Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A serial cross-sectional study found that legalization of cannabis edibles and extracts was associated with an increase in edible cannabis use, cannabis smoking, and overall cannabis use among adolescents. The study highlights the need for stricter policy measures to curb adolescents' access to cannabis edibles and extracts.
A recent study in Ghana highlights key factors influencing maternal nutrition and infant feeding practices, revealing food insecurity and economic constraints as significant challenges. The study emphasizes the importance of creating tailored nutrition education programs that address the specific needs of young mothers.
A new study suggests that CT scans could account for 5% of all cancer cases each year, primarily due to radiation exposure. The largest risk is among infants, followed by children and adolescents. To mitigate this risk, reducing the number of scans and doses per scan can help save lives.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that teenagers who exercise regularly with their families are more likely to meet activity guidelines and report stronger mental health. The research showed that daily family exercise can lead to improved physical and mental well-being in teens, building strong bonds and confidence.
A new study by the University of California, Berkeley, found that self-harm rates among California teens have increased significantly, particularly among multiracial girls. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from 2005 to 2021 and revealed a nearly 75% increase in self-harm rates among multiracial adolescents since 2...
The new guideline prioritizes health and quality of life for children and adolescents with obesity, focusing on outcomes such as mental health and cardiovascular risk factors. It recommends a combination of interventions, including nutritional, physical activity, and psychological support, to help manage obesity.
Research found a significant increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among English adolescents, from 22% to 33% between 2008-2010 and 2021-2023. Adolescents living with these conditions are at higher risk for developing comorbidities, including mental health issues, physical problems, and cardiometabolic diseases.
A large US cohort study found SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with adverse postacute kidney outcomes in children and adolescents, especially those with chronic or acute kidney disease. Long-term monitoring is recommended for these patients.
This cohort study examines associations between childhood neighborhood factors and adolescent mental health, highlighting air pollution's impact on young children. The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive interventions in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
A large-scale program in Turkey reduced disciplinary problems and improved academic achievement among disadvantaged middle school students. The program's success was attributed to buy-in from challenging adolescents who crave status and social recognition.
Researchers from Yale University found that participation in faith-based or community-based extracurricular activities can increase U.S. adolescents' awareness of the dangers of binge drinking. The study suggests that these types of activities could play a crucial role in preventing excessive alcohol consumption among young people.
Rutgers Health researchers found that two-thirds of adolescent girls aged 13-17 live in states with abortion bans, restrictive gestational limits, or parental involvement requirements. This leaves them disproportionately impacted without access to abortion care.
A new study found that young vapers who begin using e-cigarettes after graduating from high school tend to progress rapidly to frequent use, reaching it in about one year. This 'late initiation/rapid progression' group showed swift increases in vaping frequency and e-cigarette dependence compared to other groups.
A new study finds that increased screen time in teen girls leads to deteriorated sleep quality, with poor sleep mediating the association between screen time and depressive symptoms. Screen time also disrupts multiple aspects of the human sleep-wake cycle.
A new study found that children exposed to higher levels of air pollution have weaker connections between key brain regions, potentially disrupting normal brain network development. The associations persist throughout adolescence, suggesting persistent disruptions in brain function.
A study by UPF and UOC found that girls who use Instagram and TikTok have a more negative perception of the impact on their psychological well-being than boys. Girls tend to feel more observed and pressured by their outward image and require more external positive feedback.
A new report calls for the integration of play into children's healthcare, highlighting its benefits in reducing stress, anxiety, and improving psychological health. The study synthesizes evidence from over 120 studies and suggests that embedding play in healthcare settings could improve long-term outcomes for children.
Daily electronic screen use is associated with approximately 50 minutes less sleep per week and later bedtimes in adults. The findings suggest that these disruptions are not limited to children and adolescents, particularly among those with evening chronotypes.
A new study finds that firearm homicide rates rose faster among youth than adults during the second half of the pandemic, with adolescent age groups showing no sign of decreasing. Gun violence prevention programs for school-aged children are urgently needed to address this persistent rise in firearm homicide rates.
Many teenagers enter adulthood with significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and emerging adulthood is a key time to address these risks. Interventions such as health practices, lifestyle changes, and improved access to healthcare can help reduce the risk of developing future cardiovascular disease.
A UK study found that children of obese mothers are more likely to become obese adults, suggesting that societal and early-life factors play a significant role in obesity. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 people born in the same week in 1958 and found that these early life factors persisted through adulthood.
Researchers found that adolescents with higher risk for depression had lower levels of neuroprotective compounds, while inflammation-driven neurotoxic chemicals were more prevalent in females. This study suggests an imbalance in the kynurenine pathway may contribute to the higher incidence of depression among teenage girls.
Childhood tuberculosis cases in the EU/EEA have increased by 26% over the past three years, with young children under 15 accounting for 4.3% of all TB cases. The rise in pediatric TB has raised concerns about incomplete treatment, drug-resistant TB, and further transmission.
A study by Tampere University found that childhood brain injuries, including mild concussions, can lead to lower educational attainment in adulthood. Researchers compared individuals with brain injuries to those with limb fractures and found significant differences in educational outcomes over a 20-year period.
Groundbreaking research from the University of South Australia shows that any form of exercise can significantly boost brain function and memory across children, adults, and older adults. Regular exercise improves general cognition, memory, and executive function in both healthy individuals and those with clinical conditions.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports a rise in tuberculosis cases among children and adolescents in the EU/EEA, with a slight increase in the notification rate from 2.0 to 2.5 per 100,000 population. The highest proportion of paediatric TB was observed in children aged 1 to 4 years old.
A study found that African American youth who sought parental advice and received elaborate cognitive restructuring guidance had more positive social appraisals. Practitioners can equip parents with tools to enhance their parenting strategies and provide supportive guidance.
Researchers found that digital games effective in reducing drinking, smoking, and illicit drug use among adolescents when personalized to individual players, had social components, and included content encouraging behavior change.
Research highlights how social media expectations and visual content contribute to digital stress and friendships conflicts. Disappointment from unmet expectations is a stronger predictor of conflict than constant availability pressure. Setting boundaries and managing notifications can help reduce misunderstandings.
A new approach has been tested, bringing together child health services, specialist care, and the municipality, resulting in faster support for young children with autism. The average age at which children are diagnosed with autism has fallen from three years and eight months to two years and seven months.
A 22-year study analyzing US youth data found that most adolescents decreased risky behavior, including substance use and violence, while reporting no signs of depression. However, a small proportion reported increased mental health concerns, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and treatment efforts.
A new study reveals that climate change is having a severe impact on adolescent mental health in southern Madagascar, with high levels of anxiety, depression, and sense of hopelessness reported. The research highlights the need for mental health supports to be built into climate adaptation efforts to help young people facing an uncerta...
A new study has found that teenage girls in London experience higher levels of depression than their Tokyo counterparts, with the gap doubling to twice as large by age 16. The research also suggests that social influences and cultural contexts play a significant role in shaping mental health outcomes.
A machine learning model developed by a team of researchers from Washington University in St. Louis can accurately predict which adolescents with HIV are at risk of nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy. The model incorporates socio-behavioral and economic factors, including economic stability, education, and family structure.
Researchers developed a new therapy that teaches patients to tolerate stomach and body discomfort, improving functional brain deficits linked to visceral disgust. The study showed improved outcomes for adolescents with low-weight eating disorders compared to traditional family-based treatment.
Researchers found that exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) stored in body fat leads to disruptions in lipid metabolism and altered prostaglandin pathways, contributing to long-term higher blood pressure in adolescents. POPs diminish the beneficial effect of bariatric surgery on improved blood pressure.
A recent study led by Emily Hackworth and colleagues found that youth with internalizing mental health symptoms are more likely to turn to nicotine products. The analysis showed a strong association between non-combustible product use, including e-cigarettes, and poor mental health among adolescents.
A new dataset captures over 170 years of US state laws governing minors' legal capacity to independently consent to sexual health services without parental involvement. This increase in states allowing minors to consent has substantial limitations, including complexity and neglect of confidentiality concerns.
A USC study found proteins and pathways involved in inflammation are associated with changes in bone mineral density (BMD) over time. The research identified potential biomarkers that could serve as early indicators of a person's risk for bone health issues later in life.
A new NIH study funded by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program found that teens with strong, high-quality friendships tend to have better mental health. The study suggests that emphasizing ways to bolster the quality of their social relationships could help address the current youth mental health crisis.
A new study published in PLOS One found that adolescent boys who experience violence are at a significantly increased risk of perpetrating physical and sexual intimate partner violence. The research collected real-time data over mobile phones and revealed that these boys have up to 8 times the odds of committing such acts on the same day.
A longitudinal study found that neural changes in teenagers' brain networks for reward processing and executive functioning improve with age. The researchers discovered changes in the strength of communication between brain regions as people aged, associated with improved reward-related decision-making and executive function.
A Finnish study found that excessive screen time is linked to higher levels of stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence. Promoting physical activity from childhood may help safeguard mental health, with balanced habits crucial for prevention.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's 2025 Scientific Sessions found a link between insomnia, poor sleep duration, and elevated blood pressure in teenagers. The study suggests that addressing sleep health is crucial for heart health in adolescents.
Research by University of Zurich reveals African young adults prioritize communal values over individual exploration in transition to adulthood. Education and family support are key factors in achieving full adult status, as seen in the study on Ovambo people of Namibia.
Researchers found that brain connectivity related to cognitive control predicted substance use initiation, while cognitive control behavior did not. Stronger connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was associated with delayed substance use onset.
Children of primary school age demonstrate highest learning performance in associative learning, outperforming adults and adolescents. Repeated exposure to learned material enhances learning performance across age groups.
A survey of 200 UK teachers found that 76% of secondary school teachers and 60% of primary school teachers are extremely concerned about the influence of online misogyny on their students. The study reveals that male students often reflect misogynistic ideas, while female students face victims of misogyny in schools.
A new longitudinal study from Florida Atlantic University finds that students who exhibit off-putting behaviors are at elevated risk of antagonizing others and becoming involved in enemy relationships. Emotional reactivity and poor school performance are also strong predictors of later participation in an enemy relationship.
A new study uses advanced lung MRI to detect regional blood flow abnormalities in children and adolescents with long COVID, which may explain persistent symptoms. The researchers found reduced blood flow patterns that correlated with fatigue symptom severity, suggesting a possible biological basis for ongoing symptoms.
Researchers found that negative early life experiences can lead to delayed brain development in adolescents, increasing vulnerability to mental health disorders. The study suggests brain connectivity rather than cognitive control behavior is a stronger predictor of future substance use.
A study of over 3,600 adolescents found that spending more than 3 hours a day engaged in sedentary behaviors increases the risk of psychological distress. In contrast, moderate screen exposure invested in educational activities was linked to less psychological distress.
Heavy screen use, particularly social media and video games, is associated with an increased risk of developing manic symptoms in U.S. preteens. The study found that prolonged screen time can lead to behaviors characteristic of bipolar-spectrum disorders, including inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep needs, and impulsivity.
A new review of clinical trials found that single-session interventions can significantly improve mental health outcomes for both youth and adults, with 83% reporting positive effects. The approach is poised to fill gaps in the mental health care system, particularly for digital, self-guided therapies.
A Canadian study of over 2,500 adolescents and young adults found that supplement users are more likely to experience muscle dysmorphia. The study suggests a potential link between muscle-building supplement use and the development of this condition.
The Childhood Obesity Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment Toolkit provides healthcare providers with practical guidance for preventing, evaluating, and treating childhood obesity. The toolkit is grounded in scientific evidence and offers actionable treatment approaches for children and adolescents dealing with overweight and obesity.
A new programme called 'I CAN' has been shown to increase grit and self-efficacy among 15-year-old boys, leading to improved confidence and a mindset focused on success. Although the programme also yielded small increases for girls, the results were not significant.
Researchers found that teens with obesity consumed more calories in the late afternoon and early evening compared to their peers of healthy weight. The study, published in PNAS, demonstrates that the body's biological clock directly impacts food intake throughout the day.
Researchers discovered that adolescents with higher body mass indexes consumed more calories later in the day than their peers of healthy weight. The study controlled for environmental and behavioral influences to isolate the role of the circadian system in shaping eating patterns.
Researchers found two patterns of irregular sleep schedules that can increase cardiac risk in adolescents. Maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle may protect them from future adverse cardiac outcomes.