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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent

@cda-adolescence.bsky.social
219 followers 149 following 175 posts

Working to improve adolescent health, education, and well-being through developmental science: developingadolescent.ucla.edu Newsletter signup 📩 : tinyurl.com/fc3afvm5

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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 3h
Friends and social connections are essential throughout our lives, but they are particularly impactful during #adolescence.👭 In our Fall Research Roundup, we highlight new studies that examine how social experiences affect our development and well-being: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/resource/fal...
Fall Research Roundup from the UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent focused on research highlighting the impact of social experiences and connections during adolescence
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
In a new Plasticity Means Possibility episode, host Adriana Galván speaks w/ Sarah Keating from Girl Scouts about how we can create programs that help youth build agency + relational skills through collaboration, decision-making & experiential learning: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/podcast/yout...
Plasticity Means Possibility: Developing Policy for Developing Brains episode titled, "Youth Decide, Caring Adults Guide," with guest Sarah Keating from Girl Scouts of the USA
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Announcing our new podcast series, Plasticity Means Possibility: Developing Policy for Developing Brains! 🎙🧠 In this series, host Adriana Galván speaks to policymakers & practitioners about science-based policies + programs that help young people thrive: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/podcasts/pla...
Plasticity Means Possibility: Developing Policy for Developing Brains
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
In a new Plasticity Means Possibility podcast episode, host Adriana Galván has a conversation with Sixto Cancel, Founder and CEO of Think of Us, about how we can create policies & programs that help young people build the skills necessary for adulthood: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/podcast/resi...
Plasticity Means Possibility Podcast Episode, "Resilience, Resources, and Pathways for Real Hope"
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
One day left to register for our webinar, Supporting the Development of Relational Skills During the Transition to Adulthood! Join us tomorrow (Oct. 6) @ 10:30 am PT to explore research-based ways we can support adolescents as they build the skills to communicate & connect: zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Supporting the Development of Relational Skills During the Transition to Adulthood Webinar on Tuesday, October 6, at 10:30 am PT
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
What skills do young people need to thrive in adulthood, and what opportunities will help them build these capacities? On October 6 at 10:30 am PT, we are hosting a webinar to discuss key findings and recommendations from our new report on "relational skills." Register now: zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Webinar on October 6 at 10:30 am PT titled: Supporting the Development of Relational Skills for the Transition to Adulthood
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
In our rapidly changing world, what types of skills do young people need to build thriving careers and communities? In our new report, we explore the importance of “relational skills,” the skills that enable us to communicate, collaborate, & connect: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/resource/con...
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
As we grow up, our backgrounds, circumstances, and digital environments can influence who we become friends with. In a new blog post, high school students who attended the 2026 Boot Camp reflect on the complexities of #friendship during #adolescence: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/2026/09/25/f...
developingadolescent.ucla.edu
Friendship During Adolescence - Center for the Developing Adolescent
Students who attended the 2026 UCLA Summer Research Boot Camp reflect on friendship during adolescence, including how social media can affect friendships and how we can encourage cross-ethnic friendsh...
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Why are adolescents more motivated to explore & take risks? In a new blog post, high school students who attended our 2026 Boot Camp share what they learned about adolescent risk-taking + exploration & share ways adults can support this natural behavior: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/2026/09/23/r...
developingadolescent.ucla.edu
Risk-Taking and Exploration during Adolescence - Center for the Developing Adolescent
Risk-Taking and Exploration during Adolescence
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Only one day away from our webinar with Spring Point Partners on Connecting in the Age of AI: Nurturing Adolescent Relationships in a Digital World! Register now using the link below ⬇️
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Reposted by UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent
UC|CSU Collaborative for Neuroscience, Diversity, and Learning @uccsucollab.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Join the free 2026 UC|CSU Collaborative Summit virtually on Saturday, November 7, from 9 AM to noon PT, to explore how inclusive environments and expanded opportunities can support diverse adolescent learners! Register Now: bit.ly/4ApMjjw
THE POWER OF CONNECTION IN ADOLESCENCE. 2026 Summit Saturday, November 7 Live Online. Image of UC|CSU Collaborative for Neuroscience, Diversity, and Learning logo.
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
In a new blog post, students who attended the 2026 UCLA Summer Research Boot Camp explain why some transitions during #adolescence feel overwhelming and explore how adults could use this knowledge to better support the young people in their lives: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/2026/09/19/a...
developingadolescent.ucla.edu
Adolescent Transitions - Center for the Developing Adolescent
Written by: Melissa Bercian, Ben Lim, and Bella Madridejo This post was written by high school students from the UCLA Summer Research Boot Camp in Adolescent Development, led by UCLA […]
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
It's back-to-school time! 🍎 Looking for ways to inspire authentic engagement in your classroom or program? Listen to our #AdaptivityPod episode, "Sparking Engagement," with guests @howtobebrave.bsky.social and @drrebeccawinthrop.bsky.social: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/podcast/spar...
developingadolescent.ucla.edu
Sparking Engagement - Center for the Developing Adolescent
On this Adaptivity Podcast episode, Ron talks with Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better, about how we can harnes...
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
In a recent #Adaptivty podcast episode, Jennifer Rodgriquez, executive director of the @youthlawcenter.bsky.social, shares insights into how caring adults can help build the types of trusting relationships that all young people need: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/podcast/how-...
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
A new spotlight from the UCLA Newsroom highlights Co-Executive Director Adriana Galván’s inspirational career as a dean, professor, leader, and researcher, and examines why and how her work is guided by developmental science and neuroscience! Read more: newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/true...
newsroom.ucla.edu
True Bruin Values: How Adriana Galván is creating pathways to excellence
Her work as an educator, scientist and campus leader opens new possibilities for young people at UCLA and beyond.
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
How can we support adolescents as they learn to form healthy relationships? And how might technology affect this learning process? Join us in TWO WEEKS (Sep. 24 @ 10 am PT) for a virtual learning session with Thao Ha exploring these questions and more. Register now: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Virtual Learning Session on Thursday, September 24, at 10:00 am PT titled "Connecting in the Age of AI: Nurturing Adolescent Relationships in a Digital World."
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Reposted by UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent
Dr. Jennifer Pfeifer @jenndsn.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Fabulous #Flux2026 local symposium on connecting neuroscience evidence to real-world impacts on youth justice organized by Kathy Do & Julie Schneider! We heard from Adriana Galvan @cda-adolescence.bsky.social about the neuroscience and then multiple practitioner perspectives on youth justice.
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Congratulations to CDA's founding director, Ron Dahl, on being awarded the 2026 Huttenlocher Award at @fluxsociety.bsky.social's Flux Congress! This award recognizes Dahl's incredible contributions to the field of developmental cognitive neuroscience. Read more: fluxsociety.org/2026-huttenl...
Ron Dahl receiving the 2026 Huttenlocher Award from Eveline CroneRon Dahl receiving the 2026 Huttenlocher Award from Eveline Crone
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Reposted by UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent
Dr. Jennifer Pfeifer @jenndsn.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Ron Dahl gives the Huttenlocher Lecture #Flux2026. Very few other scientists have had such a profound impact on our approach to studying adolescent development, tracing back to his pivotal 2004 keynote/paper on adolescence as a time of opportunity. nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1196/...
nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Introducing Sirui Wang, PhD, the CDA's new Instructional Designer! 🎉 At CDA, Sirui will lead the design and implementation of curricula that translate the science of adolescent development into practical & measurable learning experiences for youth-serving professionals. Please help us welcome Sirui!
Welcome to the UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent Team, Sirui Wang!
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
NSCA member @candiceodgers.bsky.social & NSCA affiliate Jacqueline Nesi were quoted in a @nytimes.com article about the recent Meta settlement discussing their take on how this verdict could impact adolescents' well-being + what we should keep in focus moving forward: www.nytimes.com/2026/08/26/w...
nytimes.com
Will Meta’s Changes Benefit Young Users’ Mental Health?
Psychologists said the changes were a symbolic victory, but warned their effectiveness might be limited.
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Applications are due THIS Monday‼️ Don't miss your opportunity to learn insights from adolescent development relevant to advocacy and/or policy work straight from the experts. Apply now: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/training-sch...
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Our August Newsletter is out now! ☀️ This month's topic is: The Importance of Relationships During #Adolescence: mailchi.mp/developingad... Don't miss next month's newsletter‼️ Sign up for monthly emails from CDA here: ucla.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
In a new #Adaptivity podcast episode, Eveline Crone, a developmental neuroscientist @euralumni.bsky.social, discusses how our changing abilities during #adolescence allow us to have a more nuanced approach to trusting others. Listen now: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/podcast/how-...
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Applications are due in ONE WEEK for CDA's Developmental Science Academy for Youth-Serving Advocates! This free program is designed for policy professionals in the LA area who want to learn developmental science relevant to youth ages 10-25. Apply now: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/training-sch...
developingadolescent.ucla.edu
Developmental Science Academy for Youth-Serving Advocates - Center for the Developing Adolescent
The UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent (CDA) is launching its first-ever Developmental Science Academy for Youth-Serving Advocates, a no-cost program designed to provide mid-career policy profe...
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Program sessions will take place on October 29 and November 5 & 12 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on UCLA's campus. Applications are due by Monday, August 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PT.
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Are you a policy professional working to improve the lives of adolescents? Attend the Developmental Science Academy for Youth-Serving Advocates, a free, in-person program designed to equip professionals with developmental science relevant to their work: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/training-sch...
Developmental Science Academy for Youth-Serving Advocates
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
In a new #Adaptivitypod episode, Ron Dahl talks with Eveline Crone, a neuroscientist at @euralumni.bsky.social, & Jennifer Rodriguez, executive director of the @youthlawcenter.bsky.social, about how we can help adolescents develop the capacity to trust: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/podcast/how-...
Adaptivity: The Science of Adolescence Podcast Cover, "How Do We Learn to Trust?"
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
We can support youth as they navigate puberty by talking about it, providing emotional support, encouraging positive self-image & helping them get adequate sleep. “Talking positively about how our bodies and minds change during puberty can reassure young people that this is normal,” says Pfeifer.
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
National Scientific Council on #Adolescence Co-Director @jenndsn.bsky.social was quoted in the August edition of the NIH's News in Health, discussing #puberty and how to support young people as they navigate it! Read more: newsinhealth.nih.gov/2026/08/navi...
newsinhealth.nih.gov
Navigating Puberty
Puberty is an exciting and often challenging time for teens and their parents. There are many ways parents can support their child during this period.
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Join us & Spring Point Partners on Sep. 24 from 10-11 am PT for a webinar exploring the importance of forming healthy relationships during #adolescence + how #AI can be designed to support development during this critical time of learning & connection! Register now: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Connecting in the Age of AI: Nurturing Adolescent Relationships in a Digital World. September 24 from 10 to 11 am PT via Zoom.
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
We are releasing a new #Adaptivity podcast episode in ONE week! This episode will be about how, during #adolescence, we hone our ability to discern who to trust. Catch up on past podcast episodes now: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/podcast/ #AdaptivityPod
Adaptivity: The Science of Adolescence Podcast
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Announcing our new no-cost, in-person developmental science training program for LA-based policy professionals: UCLA CDA Developmental Science Academy for Youth-Serving Advocates! Applications are due by Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, at 5:00 pm PT. Learn more: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/training-sch...
New Program: Developmental Science Academy for Youth-Serving Advocates

Dates: October 29 & November 5 + 12
Times: 10 am to 2 pm 
Location: UCLA Campus
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
What kinds of policies can help set young people up for lifelong success? Our Co-Executive Director Andrew Fuligni spoke to legislators at NCSL's biennial Youth & Young Adult Policy Forum about how incorporating opportunities for contribution could make a big difference: www.ncsl.org/state-legisl...
ncsl.org
Supporting Young People in the Transition to Adulthood
Adolescence is a critical window of time when policy can help steady the bridge to adulthood or leave young people struggling to get across, two experts told legislators at NCSL’s biennial Youth and Y...
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
At a recent convening hosted by Stanford's Gardner Center, our Co-Executive Director Andrew Fuligni shared insights from adolescent development relevant to alternative high school reform that improves educational experiences and outcomes for students: gardnercenter.stanford.edu/news/leaders...
gardnercenter.stanford.edu
Leaders from California's alternative schools draw on neuroscience to help young people thrive | John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Congratulations to National Scientific Council on #Adolescence member & @arizonastateuni.bsky.social Sanford School Director, @stephen-t-russell.bsky.social, on being named a 2026 Fellow by the International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development! 🎉 Read more: news.asu.edu/b/20260715-a...
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
A new article from @theguardian.com focuses on NSCA member @candiceodgers.bsky.social's research on adolescent mental health & digital technology, discusses the new U.K. social media ban, and dives into the big issues driving changes in adolescent well-being: www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
The social media ban sceptic: are we getting it wrong on kids, tech and mental health?
Psychologist Candice Odgers has studied adolescent mental health for 25 years. She fears the current debate around smartphones obscures some of the biggest issues facing teenagers – from the impact of...
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Summer break can be rich with opportunities for adolescents to explore, take healthy risks, & learn from the world around them!🏕️🥾 Our Summer Research Roundup highlights journal articles that focus on exploration and the natural world during #adolescence: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/resource/sum...
Summer Research Roundup
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
This council will work to support, enhance, and inform CDA's policy-related activities. By integrating expert insights, we will create resources, materials, and solutions rooted in the real-world experiences and systems that youth navigate. Learn more: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/our-councils...
developingadolescent.ucla.edu
Adolescent Development Policy Council - Center for the Developing Adolescent
We host the Adolescent Development Policy Council, a group of diverse experts in the policies, programs, and public systems that support adolescents. Members work with CDA staff to enhance and […]
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Introducing our new Adolescent Development Policy Council: 🟡 Sheida Elmi, @aspeninstitute.bsky.social 🟡 Jess Kirchner, @natlgovsassoc.bsky.social 🟡 Mai Xi Lee, @saccounty.gov Office of Education 🟡 Phil Matero, YouthBuild Charter School of CA 🟡 Jennifer Rodriguez, @youthlawcenter.bsky.social
Introducing our new Adolescent Development Policy Council: Sheida Elmi, Jess Kirchner, Mai Xi Lee, Phil Madero, and Jennifer Rodriguez
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new website! ✨ 💻This updated site and design include: 🔹 New search & filter features for resources 🔹 An integrated STEPS platform & library 🔹 Refreshed 'About Us,' Core Science & media pages ...and more! Explore now: developingadolescent.ucla.edu
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
What do adolescents really think about social media's upsides & downsides?🤳🎙️ In the last episode of our youth-led #Adaptivity podcast mini-series, YSCA members talk with Prof. Lucía Magis Weinberg about the advantages & challenges of using social media: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/podcast/our-...
developingadolescent.ucla.edu
Our Youth’s Perspective 2026: The Real Benefits and Challenges of Social Media - Center for the Developing Adolescent
Youth Scientific Council on Adolescence members Jeevana Doddi, Kevin Ramirez, and Yonathan Kiflezghie talk with University of Washington professor Lucia Magis-Weinberg about what research says are the...
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
In a new #TEDTalk, NSCA member Candice Odgers breaks down research about social media and youth mental health, and explains why social media bans may be disincentivizing tech companies from creating products that amplify benefits and limit risks for young users. Watch the full video below.
ted.com
What we're getting wrong about teens and tech
For years, the warning has been: smartphones are destroying a generation. But developmental psychologist Candice Odgers says that decades of data on teens tells a different story — violence, alcohol u...
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Relationships can be especially powerful during the adolescent years. In a new #Adaptivity podcast ep, YSCA members talk w/ Wayne State University Professor Hannah Schacter about the importance of friendships & romantic relationships during #adolescence: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/podcast/our-...
developingadolescent.ucla.edu
Our Youth’s Perspective 2026: The Importance of Friendships & Romantic Relationships
Youth Scientific Council on Adolescence members Brooke Smith, Danari Golden, Layah Belay Simmons, and Ananshah Sing who talk with professor Hannah Schacter from Wayne State University in Detroit about...
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
A new guide for funders, developed by Search Institute in collaboration with CDA & others, offers practical ways to align funding strategies with what young people need to thrive. Explore From Insights to Impact: Embedding Adolescent Development into Philanthropy: searchinstitute.org/resources-hu...
searchinstitute.org
Embedding Adolescent Development into Philanthropy
This report provides practical entry points and real-world examples to help grantmakers translate developmental science into action.
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
How can we support adolescents' mental health as they experience transitions? 🎙️ In a new #Adaptivity podcast episode, YSCA members talk with NSCA co-director @jenndsn.bsky.social about supporting youth as they explore new schools, friends, and roles: developingadolescent.ucla.edu/podcast/our-...
developingadolescent.ucla.edu
Our Youth’s Perspective 2026: Supporting Mental Health During Transitions
Youth Scientific Council on Adolescence members Jeevana Doddi, Kevin Ramirez, and Yonathan Kiflezghie talk with University of Washington professor Lucia Magis-Weinberg about what research says are the...
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Reposted by UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent
The ABCD Study® @theabcdstudy.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Our collaborator, Dr Nick Allen, the Ann Swindells Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at @uoregon.bsky.social, was recently featured in episode 19 of @cda-adolescence.bsky.social’s #Adaptivitypod. Take a listen! 🎧
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
How is decision-making during #adolescence unique? 🧠Examine the brain science behind decision-making, learn in what contexts adolescents are more likely to make risky decisions, & explore how to support healthy decisions in a new Science Spotlight: developingadolescent.semel.ucla.edu/steps-for-yo...
STEPS Science Spotlight Cover: What Is Unique About Adolescent Decision-Making — And How We Can Support It
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
📽️ Watch our co-executive directors, Andrew Fuligni and Adriana Galván, share why #adolescence is an important window of opportunity and brain plasticity in a new UCLA Psychology Presents video titled, “The Opportunity of Adolescence”: www.psych.ucla.edu/news/ucla-ps...
psych.ucla.edu
UCLA Psychology Presents The Opportunity of Adolescence – UCLA Department of Psychology
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UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent @cda-adolescence.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
How will #AI shape the next generation's ability to love, work & connect? 🤝 In a new #Adaptivitypod episode, host Ron Dahl talks with researchers about what young people need to become connected & thriving humans in a changing world. 🎙️Listen now: developingadolescent.semel.ucla.edu/podcasts/ite...
Adaptivity Podcast Episode: Adolescence, AI, and the Future of Authentic Human Connection
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