Using a national survey of 88,183 adolescents in grades nine to 12, findings show marijuana use declined from 23.1% in 2011 to 15.8% in 2021, with first-time use before age 13 dropping from 8.1% to 4.9%. In 2021, use was highest among 12th graders (22.4%) and 11th graders (18.7%). Notably, in 2021, girls (17.8%) surpassed boys (13.6%) in reported use, reversing previous trends. While Asian, Hispanic, and white adolescents saw significant declines, Black adolescents reported a higher usage rate of 20.5% in 2021, revealing ongoing racial disparities in marijuana use.

As cannabis is legalized and is more accessible in various forms across the country, there is increasing concern among health care providers about potential impact on children. Researchers have new findings to add to the existing evidence that cannabis exposure before birth can negatively impact children.

A new study found a strong association between handheld cellphone use and risky driving behaviors among newly licensed teen drivers. The study used a smartphone telematics application to track the driving habits of hundreds of teens and identify potential safety risks.

A recent study found that good physical fitness from childhood to adolescence is linked to better mental health in adolescence. These results are significant and timely, as mental health problems are currently a major societal challenge, affecting up to 25%--30% of young people. These findings suggest that improving physical fitness from childhood can help prevent mental health problems.

The duration of breastfeeding is shorter than average among mothers with a fear of childbirth -- regardless of the mode of delivery, a new study from Finland shows.

A new article finds that prediabetes before conception may significantly increase the likelihood of gestational diabetes during first pregnancy.

Landmark new research shows Ice Age teens from 25,000 years ago went through similar puberty stages as modern-day adolescents.

New research has found that lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unusually accelerated brain maturation in adolescents. This maturation was more pronounced in females.

Women with higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during pregnancy may experience long-term weight gain and heart problems later in life, according to new research.

Giving probiotics to pregnant mice can enhance both the immune system and behavior of the mothers and their offspring.

Losing someone close, like a family member, can make you age faster. The study found that people who lost a parent, partner, sibling, or child, showed signs of older biological age compared to those who hadn't experienced such losses.

Since 2009, U.S. high school seniors have reported steep declines in medical use, misuse and availability of the three most commonly prescribed and misused controlled substances for teens, a new study found.

New research is shedding new light on the complex issue of drinking and driving among teens and young adults in the U.S.

A new report highlights a troubling trend: while global adolescent fertility rates have significantly declined, sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing an increase in teen births. This region's share of global adolescent births surged from 12 percent in 1950 to 47 percent in 2020 and is projected to reach a clear majority -- a full 67 percent -- by 2035.