Targeting kids with a weight loss app could perpetuate body image issues and lead to disordered eating. Yes, childhood obesity is a problem – but we must tread carefully when delivering solutions.
Comprensive sexual education curricula in school are essential – to teach youth how to be responsible digital citizens and to keep them safe.
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Youth who are sexting are four times more likely to be having sex. They are five times more likely to have had multiple sexual partners and twice as likely not to be using contraception.
Addressing HIV stigma through utilising the Acholi’s own local cultural system is an empowering process that will position the role of the elders back into the community.
Many teenagers who self-harm do so to cope with overwhelming thoughts and emotions.
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In his new book, Teen Brain, David Gillespie suggests anxiety and other problems are on the rise among teenagers due to smartphones and tablets. This could be true, but his claims are overblown.
Research shows that physical activity and avoiding screens before bed are both strategies to protect your teenagers’ sleep.
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When teenagers sleep for less than eight hours a night, they are at increased risk of suicide, being overweight, high rates of injury, poor sustained attention and low school grades.
Harnessing adolescents’ readiness to help can be good for them and their communities.
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Teens get a bad rap as selfish, dangerous risk-takers. But neuroscience and psychology research is revising that image: Adolescents are primed to help those around them, with positive benefits for all.
Less recreational screen time is better for children.
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Recalling happy moments could make teenagers more resilient.
Parental role-modelling, encouragement and seeking support from the school can help make the awkward bits of making friends as a teen easier.
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Navigating friendships as a teen can be hard. Parents can help by modelling good behaviour and making sure their teen feels they can talk to them about their friendships.
A good night’s sleep comes down to a comfy place to rest your head.
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Researchers tracked adolescents’ sleep and scanned their brains. As expected, better sleep went with healthy brain development. Unexpected was the importance of one aspect of where teens slept.
Physical violence in dating relationships has decreased over the past decade among youth, but boys are still reporting higher rates of dating violence, according to a recent study.
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Surprisingly, a study of more than 35,000 Canadian adolescents shows that boys report higher rates of dating victimization than girls.
If we could stop the high levels of bullying that adolescents with a disability experience, we could make a big difference to their lives.
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Melissa Kang, University of Technology Sydney and Lena Sanci, The University of Melbourne
The My Health Record brings a unique set of confidentiality concerns for young people under 18. These need to be better addressed to ensure teens don’t forego important health care.
Hyperactivity and inattentiveness doesn’t mean you have ADHD.
Ant Rozetsky
While the study found a link between high rates of digital media use and inattention and hyperactivity, it didn’t find that one caused the other. Nor did it look specifically at clinically diagnosed ADHD.
Women selling farm produce in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
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Obesity and malnutrition now coexist across sub-Saharan Africa thanks to a transition to Western diets. “Gamifying” nutrition programs can help nudge youth towards healthier eating patterns.
Only certain compounds in cannabis are at fault.
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Professor, Canada Research Chair in Determinants of Child Development, Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary
Assistant professor, School of Psychology, Scientist, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa