Social connection is essential for health; supporting adolescent health and wellbeing

Social connection is essential for health; supporting adolescent health and wellbeing

Author: The BMJ December 15, 2023 Duration: 48:07
In this specially curated three-part podcast series from The BMJ, we explore the importance of community and connection to foster adolescent wellbeing.   The discussion covers athe  wide array of issues young people face, with a particular focus on the unique challenges of adolescence from a social perspective. The episode unpacks the significance of having supportive relationships within families, schools, and communities and the influence of these relationships on the mental and behavioural health outcomes of adolescents.    It also explores the impact of digitalization on adolescent connection, with discussions on how to balance online interactions with offline engagements. Importantly, it highlights the need for further research into understanding digital and social media interactions and their influence on the health and wellbeing of adolescents in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.   Our guests: Ulises Ariel Vélez Gauna, Transmitiendo Diversidad Flavia Bustreo, Fondation Botnar  Richard Dzikunu, YIELD Hub Shelani Palihawadana, Young Experts Tech for Health. Joanna Lai, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEFUnicef) Hosted by Adam Levy Supported by the Fondation Botnar and PMNCH, the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health. Read the full cCollection of articles showing the importance of investing in adolescent wellbeing. 00:04 Introduction to the podcast series 00:36 Understanding adolescence from a social perspective 01:00 The impact of community and connection on adolescents 01:07 Personal experiences: growing up as an LGBT+ teenager 01:38 The role of supportive relationships in adolescents' lives 02:05 The importance of connectedness in adolescence and beyond 03:27 Treating safe spaces for LGBT+ adolescents 05:23 The unique role of community during adolescence 07:02 The impact of political landscape on LGBT+ community 07:54 The importance of community and connectedness: expert opinions 08:56 The interconnection of social, health, and educational well-being 12:14 The role of digital technology in adolescents' lives 16:56 The importance of investing in adolescents' well-being 43:18 The role of schools in fostering connectedness 45:41 Conclusion: personal reflections on connectedness

Produced by The BMJ, this weekly audio series delves into the pivotal research and urgent clinical debates shaping modern medicine. Each episode moves beyond the published page, bringing together the authors, critics, and practitioners directly involved to dissect a new study or a pressing health question. The conversation is rigorous and nuanced, designed for those who appreciate the complexity behind headlines. You’ll hear unscripted discussion about methodology, implications for practice, and the occasional healthy disagreement that drives science forward. This isn't just a summary of the latest findings; it's a critical appraisal in real time, offering listeners a front-row seat to the evolving discourse that defines evidence-based care. The Medicine and Science from The BMJ podcast serves as an essential audio companion for clinicians, academics, and anyone keen to understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind medical news. It transforms the latest evidence from the journal into an accessible, thought-provoking dialogue, ensuring that busy professionals can stay deeply informed. Tune in for a direct, intelligent, and often surprising take on the science that matters most.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

Medicine and Science from The BMJ
Podcast Episodes
Climate, “car spreading”, and conflict [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:12
It’s the BMJ’s annual climate issue - and in this episode, we’ll be hearing about more ways in which climate mitigation is good for health. Firstly, climate change is fuelling conflict, and exacerbating the impact it has…
Doctors against the far right [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:11
Far right rallies have been held across the UK, culminating in a large parade in London where Elon Musk spoke. At the same time, politicians from across the political spectrum are following the talking points of far righ…
Doctors still have questions about the UK's assisted dying bill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:05
In today’s episode: Assisted Dying moves closer to becoming UK law. The proposed legislation to allow people to end their own lives has moved through a second debate in the House of Lords. What do MPs and doctors think o…
Starvation in Gaza is a multi-generational disaster [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:45
In today’s episode: Rethinking how we measure the harm caused by the arms industry The life long, and multigenerational, impact of starvation in Gaza What is the appropriate focus on prevention in general practice? The B…
CRISPR, stemcell banking,  and a football world cup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:16
CRISPR technology has revolutionised biological research, and for the first time it’s out of the lab and into the NHS, as NICE has approved its use as cost effective. Kenneth Charles, senior lecturer in haematology at th…
The pitfalls of home test kits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:58
If you’ve been in a high street pharmacy or supermarket recently, chances are you’ll have seen home test kits for all sorts of indications; blood sugar level, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid function, and even some forms o…
The Future for Physician Associates? | Prof. Gillian Leng [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:53
Professor Gillian Leng, President of the Royal Society of Medicine was asked to carry out an independent review into the role of physician and anaesthetic associates. She sits down with Kamran Abbasi, editor in chief of…
NHS 10 year plan dissected [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:26
This week we’re focusing on the NHS. On the 3rd of July the UK’s Prime Minister, Kier Starmer finally announced the NHS’ 10 year plan. His Labour government laid out a vision for where the healthcare service should head…