Screen time is contributing to chronic sleep deprivation in tweens and teens – a pediatric sleep expert explains how critical sleep is to kids' mental health

Exposure to screens before bedtime can contribute to chronic sleep deprivation, which raises the risk for anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts.

Maida Lynn Chen, Professor of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington • conversation
Aug. 25, 2023 ~10 min

A friend who's more boss than BFF may be harmful for teens' mental health

Friendships are important, but are they always healthy? New research finds that teens who feel dominated by their friends experience lower self-esteem and more symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Alexandra Ehrhardt, Ph.D. Candidate in Psychology, Wayne State University • conversation
March 21, 2023 ~5 min


How to help teen girls’ mental health struggles – 6 research-based strategies for parents, teachers and friends

The mental health of teenagers has grown far worse over the last decade. But a new report shows that, compared with boys, teen girls are disproportionately experiencing sadness and hopelessness.

Meghan K. McCoy, Adjunct Faculty in Psychology and Childhood Studies, Bridgewater State University • conversation
Feb. 23, 2023 ~9 min

How parents can play a key role in the prevention and treatment of teen mental health problems

Nearly 1 in 5 US teenagers battle depression. But parents can help by communicating openly, creating a behavior contract and finding low-pressure opportunities to interact with their teen.

Sarah A. Font, Associate Professor of Sociology and Public Policy, Penn State • conversation
Dec. 1, 2022 ~10 min

How easy access to guns at home contributes to America's youth suicide problem

Youth suicides in the US have increased by around 50% over the past decade – gun availability is a big part of that trend.

Deborah Azrael, Director of Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health • conversation
Aug. 17, 2022 ~6 min

Children are bombarded with violence in the news – here's how to help them cope

The unending stream of violence on news and entertainment programming can have a negative impact on kids of all ages.

Erica Scharrer, Professor of Communication, UMass Amherst • conversation
July 18, 2022 ~9 min

How social media affects children at different ages – and how to protect them

A recent report from Ofcom found children as young as three are watching videos on TikTok.

Daria Kuss, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
April 1, 2022 ~6 min

Cyberbullying among teens: our research shows online abuse and school bullying are often linked

We explored experiences of cyberbullying among young people in the UK. This is what we found.

Maria Ioannou, Reader in Investigative & Forensic Psychology, University of Huddersfield • conversation
Oct. 6, 2021 ~7 min


Kids' grip strength is improving, but other measures of muscle fitness are getting worse

Overall muscle fitness among children and teens hasn’t declined over the past several decades, but by some measures it’s not improving, either.

Justin J. Lang, Adjunct Professor, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa • conversation
July 26, 2021 ~8 min

Teens with secure family relationships 'pay it forward' with empathy for friends

Teenagers develop empathy over time, but those who feel safe and connected with their families may have a head start.

Jessica Stern, Postdoctoral Research Fellow of Psychology, University of Virginia • conversation
July 15, 2021 ~5 min

/

3