No abstract

Purpose of review With children and adolescents constantly connected to their devices in an ever-changing technological landscape, new and emerging trends in entertainment media have created potential health implications for pediatric patients. The purpose of this review is to provide pediatricians with explanations of specific trends on streaming services, the popular new mobile application TikTok, recent widespread ‘Internet Challenges’ that include pediatric participants, and new technologies. These emerging trends can pose potential harms to the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. Recent findings Recent reports and news articles have discussed popular technological trends and the adverse effects that can occur. Although technology provides access to information and social connection for youth, it also creates platforms where children can be exposed to disturbing content, peer pressure, cyberbullying, and encouragement to participate in activities that could cause potential physical harm or even death. Summary Pediatricians need to be aware of trends to best understand the implications of these technologies, especially in clinical practice. Pediatricians play an important role in educating parents and patients about the risks of these trends, in facilitating conversations about related topics including self-esteem, cyberbullying and peer pressure to promote healthy internet use, and providing necessary resources.

Purpose of reviewThe COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in great and rapid change in our society. Although children are somewhat less likely to get infected or have severe symptoms from COVID-19, they are being adversely affected by this global public health emergency in many direct and indirect ways. This review focuses on the major areas in which children and adolescents are suffering, and how pediatricians can anticipate and optimize child healthcare and support as the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath continues. Recent findingsThis review provides preliminary insights into the physical, psychological, educational, developmental, behavioral, and social health implications of the pandemic on the pediatric population, highlighting both the pandemic's current and potential future impact on children.

Purpose of review With rising rates of chronic noninfectious diseases across the United States thought to be associated with the average American diet, many have adopted alternative diets. Most of these diets promise weight reduction via adherence to strict dietary guidelines, often removing certain types of food. With access to a plethora of information online, it is easy for adolescents to become confused when making dietary decisions. Although these diets promise benefits, it is important to understand common shortcomings and how to overcome them for safe implementation among adolescents. Recent findings This review discusses the theory, implementation, and risks associated with intermittent fasting as well as vegetarian, vegan, ketogenic, Atkins, Paleolithic, and Mediterranean diets. These considerations are further modified for pediatric populations with a focus on the social influences on dieting. Summary Although these diets may be promising, successful adherence to them requires addressing possible shortcomings associated with a certain diet. Pediatricians should be aware of how these dietary strategies may be properly implemented in order to prevent any harm to the patient. Empowering the patient and their families through informational resources is recommended. Pediatricians should also discuss motivations underlying their patient's dietary changes in order to determine whether these motivations are healthy.