Teens News

Friends' parents sway teen habits

Everyone knows teen behavior is highly influenced by their friends, but a new study finds even a friend's parents can influence whether or not a teen drinks alcohol or uses drugs.

IV drips for students

Students in central China have resorted to classroom intravenous drips as a study aid to prepare for the nation's notoriously difficult college entrance exams,

1 in 8 teens misuses painkillers

One in eight older teens has used opioid painkillers when they weren't prescribed – and many of them start misusing the medications earlier than assumed, according to new research.

Teen Expert FAQs

Adolescence can be a minefield, but the Teen Expert is here so you don't have to navigate it alone.

Teen sex rife in E Cape schools

More than 70% of grade 11 and 12 pupils who admitted to being sexually active in an Eastern Cape survey do not practise safe sex, it was reported.

Brain networks tied to drug abuse

Why do some teenagers start smoking or experimenting with drugs—while others don't?

Texting endangers teen drivers

A pair of new studies offers insight into young people who use cellphones while driving: one finds that there's no safe position for texting at the wheel.

New challenges face todays teens

A new generation of children that has survived the chief killers of early childhood now faces a host of new dangers as it enters adolescence.

Choking game popular with teens

In a new study, about 6% of grade eight learners admitted they had participated in the "choking game", in which blood and oxygen to the brain are cut off with a rope or belt to produce a euphoric "high".

Weight loss no boost to self-esteem

Weight loss doesn't necessarily lead to a boost in obese teenage girls' self-esteem, according to a new study.