Earth Day is April 22, and it’s your chance to make a real impact. Simple actions—like using a reusable water bottle, unplugging electronics when not in use, or saying no to plastic bags—can collectively lead to significant environmental benefits.

You‘re not alone in caring about the planet. A recent survey by the National 4-H Council found that 84 percent of teens believe addressing climate change now is crucial for future generations. By adopting sustainable habits like walking or biking instead of driving, recycling properly, and reducing fast-fashion consumption, you can be part of the solution. Remember, every small step you take contributes to a healthier Earth.

If you‘ve been hearing a lot about rising prices, tariffs, or the economy being “uncertain,” you‘re not alone—and even though it might sound like adult stuff, it affects you, too. From the cost of snacks and clothes to saving up for a car or college, money just doesn’t stretch as far as it used to.

That’s why now is a great time to start learning how to budget and manage your money. Knowing how to track your spending, save for goals, and make smart choices can help you feel more in control, even when the economy is unpredictable. These are real-life skills that can make a big difference—starting now and way into your future.

Researchers explored the long-term effects of preschool expansion in Japan in the 1960s, revealing significant reductions in risky behaviors amongst teenagers. By analyzing regional differences in the rollout of the program, the study identified links between early childhood education and lower rates of juvenile violent arrests and teenage pregnancy. The findings suggest that improved noncognitive skills played a key role in mitigating risky behaviors, highlighting the lasting benefits of early-education policies.

For high school seniors, April is when things start to get real. This is the month when many students are making final decisions about their next steps—whether that’s committing to a college, enrolling in a trade school, joining the workforce, or considering the military. It’s a big moment, and it’s important to think through your options carefully.

Whatever path you choose, make sure it aligns with your goals and interests. There’s no one “right”; choice. College isn’t the only option; trade careers are in demand, the job market is full of possibilities, and the military can offer strong benefits and structure. Take the time to explore, ask questions, and choose the direction that feels like the best fit for your future with these tips.

If you’ve been feeling stressed about school, friendships, or just life in general—you’re definitely not alone. A new survey from Pew Research Center shows that both teen guys and girls are under a lot of pressure, especially to get good grades and figure out their future.

Girls often feel pressure to fit in and look a certain way, while guys feel like they’re expected to be tough or great at sports. But underneath it all, most of you care about your future, want real friends, and deal with mental health stuff—even if it shows up in different ways. However you’re feeling, it matters, and you deserve support that actually fits you.

Research has shown that a biological brain mechanism called the 'kynurenine pathway' is imbalanced in adolescents with depression, and this imbalance is more pronounced in teenage girls than boys.

According to the Wall Street Journal, young adults are increasingly falling victim to online scams, especially on social media platforms. Experts say one major reason is FOMO. Young people are more likely to click on enticing but fraudulent links, which can make them more susceptible to phishing attacks. Scammers exploit this by creating fake shopping deals and get-rich-quick schemes, luring people into providing their personal information or money. To protect yourself, experts recommend being careful about responding to unexpected messages, avoiding links from people or companies you don’t recognize, and making sure online deals are legit before clicking or sharing personal information.

Research has tracked depressive symptoms in 7100 young people from Tokyo and London and shown girls have more depressive symptoms than boys in both cities. The study found that this gap is around twice as large in London and the year-on-year rise in depressive symptoms is around four times steeper for teenage girls in London than for teenage girls in Tokyo.

A new Harvard study found that many teens feel pressure to always be productive. Out of 1,500 teens surveyed, more than half felt like they had to get top grades or have their career path figured out already. Some teens said they struggled to find time for things not tied to achievement, while others felt like social media makes it seem like everyone else is doing better than they are.

This constant pressure can lead to burnout, making it harder to stay motivated and enjoy life. To manage stress, it helps to set realistic goals, take breaks, and make time for things you enjoy—whether that’s hanging out with friends, exercising, hobbies, or just relaxing. It’s also important to remember that success looks different for everyone, and you don’t have to have everything figured out right now.

Psychosocial stress during pregnancy could lead to higher blood pressure during the first year postpartum according to new research.

Obesity rates are set to skyrocket, with one in six children and adolescents worldwide forecast to be obese by 2050, according to a new study. But with significant increases predicted within the next five years, the researchers stress urgent action now could turn the tide on the public health crisis.

Measles is one of the more contagious respiratory diseases because it is transmitted through the air. The virus spreads through coughing and sneezing, and the tiny droplets can linger for up to two hours. That means you don’t even have to be near an infected person—just being in the same space where they coughed or sneezed earlier could put you at risk. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. If someone has measles, 9 out of 10 people around them will likely get infected if they’re not already protected.

With measles and flu cases on the rise, it’s a good reminder to be mindful of how easily contagious diseases can spread—especially in places like schools, where people are in close contact every day. Washing your hands often with soap and water, covering your mouth when you cough, and staying home when you’re sick are simple ways to help prevent illness from spreading.

Wyatt Ehrhardt, a high school senior from Middleton, Wisconsin, is the co-founder and CEO of Middleton Meals Matter, a student-run nonprofit that collects and distributes food to people in need. In just seven months, Ehrhardt and his team have collected over 26,000 pounds of food and raised nearly $20,000.

Inspired by his grandfather’s community service, Ehrhardt joined his high school’s Key Club, became president, and expanded it from 100 to 300 members. Now he’s planning to launch Meals Matter International to help other students start similar programs. In an interview with the volunteer organization Points of Light, Ehrhardt encouraged other teens to try volunteering. “You don’t realize how rewarding and great volunteering can be until you start,” he said. “Small actions and small steps can create a huge impact.”

A recent study by Penn State College of Medicine shows that sticking to a regular sleep schedule is important for teens’ heart health. The study, published in the journal SLEEP, found that teens who had irregular sleep patterns—such as varying bedtimes during the school week or staying up late and sleeping in on weekends—had lower heart rate variability (HRV). HRV measures the difference in time between heartbeats, and a lower HRV is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. These findings suggest that maintaining regular sleep and wake times now may help protect you from future heart-related issues.

The causes of obesity are complex and influenced by many factors. While research has highlighted connections between sleep, eating patterns and weight gain, scientists remain uncertain of the role of the circadian system -- the biological clock -- in shaping eating patterns. But a new study reveals a distinct relationship between circadian rhythms, weight and eating habits in adolescents, a vulnerable age group whose eating patterns influence their lifelong health. The study found that adolescents whose weight was classified as 'overweight' or 'obese' consumed more calories later in the day compared to participants with healthy weights.

The U.S. is experiencing its worst flu season in over 15 years, with nearly 8 percent of doctor visits linked to respiratory illnesses and around 50,000 people hospitalized. Flu cases are especially high in 45 states, hitting the South, West, and Southwest the hardest. The latest Canadian respiratory virus surveillance report suggests flu is on the rise in Canada, too. Health experts emphasize the importance of getting a flu shot, even if the flu season is already underway, since it can still help lower your risk of serious illness. They also recommend practicing good hygiene, like washing your hands often, to avoid getting sick.

If you do catch the flu, staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest will help your body recover. Over-the-counter medicines, such as pain relievers, cough suppressants, and cold medicine, can ease symptoms. Doctors also advise staying home while you’re sick to avoid spreading the virus to others.

The recent plane crash near Washington, D.C., has deeply saddened young people across the country. Among the victims were several young figure skaters, along with their parents and coaches, who were returning from a competition. Their sudden passing was met with an outpouring of sadness, as friends, teammates, and supporters expressed their grief and disbelief.

Losing a friend can be overwhelming, especially when it happens unexpectedly. Grief affects everyone differently—some people might feel numb, while others may experience deep sadness, guilt, or even anger. Experts say that talking about your feelings of grief and loss can help. You can reach out to friends, family, or a school counselor for support. There are also free, anonymous, and confidential helplines available to help you through difficult times. You can find more ways to get help on our Hotlines page.

Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, taking more lives than cancer and accidents combined. According to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, key risk factors such as high blood pressure and obesity are increasing at alarming rates. Even though medical advances are helping people live longer with heart conditions, the rising number of these risk factors highlights the urgent need for better ways to prevent and manage heart disease. You can take action now to keep your heart healthy by eating nutritious foods, staying active, and avoiding smoking or vaping, which can help lower your risk of heart disease in the future.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned Red Dye No. 3 in foods, dietary supplements, and medicines like cough syrup. This decision comes about 35 years after the dye was banned in cosmetics because studies showed it caused cancer in lab rats. While there’s no clear proof that Red Dye No. 3 causes cancer in humans, many consumer advocates are happy about the ban. Food companies have until January 2027, and makers of ingestible medicines have until January 2028, to stop using it.

A new study suggests that boosting adolescent mental health is linked with long-term economic benefits. In contrast to similar findings from prior studies, these estimated relationships could be readily incorporated into standard government budgeting analyses for assessing potential policy impacts.