Three Culpeper teenagers—Andrew Tuggle, Jackson Castro, and Gavin Cain—are hailed as heroes after they rescued a family whose kayaks overturned on Lake Culpeper. The teens, attending golf tryouts, spotted the family in distress, called 911, and swam to help two adults and a 3-year-old boy, all of whom were uninjured.
Four teenagers, two boys (13, 15) and two girls (14, 15), were arrested after assaulting a 60-year-old retail worker in a Sunshine, Melbourne shop during a theft, leaving him in critical condition. The incident follows new Victorian laws to protect retail staff.
Many countries are proposing or implementing social media bans for children and teens, following Australia's lead. Governments cite cyberbullying, addiction, and mental health issues as reasons, while critics raise concerns about privacy and effectiveness. France, the UK, Austria, Denmark, Greece, and others are advancing legislation.
Youth track athletes in the U.S. are achieving unprecedented speeds, a phenomenon dubbed 'trackflation.' This surge is attributed to early specialized training in track clubs, advanced 'super shoes,' private coaching, and competitive national meets, leading to record-breaking performances but also raising concerns about intense pressure and potential doping.
Cases of "sadistic online exploitation," where predators coerce vulnerable teens into producing CSAM, self-harm, or suicide attempts, have surged globally, with NCMEC reporting a 125% increase in 2025. Perpetrators use gaming and social media, often forming online networks, and target children with mental health issues.
Candice Odgers argues against banning social media for teens, citing limited evidence linking it to mental health issues, while Jonathan Haidt supports restrictions, highlighting perceived harms.
US teens are increasingly using AI chatbots like ChatGPT for various purposes, with about half now using them. Evidence suggests these chatbots are becoming a substitute for real-life relationships and showing addiction patterns, mirroring the early days of social media. Experts warn that regulations are lagging behind the rapid advancement of AI technology.
Teens are increasingly using AI chatbots like ChatGPT for various purposes, leading to concerns about addiction and substitution for real-life relationships. Experts warn this mirrors the social media crisis, with regulations lagging behind the rapid advancement of AI technology.
Waymo's autonomous vehicle in California alerted police after cameras allegedly caught two teenagers drinking and firing a toy gun from the car. Waymo remotely guided the robotaxi to a parking lot where police apprehended the teens.
Two 15-year-olds were detained by San Mateo police after engaging in underage drinking and shooting water beads from a Waymo self-driving vehicle. The company remotely pulled the car over into a parking lot and alerted authorities.
The US government is letting a data center regulation expire, CISA urges agencies to fix security bugs rapidly due to AI threats, Meta contractors posed as teens to test rival chatbots, and DOJ lawyers argue xAI is vital for national security. Buying used iPhones and home batteries are also discussed.
Two California teens were detained by police after their Waymo robotaxi stopped and alerted authorities. The teens were reportedly drinking alcohol and shooting Orbeez gel beads from the driverless vehicle, violating Waymo's rules against alcohol use, underage passengers without an adult, and throwing objects from the car.
Meta hired contractors to impersonate teenagers, testing how rival chatbots (e.g., Gemini, ChatGPT) respond to discussions on suicide, sex, and drugs, as revealed by WIRED.
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, 23, has been arrested in Florida, accused of being the "primary conspirator" in an armed robbery and kidnapping incident on February 4, where three teens were held at gunpoint and assaulted. Prosecutors plan to charge him with multiple felonies, carrying a potential life sentence.
New EU data shows young people spend an average of 4.5 hours daily on screens, rising to over 6 hours on weekends. While many find screen time positive, concerns grow over negative impacts like sadness, stress, and difficulty concentrating. This has fueled calls for social media bans for minors, with some countries already implementing or considering such measures.
A curated list of memorable queer characters in cinema, from the unapologetic to the complex, highlighting their impact on representation and storytelling.
Japanese adolescents are reportedly using AI to plan criminal acts, including a serious assault in Hachioji involving a high school student and five girls. Experts warn of a disturbing trend where teens rely on AI instead of their own judgment.
The author reflects on her teenage viral video experience and contrasts it with later instances of intense online hate directed at young girls, highlighting the evolving and often damaging impact of the internet on adolescent self-expression and digital history.
Bans on social media for teens often backfire, pushing them to less secure platforms via VPNs and anonymous accounts. Experts argue that digital literacy, trust, and family accountability are more effective than restrictions, which can create a false sense of security for adults.
A 25-year-old Florida man, Samir Mukovic, was arrested for allegedly hosting a house party with around 30 underage attendees, where alcohol and drugs were found in plain view. Police responded to reports of a fight and possible drug presence, leading to the discovery of the party.
UK teens express frustration over a new policy banning under-16s from social media, arguing it could stifle creative talent and career opportunities. While proponents cite child safety, young users highlight social media's role in self-expression, community building, and career development.
UK teens express frustration over a new policy banning under-16s from social media, arguing it could stifle creative talent and career opportunities. While proponents cite child safety, young users highlight the platforms' role in discovery, community building, and income generation.
Toronto police have linked dozens of shootings, including one at the US consulate, to a gun-for-hire network recruiting young people via encrypted apps. A police officer was killed during a raid related to the shootings. Investigators are working with the FBI to identify those orchestrating the violence.
Toronto police have linked dozens of shootings, including an attack on the US consulate, to a "multilayered" gun-for-hire network. Young people are recruited via encrypted apps and paid to film attacks. A police officer was killed during a raid linked to the shootings.
