Teens say they can access firearms at home, even when parents lock them up, new research shows

Just one unlocked firearm may undo the protective effect of securing all other firearms in the home.

Rebeccah Sokol, Assistant Professor of Social Work, University of Michigan • conversation
June 10, 2025 ~5 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


Social media design is key to protecting kids online

Policymakers are focusing on restricting teens’ access to social media, but this approach risks cutting them off from its benefits. Making the platforms safer offers an alternative path.

Abdulmalik Alluhidan, Ph.D. student in Computer Science, Vanderbilt University • conversation
March 19, 2025 ~8 min

Teenagers turning to AI companions are redefining love as easy, unconditional and always there

Young people have led makeovers of the concept of love before. But relationships with AI chatbots leave out the compromises and effort of real relationships.

Anna Mae Duane, Professor of English, University of Connecticut • conversation
Feb. 12, 2025 ~9 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

Philly has highest STI rates in the country – improving sex ed in schools and access to at-home testing could lower rates

Syphilis cases have increased 30% among 15- to 24-year-olds in Philadelphia since 2019, while cases of gonorrhea are up 18%. Chlamydia cases have decreased but remain high.

Carlos Mahaffey, Assistant Professor of Public Health, Purdue University • conversation
June 18, 2024 ~9 min

Teens see social media algorithms as accurate reflections of themselves, study finds

Adolescents treat ‘for you’ algorithms as a social mirror and are willing to give up privacy to use it.

Nora McDonald, Assistant Professor of Information Technology, George Mason University • conversation
April 29, 2024 ~9 min

Online child safety laws could help or hurt – 2 pediatricians explain what’s likely to work and what isn’t

Congress is considering bills to protect kids online. Some of what’s in those bills could help, but some elements could be harmful.

Jenny Radesky, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Michigan • conversation
April 4, 2024 ~11 min


Mothers’ dieting habits and self-talk have profound impact on daughters − 2 psychologists explain how to cultivate healthy behaviors and body image

Adopting healthy behaviors and thought patterns around food and nutrition takes time and intentional effort. But it will lead to more lasting change and positive outcomes than quick-fix dieting will.

Ashleigh Gallagher, Senior Lecturer, University of North Carolina – Greensboro • conversation
Feb. 22, 2024 ~10 min

Teens on social media need both protection and privacy – AI could help get the balance right

Social media companies have come under intense pressure to do more to protect teens, but there’s another concern – they could go too far.

Afsaneh Razi, Assistant Professor of Information Science, Drexel University • conversation
Jan. 31, 2024 ~7 min

/

3