#Teenhealth

A wave of online gambling is sweeping through high schools, with students increasingly drawn to virtual poker tables and digital casinos—a trend raising serious alarms among educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers worldwide. Recent first-hand reporting by the New York Post underscores how students, some as young as 14, are losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars in online poker games, often facilitated by easily accessible gambling apps and weak age verification systems. According to a University of Pennsylvania study cited in the report, 2.9 million adolescents in the United States are involved in gambling, with 580,000 playing online. These numbers spotlight a risky phenomenon not confined to the West but resonating globally, including here in Thailand, where digital platforms are increasingly threading into youths’ social lives and leisure activities (New York Post).

In an era where screens dominate everyday life, recent research has raised alarms about the mental health implications of prolonged screen exposure among teenagers, particularly girls. This concern is highly relevant for Thai families navigating the complexities of a digitally connected world. The study highlighted by Tanya Srivastava emphasizes a concerning link between increased screen time and the rise of depressive symptoms in young girls. As digital activities expand from schoolwork to social media and entertainment platforms, understanding these impacts is vital for the well-being of our youth.

In a chilling reminder of the potential dangers of vaping, a high school cheerleader in Nevada has been left with a life-altering diagnosis after secretly vaping for three years. Seventeen-year-old Brianne Cullen was at cheerleading practice when she suddenly found herself gasping for breath, leading to a diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare and chronic disease often referred to as “popcorn lung.” Her story underscores the growing concern around vaping among teenagers, pushing families and health advocates to urge greater awareness and stricter regulation.

Across households in Thailand, screens are now a constant companion for teenagers. A new study indicates a notable link between longer screen time and depressive symptoms among teen girls, prompting urgent questions for Thai families, educators, and policymakers. The research, highlighted by a senior health researcher, underscores the need for practical actions to safeguard youth well-being in a highly connected era.

While this trend is global, its impact varies by culture and region. In Thailand, high smartphone usage and widespread social media use among teens amplify both opportunities and risks. The findings offer timely guidance for parents and schools seeking balanced digital living that supports mental health and daily functioning.

A teenage cheerleader’s sudden health crisis highlights the hidden dangers of vaping. Seventeen-year-old Brianne Cullen collapsed during cheer practice and was diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare, irreversible lung disease often called “popcorn lung.” Her case underscores growing concern over vaping among youths and reinforces calls for stronger awareness and regulation.

Brianne’s illness began after years of secretly using e-cigarettes, a habit she started at 14 to cope with anxiety. Her mother, Christine Martin, recalls a terrifying phone call in which her daughter could barely speak. At the hospital, doctors explained that inhaling harmful chemicals in vape aerosol can inflame and permanently scar small airways. The condition was first identified among microwave popcorn plant workers exposed to diacetyl and is now linked to various chemicals found in vaping products.