“The talk” is an effective way to promote safe sex in teens
August 13th 2019Could encouraging parents and teenagers to discuss sex lead to the teenager practicing safe sex in the future? A recent meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of “the talk” on delaying sexual initiation and future safe sexual practices
Riddle me this: The making of a bully
June 14th 2019This month’s Riddle Me This! online quiz explores the study evidence to reveal some unexpected traits, risk factors, and trajectories for these children. Are there common functional skills traits in younger bullies? What does the literature say about the familial linkage of bullying-is it learned at home?
How to identify and treat bullying
Bullying is a preventable health problem that has lasting impacts. Pediatricians need to screen patients for risk factors, empower families with coping skills, and advocate for antibullying resources in their communities.
Two-question teen screening tool predicts future alcohol use, drinking problems
May 1st 2019Adolescents who initially screened as being at highest risk for alcohol problems on a 2-question screen were more likely than their peers to have more drinking days and be at higher risk for alcohol use disorders at 1, 2, and 3 years after the screen, a large study showed. Participants were 12- to 17-year-olds treated for a non–life-threatening injury, illness, or mental health condition in 1 of 16 pediatric emergency departments.
High-nicotine e-cigarettes lead to more smoking and vaping
February 1st 2018Compared with adolescents who use e-cigarettes with relatively low or no nicotine concentrations, those who use e-cigarettes with higher nicotine concentrations are more likely to progress to more frequent and intense combustible cigarette smoking and vaping.