- Many children have hard family or community problems.
- A study looked at these children and teens.
- Social support helps children feel safer and cared for.
- Children with little support can feel sad and alone.
- Low support can lead to risky behaviour in teens.
- These risky actions can make health worse.
- Young people with strong support often live longer.
- Friends, family and school staff can give support.
Difficult words
- community — people who live in the same area
- study — research that looks at people or facts
- support — help and care from other peopleSocial support
- risky — likely to cause harm or dangerrisky behaviour, risky actions
- behaviour — what a person does in a situation
- health — the condition of the body and mind
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you feel support from your family or friends?
- Who helps you at school?
- What makes you feel safe?
Related articles
Inequality and Pandemics: Why Science Alone Is Not Enough
Matthew M. Kavanagh says science can detect viruses and make vaccines fast, but rising inequality makes pandemics worse. He proposes debt relief, shared technology, regional manufacturing and stronger social support to stop future crises.
Dopamine helps lock in new skills during sleep
A study from the University of Michigan finds that dopamine neurons become active during NREM sleep soon after a person learns a movement. Their activity, together with sleep spindles, strengthens motor memories and improves skills after sleep.
AI and citizen photos identify Anopheles stephensi in Madagascar
Scientists used AI and a citizen photo from the GLOBE Observer app to identify Anopheles stephensi in Madagascar. The study shows how apps, a 60x lens and a dashboard can help monitor this urban malaria mosquito, but access and awareness limit use.
