Recent large-scale studies show that early and heavy smartphone and social media use are linked to negative effects on teens, including poor sleep, obesity, cognitive decline, and mental health issues, prompting some countries and experts to recommend delaying access and promoting healthier digital habits.
German Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger expressed support for a social media ban for teenagers similar to Australia's, which requires platforms to restrict under-16 users, citing concerns over mental health and safety. Australia is currently the only country with such a ban, but the EU is considering similar measures, inspired by Australia's efforts, with Germany awaiting official recommendations from a government panel expected in 2025.
A tragic murder in the Florida Panhandle involving the death of Danika Troy has led to the arrest of two teenagers after a confession, shocking the local community and prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Alexandr Wang, Meta's 28-year-old billionaire, emphasizes the importance of 'vibe coding'—using AI to generate code through natural language prompts—especially for Gen Alpha, as he believes this skill will be crucial for future superintelligence and economic advantage. He advocates for teenagers to immerse themselves in AI tools now, comparing this moment to the dawn of the PC revolution, to gain a competitive edge in the evolving tech landscape.
A divorced father of two teenage boys emphasizes respecting their privacy and not tracking them via cellphone, contrasting his approach with his ex-wife, who tracks their phones even when they are with him.
Six teenagers were shot outside a venue in East New York, Brooklyn, by two masked gunmen during a celebration, with no arrests made yet as police investigate the incident.
Six teenagers were shot and wounded after a Sweet 16 party in Brooklyn's Cypress Hills neighborhood, with two suspects seen fleeing the scene. The incident, believed to be gang-related, occurred shortly after the party ended, and the victims are in stable condition. The NYPD is investigating the case, which remains active.
A parent seeks advice on co-parenting a highly intelligent 17-year-old who is enrolled in four AP classes but lacks motivation and struggles with completing schoolwork, leading to differing opinions on how to motivate him.
The parents of two Australian teenagers who died after drinking methanol-laced alcohol in Laos have warned others to avoid the country due to safety concerns and lack of investigation into the deaths, highlighting the dangers of methanol poisoning and calling for clearer travel warnings.
Several people, including teenagers aged 15 to 20, were injured in a mass shooting at an Airbnb in Bath Township, Ohio, after a social media-promoted party, with police investigating the suspects responsible.
Nine people were injured in a mass shooting at a birthday party held in an Airbnb rental in Ohio, with the incident highlighting ongoing issues of gun violence and illegal short-term rentals, and prompting responses from local authorities and Airbnb.
A study finds that teens who start using cannabis before age 15 are more likely to use it frequently later and face increased mental and physical health problems in young adulthood, highlighting the risks of early cannabis use on brain development and overall health.
The mother of a 10-year-old girl who died by suicide after being bullied and using her phone at night warns parents about the dangers of nighttime screen use, citing a study linking late-night screen time to increased risk of suicide attempts among teens.
A mother is concerned that her in-laws have been allowing her 15-year-old son to drink beer, which her husband dismisses as harmless based on his own childhood experiences. She insists on strict rules against underage drinking to ensure her son's safety, especially with upcoming driving privileges, and has decided to limit contact with her in-laws until they agree not to let her children drink until they are of legal age.
Two young girls died in Brooklyn while engaging in the dangerous activity of subway surfing, highlighting the ongoing risks and increasing incidents among teenagers, with authorities urging awareness and safety measures.