As people around the world hunkered down during the first few weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020 they were forced to find ways to fill their free time. Smartphone scrolling became an easy outlet for many. App companies scrambled to get as many people using their apps as soon as possible. TikTok and its endless variety of short-form video content quickly took center stage. Although it existed
If you’re the parent of a child or teen with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you most likely know a great deal about ADHD treatment in teens. You’ve also most likely had your share of people in your life who suggest alternative treatments for ADHD, or offer explanations about why your teen has ADHD that have nothing to do with evidence, research, or the data collected, and published by mental health experts
We wanted to take a look at the impact of the pandemic on adolescent drug and alcohol use. During 2021, Did Teens Smoke, Drink, and Vape More Than in 2020? In March of 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic swept across the United States, experts on adolescent development issued a series of dire warnings about the potential negative impact of the public health measures enacted in most states, cities, and communities.
Over the past two and a half years, everyone from politicians to public health officials to teachers to family, friends, and peers gave parents of teens an endless stream of free, unsolicited advice. Parents heard from all sides – including dozens of articles on our Parent Tips and Advice page – that the pandemic and related public safety measures would cause an increase in teen depression, teen anxiety, and teen
If you’re a parent who recently discovered your teen has an addiction disorder, the first thing you want to do is find them the help they need. That means you’re probably thinking, “I need to find a drug rehab center for my teenager.” That’s a good idea, and it will put you on the right path, but there’s something else to consider. In the 21st century, we don’t always separate
Stranger Danger in the 21st Century We published an article recently called “Guns, Suicide, and Teens,” in which we talk about a disturbing threat to teenagers – teenage boys in particular – known as “sextortion.” We realize that word sounds like made-up internet slang, but it’s not. It’s used in official press releases by serious government agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), so we know it’s real.
New Evidence on Importance of Early Detection and Intervention for Disorders with Psychotic Features Psychosis is one of the most loaded words in all of mental health. It’s also one of the most misunderstood. That’s why most parents get scared when they hear the word psychosis or psychotic associated with their child or teen. Parents don’t understand what it means, why it’s happening, or if there’s any hope their child
We Believe in You In August of 1994, the U.S. Congress passed a bill called “The Parents’ Day Resolution.” Within two months, President Bill Clinton signed the bill into law. Here’s the text of Public Law 103-62: “The fourth Sunday of every July shall be established as “Parents’ Day” to be recognized as a recurring, perennial day of commemoration. All private citizens, organizations, and governmental and legislative bodies at the
Acne is the Most Common Skin Condition Among Adolescents “When I was 12, I got my first pimple. It was on the right side of my face, about an inch from my nose, right in the middle of my cheek. I noticed it first thing in the morning. It looked horrible. I was mortified. So I poked it, prodded it, squeezed it, did everything to try to make it go
When we think of summer, we don’t usually think of residential treatment for teens. We think of going on family vacations, spending days at the pool, outdoor barbecues, and lounging around watching fireflies during evenings that last forever. And how can we leave out that iconic summer event, 4th of July fireworks celebrations. A couple months filled those kinds of relaxing, warm-weather leisure activities are the goal for most teens.
