The use of digital technologies is increasing in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) schools to support futurefocused learning and allow students to gain 21st century skills that can enable them to participate and thrive in a digital future. NZ students have among the highest use of digital technologies in the world, and digital devices present both…

We examined the association between gender discrimination and tobacco use among 725 adolescent girls in the United States. Gender discrimination referred to the interpersonal prejudice individuals experienced because of their gender and included multiple forms (overt, subtle) and sources (teenagers, school personnel, and other important adults).…

The escalating mental health crisis among children and adolescents in the United States has been intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, but its roots trace back to longstanding systemic challenges. Schools, as consistent environments in young people's lives, are uniquely positioned to offer supportive, preventive strategies that address the rising…

The study tested whether deficits in executive function are associated with adolescent risky behavior engagement. At baseline, adolescents (n = 102) aged 12 to 19 years were administered a performance-based measure of executive function and self-report measure of broad-based risky behavior engagement. Additionally, a teacher report for each…

Lifestyle risk behaviours--physical inactivity, poor diet, poor sleep, recreational screen time, and alcohol and tobacco use--collectively known as the "Big 6" emerge during adolescence and significantly contribute to chronic disease development into adulthood. To address this issue, the Health4Life program targeted the Big 6 risk…

Background and Purpose: Sleep is an important determinant of health in adolescence, but many adolescents around the world are sleep-deprived. Compared to children and adults, getting enough sleep is especially challenging for adolescents due to the natural alteration of circadian rhythms that govern sleep-wake cycles. The delayed circadian rhythm…

Background: Social-emotional learning (SEL) and physical activity (PA) are beneficial for adolescent development. This review aims to describe educational programs that promote SEL and PA simultaneously among adolescents. Methods: A search was conducted using electronic databases in 2023 (eg, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ERIC) eliciting 5226…

Digital gaming has broad appeal globally, with a reported 2.7 billion gamers worldwide. There is significant interest in using games to enhance learning, with 'serious games' being included in classrooms to engage adolescents' learning across a range of domains. A systematic scoping review of serious games used for health promotion with…

Background: Sedentarism is uniquely associated with numerous health problems (e.g., obesity). School-age youth spend a considerable portion of their time being sedentary, although relatively little attention has been given to examining youth sedentary time or behaviors during school.Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined…

Background: Among adolescents, the pathway from being offered drugs to engaging in drug use has been established. The prevalence of drug transactions specifically in schools is less understood. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of adolescents who have reported drug transaction experiences (being offered, sold, or given an…

Background: Many schools transitioned online to reduce viral spread and promote social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote learning may impact health behaviors and coping strategies among adolescents, including reduced physical activity and increased screen time. Social media and peers provide information about the pandemic to…

Developmental psychology and brain research can support campus leaders as they work together with students to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on college campuses and in the surrounding communities. This rapid expert consultation presents research-informed habit-promoting and communication strategies to encourage the adoption of behaviors that can…

Background: The adoption of a shortened school week from the traditional 5 to 4 days is increasing nationwide. Budgetary and staffing needs are driving the change, yet research on the effects on students is lacking, especially regarding student health. Our study examined student health in 4 vs 5-day schools in Colorado, a state with one of the…

Over the last decade, cyberbullying has emerged as a public health concern among young people. Cyberbullying refers to intentional harmful behaviors and communication carried out repeatedly using electronic media. Considerable research has demonstrated the detrimental and long-lasting effects of cyberbullying involvement. This article draws on a…

This study examines the point-of-sale marketing practices used to promote electronic cigarettes at stores near schools that serve at-risk youths. One hundred stores selling tobacco products within a half-mile of alternative high schools in Southern California were assessed for this study. Seventy percent of stores in the sample sold electronic…