Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
Researchers have developed a mindfulness therapy tailored to teenagers to combat increasing levels of depression and mental health problems. The ATTEND programme teaches participants to manage negative thought patterns and focus on the present moment, offering a family-centred approach to tackling depression.
A new large study from Zambia found that two years of financial support combined with comprehensive sexuality education and community dialogue meetings moderately reduced births during the support period. Longer-term efforts to make high school more affordable are likely to be important to keep girls in school and reduce adolescent pre...
A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that teenagers often make suboptimal choices due to limited cognitive resources. As they grow older, these 'noisy' decisions decrease and are replaced by more sophisticated choice behaviors. This improvement is linked to increased performance across learning tasks.
This study found that adolescents who used cannabis exhibited unique metabolomic patterns associated with psychotic-like experiences, including variations in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. In contrast, non-users showed correlations between inflammatory metabolic changes and hallucinations.
Continuous Medicaid enrollment is associated with a lower rate of late-stage lymphoma diagnosis, but fewer than half of patients are continuously enrolled before diagnosis. The study found that continuous coverage was strongly linked to a lower likelihood of late-stage diagnosis, especially in young adults.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that teenagers become more sensitive to threats after a few hours alone, regardless of digital connection. This increased threat response can lead to anxiety and unease, even in the presence of online interactions.
A new study finds that access to safe, legal abortion is associated with higher college graduation rates, better financial stability, and lower poverty levels among women. Women who had an abortion were more likely to experience economic mobility compared to those who became teen parents.
This study reveals prevalent adverse childhood experiences among children, including abuse and neglect, with notable disparities across demographics. Early identification and community interventions can reduce ACEs and mitigate future health consequences.
A new study by University of Arkansas researchers found that school suspensions and expulsions can lead to higher rates of depression through adolescence and into early adulthood. Adolescents who were suspended or expelled showed significantly higher depressive symptoms, which increased over time.
A new study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that children living in areas with a high burden of tuberculosis have a consistently high annual risk of developing TB infection throughout childhood. By age 10, over 10% of children developed TB disease.
The American Pediatric Society recognizes Dr. Maria Trent's outstanding contributions to advancing child and adolescent health, well-being, and equity through quality improvement, advocacy, practice, or research. Her work has forged many collaborations on various facets of adolescent sexual health across multiple disciplines.
A new study suggests that berry-flavored vapes can weaken the lungs' natural defences, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. The research adds to growing evidence on how added flavourings in vaping solutions exacerbate dangers.
A systematic review found that exposure to social media posts depicting ideal muscular male bodies is directly linked to a negative body image and greater odds of resorting to anabolic-androgenic steroid use. Men are also under pressure to be physically strong, which is intrinsically linked to masculinity.
A new study by UCLA Health reveals that standard medical record surveillance methods miss youth with suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, boys, and Black and Hispanic youths. Machine learning algorithms improved detection rates when incorporating additional data from visit notes.
The University of Michigan School of Public Health and Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention will evaluate a community-led, school-based secure firearm storage campaign in Michigan. The study aims to assess the impact on attitudes, norms, and behaviors among adults and prevent adolescent firearm violence.
Researchers at UCLA Health found an association between childhood attention problems and increased psychosis risk, with genetic variants acting as a middleman. The study used data from over 10,000 children to explore the relationship between attention span variability and psychotic-like symptoms.
The study found a significant decrease in the percentage of adolescents reporting current marijuana use, from 23.1% in 2011 to 15.8% in 2021. Marijuana use was most prevalent among 12th graders, with a notable decline in usage rates across all grades.
Research highlights social media's impact on youth mental health, including associations between excessive social media use and suicidal thoughts. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and policy changes to address this growing concern among young people.
A study by Washington State University found that rural adolescents in Washington state generally engage in pro-social firearm-related behaviors, such as hunting and recreation. The study used a mix of qualitative and quantitative research to understand rural youths' interactions with firearms and their perceptions of firearm-related s...
A study led by Graciela Pineyro and Tomas Paus found that cannabis use in adolescence can lead to thinning of the cerebral cortex, affecting communication between neurons. The researchers used a combination of methods to demonstrate THC's impact on brain cells and identified genes associated with cortical thinning.
A study from Queen Mary University of London reveals that nearly half of African pupils with asthma symptoms have undiagnosed cases, highlighting the need for better access to diagnosis and treatment. The research found that only a small percentage of diagnosed pupils were using medication effectively.
A new clinical trial has found that the mpox vaccine is safe and generates an immune response equivalent to adults, providing hope for adolescents affected by the virus. The study's interim results were presented at IDWeek2024 conference in Los Angeles.
A new study highlights the need for educational psychologists to engage with TikTok to address self-diagnosis of mental health and neurodiversity conditions. The platform's vast amount of inaccurate content can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate self-assessment, emphasizing the importance of raising accurate content.
A recent Finnish study found that good physical fitness from childhood is associated with fewer stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence. The study also showed that improving physical fitness can help prevent mental health problems.
Researchers at the University of Calgary found that girls and non-binary youth who experience teen dating violence are at an elevated risk for concussion. The study, published in Journal of Adolescent Health, analyzed data from Canadian Grade 9 and 10 students and found that one in three experienced physical, psychological, and/or cybe...
A new study found that GLP1 receptor agonists reduce the risk of suicidal ideation or attempts in adolescents with obesity. The treatment, compared to lifestyle intervention, showed a favorable psychiatric safety profile and potential avenues for future research.
Scientists studying teenage socializing found that teenaged friendships lay essential foundations for wellbeing in later life. Perceived social acceptance in early adolescence and close friendships in late adolescence predicted adult wellbeing, with lower levels of social anxiety and romantic insecurity. Timing is critical, as self-per...
New research suggests parenting programs that address both mental health and parenting skills can improve children's development. However, these programs often fall short in providing effective mental-health support for parents, who may struggle with depression during the perinatal period.
Researchers investigate how racism affects development during childhood and adolescence, finding significant increases in epigenetic age acceleration. The study suggests that policies and social regularities may perpetuate discrimination against ethnically and racially minoritized adolescents.
A study by UC San Francisco found that more screen time is associated with severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, inattention, and aggression in 9-10 year olds. The effects were small but consistent, with activities like video chatting and playing video games strongly linked to depressive symptoms.
A study by researchers at UCLA found that Black, Hispanic, and American Indian adolescents are more likely to be tested for drugs and alcohol than white adolescents at pediatric trauma centers. The study suggests that clinician biases may contribute to these disparities.
Research from five European countries suggests that migration in adolescence may increase the risk of psychosis in later life. Migrants from racially minoritized backgrounds face an even higher risk of developing psychotic disorders.
Research from Trinity College Dublin found that lower sustained attention in adolescence can predict a larger increase in cigarette and cannabis use by age 23. The study suggests using early biomarkers like sustained attention to identify vulnerable adolescents and guide targeted interventions.
Research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference finds that 30% of adolescents face difficulties accessing menstruation products. The study highlights the need for public health programs and policy changes to ensure youth have access to necessary products, avoiding negative impacts on health and engagement.
As of 2019, over 1.4 million US children have lost a family member to a drug overdose, according to a USC Dornsife study. The trend shows younger children are increasingly affected, with 5-year-olds experiencing loss at the same rate as 10-year-olds 15 years ago.
Researchers analyzed 109 TikTok videos on 'chroming', a trend involving inhalant abuse among teens, revealing permanent markers as the most common item used. The study highlights the risks of chroming, including addiction and death, and calls for social media companies to prevent its spread.
A recent study found that naloxone was successful in improving clinical status in 54.1% of pediatric patients who received the antidote, and one-third received two or more doses. Naloxone administrations occurred most often in home settings, and boys were slightly more likely to receive the treatment.
Research conducted at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health found a link between prediabetes among young people and adverse pregnancy outcomes later in life. The study, which included over 14,000 individuals aged 10-24 years, found that preconception prediabetes was associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes, hyperten...
A Mount Sinai study links prediabetes among young people with a higher likelihood of gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. The findings highlight the need for clear clinical guidance on screening and counseling youth with elevated blood glucose levels.
A new study analyzing 44 years of FBI data reveals that family members are the most common perpetrators of infant and child homicides in the US. The research found a sustained increase in firearm-related homicides among children and adolescents, with Black pediatric victims experiencing disproportionate burdens.
Researchers report significant strides in enhancing early diagnosis of bipolar disorder in adolescents by combining multimodal MRI with behavioral assessments. This approach reveals specific changes in brain networks signaling early-stage bipolar disorder, potentially leading to better and more personalized treatments. The study's find...
A new study found that genetic differences account for 60% of variation in food fussiness at 16 months and 74% by age 13. Environmental factors become more influential in later years.
Prehospital encounters for opioid overdoses increased among US youth from 2018 to 2022, particularly among adolescents aged 12-17, which showed an upward trend both before and during the pandemic. Overall, trends were largely driven by those aged 18-24.
A new study found that patients with 4 or 5 identified risk factors, including age 18-24 years and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, had over 100 times the incidence of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. The data provide a basis for early identification and monitoring of children and youth at elevated risk.
A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health examines the inequities faced by adolescents with multiple marginalized social identities, including assigned sex, gender modality, sexual identity, racial and ethnic identity, access to economic resources, weight status, and mental health. The research suggests that initiatives aim...
A study by FoodLab at Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that 42% of schoolchildren's snacks were sandwiches or pastries, with only 22% meeting health guidelines. The research highlights the need for better food education programs to improve children's diet quality and prevent obesity.
A new NIH-funded study found that children who experienced food insecurity during early childhood or whose mothers experienced it during pregnancy had a higher BMI and increased chance of developing obesity. Researchers explored how neighborhood food access affected child body mass index and obesity over time.
A study reveals discrepancies between preferred and actual sources of contraceptive information among adolescents and young adults. Clinicians are the most commonly preferred source, yet they also pose the largest discrepancy between preference and use. This highlights the importance of clinicians in supporting informed contraceptive d...
A new study by Boston University researchers found that the majority of social media posts from e-cigarette brands left out health warnings, despite a federal requirement to include them. The study used AI to analyze over 2,000 Instagram posts and discovered that only 13% complied with FDA health warning requirements.
Households with teenage children where one or more members smoked or vaped were more likely to relax their vaping ban. Parents who talked about e-cigarettes and vaping with their teens were less likely to drop the ban.
A University of Colorado Boulder study of 10,000 pre-teens found that increased wildfire smoke exposure was linked to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other internalizing symptoms. Repeated high-level exposures had a greater impact on risk than annual averages or maximum levels.
Adolescents with emotional support from friends and relatives were more likely to exhibit prosocial behavior and empathy as they entered young adulthood. Family support predicted youths' helpful actions toward close others, while good friend support led to volunteer work by age 19.
Researchers analyzed ancient human bones to assess puberty stages in 13 Ice Age teens, ages 10-20. Most entered puberty at 13.5 and reached adulthood between 17-22 years old.
A study found that babies who had more diverse social interactions early in life were more likely to let go of stereotypes and adapt to new social situations. This allows them to be more sensitive to the needs of their partners in social interaction, making them better communicators.
A new study finds that excessive social media use is associated with a higher risk of eating disorder symptoms in 9-14-year-olds, including binge eating and distress over weight gain. Problematic screen use may contribute to unhealthy behaviors and addictive tendencies.
A new study found that rural regions in Ontario have significantly higher rates of eating disorders among adolescents and young adults. The researchers suggest that stigma and socio-cultural dynamics may contribute to these disparities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as telehealth services.
Research found that smoking before 18 significantly increases the risk of developing respiratory symptoms like wheezing and phlegm by age 28. Smoking more cigarettes overall raises the risk even further. The study highlights the importance of preventing young people from starting to smoke.
A UW study found that COVID-19 lockdowns accelerated brain maturation in adolescents, particularly in females, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and internalizing problems. The study suggests that social isolation and lack of normal stress release channels may have exacerbated these effects.
A new study using manifold learning and signal processing techniques identifies a significant correlation between adolescent brain activity and mental health symptoms. The approach, called exogenous PHATE, combines brain activation data with environmental variables to improve detection of existing symptoms and predict future ones.
A recent survey found that phone use at night negatively impacts teenage mental health, particularly among those who have been cyberbullied. Approximately 66% of girls and 58% of boys reported being cyberbullied, with stress levels in the moderate-to-severe range reported by 38% of girls and 23% of boys.