hypertensive kidney disease.
A longitudinal study found that children who watched more adult-targeted TV during childhood were more likely to become sexually active earlier in adolescence. The study tracked 754 participants from age 6 to 18 and found a 33% increase in sex among those exposed to adult content over two sample days.
A new study found that sex-typed characteristics, such as kindness and independence, develop differently in girls and boys, with girls exhibiting higher levels of expressive traits and interest in 'feminine' activities, while boys show higher levels of instrumental traits and interest in 'masculine' activities.
A new RAND Corporation study found that school-based drug education programs can have a long-term positive impact on sexual behavior in addition to curbing substance abuse. Young adults who received the training were less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior five to seven years later.