Internships can be beneficial to students or young adults looking to learn about a field from the inside. These internships are typically offered by companies in exchange for school credit or a small stipend. However, emotional abuse and mistreatment of interns is becoming widespread and a series of high-profile class action lawsuits in recent years […]

Zero tolerance policies in schools were first implemented in the 1980s in response to the rise in drugs, smoking, weapons, violence and other disruptions within schools nationwide. The policies were meant to protect the safety of students and staff by calling for the suspension or expulsion of any student who violates a school’s code of […]

Trichotillomania and trichophagia are two related compulsions characterized by the pulling off and eating of hair, respectively. In the past, trichotillomania was believed to be related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), but is now classified as a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB). Other BFRBs include skin picking and nail biting. According to the Trichotillomania Learning Center, […]

Imaginary friends were once thought to be a red flag. These companions take many forms, typically humans, animals or fantasy creatures and can stay with a child for years. Children who developed imaginary friends in past decades were believed to be lonely or lacking social skills. However, in recent years, it has been found that […]

During summer months, teens are out of school and often spend their days at the beach or poolside, soaking up some vitamin D. However, ultraviolet (UV) damage from the sun is harmful to the body, especially if an individual has been drinking alcohol. July is National UV Safety Month, a time to raise awareness on […]

While the effects of bullying on the long-term mental health of children continues to be explored thoroughly, research is now being conducted to determine the long-term effects on the physical health of these individuals. A recent study conducted by King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience found that adults who were bullied as […]

Children often have imaginary friends or immerse themselves in fantasy worlds. These are normal age-appropriate behaviors that can be a healthy part of development. However, when these beliefs become delusions, it may be indicative of an underlying mental health disorder, such as schizophrenia. The onset of schizophrenia is most common from mid-teens to mid-twenties, as […]

Awareness surrounding the dangers of chewing tobacco and snuff, otherwise known as smokeless tobacco, has fallen by the wayside as teens have taken up the habit with the belief it is a healthier alternative to smoking. According to a 2013 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 10 percent of high school […]

Suicide is a leading cause of death in teens and young adults ages 15 to 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falling behind only homicide and accidents. A new report conducted by the Orange County Health Agency, the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the Orange County sheriff-coroner’s office, entitled […]

“Sizzurp,” which was originally introduced into popular culture through references in rap songs and music videos, is a potentially deadly mix of candy, soda and prescription-strength cough syrup. Over-the-counter cough syrups can also be used in these concoctions and produce similar effects when taken in large doses. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, 12 […]