Every year, thousands of research studies are published that enhance our understanding of how adolescents overcome obstacles and develop into happy, healthy adults. Unfortunately, this research rarely reaches those who could benefit the most from it—those who support adolescents, such as parents and teachers. In this article, Marilyn Price-Mitchell, PhD highlights five key studies from 2013 that help us to understand, and to formulate new and important questions about teen health. These studies reveal that: (1) communities play a vital role in developing youth; (2) technology has the potential to expand teens’ informal learning; (3) video games can promote positive youth development; (4) video chats between teens have benefits, but also risks; and (5) teens can learn to manage their emotions in effective youth programs.

Psychology Today (06-Jan-2014):
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-moment-youth/201401/studies-teens-challenge-us-keep-learning