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Urgent need to address ‘regulatory void’ for online gambling across sub-Saharan Africa – new study

A new study found that limited information is available on the size of the gambling market, participation, harms, and prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa. The researchers argue that regulation is outdated and ill-equipped for a digital age, with many territories lacking explicit regulation for online gambling.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPublic Health·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 12, 2023

Seasonal changes in adolescent suicide explain controversial ‘13 Reasons Why’ findings

Research by Dan Romer finds that seasonal fluctuations and other factors eliminate the apparent suicide contagion effect reported from the release of '13 Reasons Why'. The study also reveals a decline in adolescent suicide rates during summer months when youths are not in school.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

Children and young people need lessons in building strong relationships to counteract negative role models and “Disneyfied” portrayals of love, experts say

A new study suggests that schools should incorporate relationship education to promote good health and wellbeing. Experts argue that children need to learn how to build and sustain strong partnerships, managing expectations and conflict, to prevent public health problems such as alcohol misuse and poor mental health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2022

Drug used for sleep disorders is linked to higher risk of overdose in teens, young adults

A new study by Rutgers researchers found that young people treated for sleep disorders with benzodiazepines like Xanax may be at a higher risk of overdose. The study examined over 90,000 newly prescribed benzodiazepine patients and found an increased risk of overdose compared to other prescription sleep medications.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 23, 2022

Transgender youth, teens more likely to have sleep disorders

A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that transgender youth are 5.4 times more likely to experience insomnia and three times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea compared to cisgender youth. Gender-affirming therapies may offer a protective effect against worsening sleep health, according to the researchers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

THE LANCET CHILD & ADOL. HEALTH: Study suggests need for improved support for transgender and non-binary young people after hospitalization

A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that hospitalised young people with a gender dysphoria diagnosis were four to five times more likely to experience self-harm or suicide attempts compared to those without the condition. This highlights the need for improved support and care for this vulnerable group.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2022

Lack of computer access linked to poorer mental health in young people during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study by University of Cambridge researchers found that lack of computer access led to poorer mental health among young people during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The team's analysis of data from 1,387 10–15-year-olds revealed that those without access to a computer experienced a more significant increase in Total Difficulties scores.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateNov 13, 2022

Researchers examine rates of skin conditions among urban-living Indigenous children and young people in high-income countries

Urban-living Indigenous children and young people in high-income countries are disproportionately affected by atopic dermatitis and bacterial skin infections, which can lead to serious complications. This systematic review highlights the need for co-designed research with Indigenous communities to address these health inequities.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Dermatology·DateNov 9, 2022

Investigating COVID-19 deaths for children and young people

A new study confirms that COVID-19 deaths among children and young people are rare, with most fatalities occurring in those with severe neurodisability or compromised immune systems. The analysis of detailed data showed that half of COVID-19 deaths occurred within 30 days of infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 8, 2022

The early bird may just get the worm

A new study from the University of Ottawa reveals that morning types tend to have superior verbal ability, contrary to previous research suggesting that evening types have an advantage. The study found that accounting for factors like bedtime and age, morning individuals outperformed their evening counterparts in verbal intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCurrent Research in Behavioral Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 4, 2022

High levels of sweet and fruit-flavour chemicals in ‘tobacco-flavoured’ e-cig liquids

Research found high levels of sweet and fruit-flavour chemicals in 'tobacco-flavoured' e-cigarette liquids, particularly fruity and caramellic flavour chemicals. The study suggests manufacturers are getting around regulations by using these flavour chemicals in products marketed as 'tobacco-flavoured', raising concerns about their safety.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2022

Access to media amplifies negative effects of terrorism on school enrolment in Kenya

New research by Lancaster University and Bocconi University finds that Kenyan parents with access to mass media believe the risk of dying in a terrorist attack is 12 times larger than actual rates. This leads to children being kept out of schools, affecting their education and future earnings.

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of the European Economic Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2022

Prevalence of online sexual offenses against children

A national survey of 2,600 individuals found that many youth have experienced online child sexual abuse, which can be an extension of dating abuse, bullying, or harassment. The study highlights the need for professionals to understand these dynamics when planning prevention and intervention strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 14, 2022

Current FDA oversight of vaping industry likely to have minimal impact

The FDA's warning letters issued in 2020 and 2021 revealed that the regulator is failing to target leading tobacco companies and products most popular among young people. Over 90% of warnings were sent to small online retailers, while flavoured refillable e-cigarette liquids accounted for over 90% of the products cited.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2022

‘Years of life lost’ to unintentional drug overdose in adolescents spikes during pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a significant increase in years of life lost to unintentional drug overdose among adolescents, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl contributing to the rising trend. Researchers found that mortality due to unintentional overdose in adolescents reached an all-time high in 2020.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateSep 13, 2022

Facebook and Instagram addiction in adolescents linked to inequality, international study of 179,000 children suggests

A new study published in Information, Communication and Society journal found a strong link between economic inequality and problematic social media use among adolescents. The research, involving over 179,000 schoolchildren from 40 countries, suggests that new strategies are needed to reduce the impact of deprivation on social media use.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInformation Communication & Society·DateSep 7, 2022

High cholesterol, overweight and reduced physical stamina are long COVID sequelae in young adults

A new study found that young Swiss military personnel with confirmed Covid-19 infections experienced symptoms like fatigue, reduced sense of smell, and psychological problems for up to 180 days. Long-term effects included increased BMI, high cholesterol, and lower physical stamina, suggesting a higher risk of metabolic disorders and ca...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 5, 2022

Study shows how Black male teacher-coaches illustrate civic-focused education

A study by University of Kansas faculty member Daniel Thomas III founds Black male teacher-coaches in predominantly white private schools employ unique civic-oriented practices to counter historical anti-Blackness. They engage students and athletes in social activism, community service, and critical civic engagement.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalTheory & Research in Social Education·TypeCase study·DateAug 25, 2022

New flavored nicotine gums, lozenges, and gummies rank second among nicotine products used by U.S. teens

A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine found that flavored oral nicotine products, such as gum and gummies, are increasingly popular among US teens, with 3.4% having used them at least once and 1.7% in the past six months. The use of these products was more common among Hispanic teens, teen girls, and LGBTQ+ teens.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeSurvey·DateAug 8, 2022

Electronic cigarette use among adults in US

A study of 994,000 US adults found a slight decrease in current e-cigarette use between 2018 and 2020, mainly among young adults aged 18-20. Daily e-cigarette use increased, particularly among those aged 21-24, indicating greater nicotine dependence.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 22, 2022

Proportion of healthy-weight young people trying to shed the pounds in England nearly tripled

The proportion of healthy-weight young people trying to shed pounds in England has nearly tripled from around 1 in 20 to nearly 1 in 7 over 20 years. Reported slimming attempts among all children, particularly those who are overweight and obese, have shot up, surpassing the rise in excess weight gain and service provision.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2022