Adolescents who smoke or vape may believe tobacco’s perceived coping benefits outweigh accepted health risks

Public health messaging focused solely on the health risks related to using tobacco products misses the mark with some teens.

Lesia M. Ruglass, Associate Professor of Psychology, City College of New York • conversation
June 12, 2025 ~7 min

Teens of any age who drink alcohol with their parents’ permission drink more as young adults, new research shows

Many parents think that drinking at home is a safe way to teach teenagers about alcohol, but research suggests this is not true.

Bernard Pereda, Doctoral Student in Psychoolgy, University at Buffalo • conversation
May 20, 2025 ~5 min


Adolescents with mental health conditions use social media differently than their peers, study suggests

One of the first studies in this area to use clinical-level diagnoses reveals a range of differences between young people with and without mental health

Cambridge University News • cambridge
May 5, 2025 ~9 min

Adolescents who sleep longer perform better at cognitive tasks

Adolescents who sleep for longer – and from an earlier bedtime – than their peers tend to have improved brain function and perform better at cognitive tests,

Cambridge University News • cambridge
April 22, 2025 ~6 min

Pornography may be commonplace, but a growing body of research shows it causes lasting harm to the brain and relationships

‘Problematic’ pornography use has been linked to an array of health and relational issues – and more young people than ever are being exposed at early ages.

Danielle Sukenik, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
April 11, 2025 ~9 min

Trump’s first term polarized teens’ views on racism and inequality

A social scientist tracking adolescents’ beliefs and behaviors over time was uniquely positioned to document changes in teens’ worldviews after Trump’s 2016 election.

Laura Wray-Lake, Professor of Social Welfare, University of California, Los Angeles • conversation
March 17, 2025 ~8 min

Cambridge leads governmental project to understand impact of smartphones and social media on young people

Cambridge researchers are leading the first phase of a new research project that will lay the groundwork for future studies into the impact on children of

Cambridge University News • cambridge
Jan. 16, 2025 ~5 min

The ‘choking game’ and other challenges amplified by social media can come with deadly consequences

Although these activities have been around for decades, there are signs that some are making a comeback.

Paige Williams, Doctoral student in Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University • conversation
Dec. 20, 2024 ~8 min


Time alone heightens ‘threat alert’ in teenagers – even when connecting on social media

Scientists say the findings might shed light on the link between loneliness and mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, which are on the rise in

Cambridge University News • cambridge
Nov. 13, 2024 ~6 min

When and why do girls start forming cliques?

Belonging to a group can make you feel safe and supported. But there can be downsides, too.

Hannah L. Schacter, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Wayne State University • conversation
Oct. 7, 2024 ~6 min

/

6