Instagram, under Meta's leadership, has been actively working for years to attract more teenage users despite criticism and legal challenges over safety and addiction concerns, as revealed by internal records and recent actions following lawsuits.
The switch to standard time provides an opportunity to help teens reset their sleep schedules, which is crucial as many teens suffer from sleep deprivation due to biological changes and demanding schedules. Experts suggest maintaining consistent wake times, reducing after-school activities, and advocating for later school start times and year-round standard time to improve adolescent sleep health.
Character.AI will restrict teens from engaging in open-ended chats with its AI characters by November 25, following lawsuits and safety concerns related to mental health and suicide, and will introduce new safety features and age verification tools.
A UCLA study reveals that young people still love movies and TV shows, especially animated content, but prefer relatable stories about friendships and authentic relationships over sexual or fantasy themes, with a significant shift towards watching on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
OpenAI is developing a specialized ChatGPT version for teens, using age-prediction technology to restrict access for under-18s and implementing parental controls to enhance safety and privacy, amid ongoing concerns and regulatory scrutiny over AI's impact on youth.
Parents should start discussing AI with their children early, around elementary school age, to help them understand its benefits, risks, and ethical use. Engaging in joint exploration of AI tools, setting reasonable rules, and emphasizing real-life interactions are key strategies to guide responsible AI use among teens, while also being aware of potential mental health risks.
Two 17-year-olds have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym in Washington, D.C., with a third juvenile suspect still at large. The suspects, identified through video evidence and interviews, have prior violent juvenile records, and prosecutors plan to seek additional charges. The case has sparked criticism of local juvenile justice policies.
Two 17-year-olds have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym in Washington, D.C., with a third suspect still at large; the case highlights issues around juvenile crime prosecution and local policies.
Teens exhibiting 'fawning' behaviors, often mistaken for politeness, are actually stress responses linked to anxiety and a need for approval, which can lead to mental health issues and risky behaviors. Parents should recognize these signs early, validate their feelings, model healthy boundaries, and seek professional support if needed to help teens develop healthier coping mechanisms.
A study suggests that increased screen time and reduced sleep in children and teenagers are associated with higher risks of future heart and metabolic problems, emphasizing the importance of managing screen use and sleep for cardiovascular health.
Australia has expanded its social media ban for teenagers to include YouTube, which was previously exempted, as part of efforts to protect minors from harmful online content.
Research shows that nearly a quarter of teens use dating apps, which are associated with increased depressive symptoms and risky behaviors. Experts warn about the dangers of online predators, manipulation, and the impact on developing social skills, recommending parents discourage teen use of these platforms and promote face-to-face interactions for healthier relationship development.
The article discusses the rising trend of protein supplement use among teens, driven by social media and peer influence, despite most teens already getting sufficient protein from their diets. Experts warn about the potential health risks of excessive protein intake and the lack of regulation in supplement products, which may contribute to the increase in eating disorders among boys. Parents and teens are advised to be cautious and informed about supplement consumption.
A significant number of teens are using protein supplements influenced by social media and peer pressure, but most already get enough protein from their diets. Experts warn about the risks of excessive protein intake, lack of regulation of supplements, and the potential contribution to eating disorders, emphasizing the importance of balanced nutrition and cautious supplement use.
A new CDC report reveals that nearly one-third of adolescents aged 12-17 have prediabetes, highlighting a concerning rise linked to obesity and lifestyle factors, which increases their risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Experts emphasize the importance of early intervention through healthy lifestyle changes and further research to identify which youths are most at risk of progressing to diabetes.