Latest from Youth

Sex education lagging

Nearly three-quarters of New Zealanders feel that the Roast Busters case showed high school students needed to be taught about respectful attitudes to sex.

Shelley Bridgeman: A gripe about kid's art

I imagine parents need to dial down the effusive praise and cast a realistic eye over these artistic endeavours.

Peter Lyons: Trying, failing, learning part of youth

Most societies are hard on their youth, writes Peter Lyons.

Alcopops targeted at teens

Sachets of alcohol designed to be slipped discreetly into purses and pockets are being sold in liquor stores, alarming police and alcohol-watch groups.

Tennis: New deal to find next ace

Here are the four youngsters Tennis New Zealand are hoping to propel into the world's top 150.

When 'cool dad' goes bad

A funny portrayal of a "cool dad" in a television ad about under-18s drinking has won praise for challenging parents' thinking on how they should behave at young people's parties.

Babies: Smarter than we think

Cognitive development research is, like its subjects, still in its infancy, but it seems that our tiny tots are a lot smarter than science once gave them credit for. Angela Saini reports on the latest evidence — and argument — from the baby labs.

Shocks in teen-drinkers study

A new study has shown that a major contributor to alcohol-related harm among underage drinkers is their older mates supplying them with large amounts of booze.

Inspiring young achievers

Manatu 'Ofa Mei Vailahi Fia has always had a heart for helping people and thanks to up to $5000 in prize money she'll be able to continue her work in her community.

Teens appear in court after five-hour kidnap ordeal

Three teenagers will appear in court in Lower Hutt today charged with kidnapping after a car-jacking which lasted about five hours on Saturday night.

Elderly won't suffer from investment in youth health - committee head

Teens in five-hour kidnap ordeal

Three teenagers were allegedly held up at knife-point, assaulted and forced to drive around Wellington by a younger group of teens during a five-hour kidnapping ordeal overnight.

Guiding teens to wise decisions

High school years are when teens face important decisions that will shape their future. But whom do they go to when they need advice?

Intentional head injuries to children more than figures show

Help children follow their dream

Youngsters with ambitions, no matter how challenging or unlikely, will learn to focus and work hard.

Paul Thomas: What's the problem? Not clothes or Miley

In a matter of months, Cyrus has apparently become a pervasive socio-cultural influence and the cause of everything that's wrong with today's youth.

Minister: Abuse isn't about dress sense

Justice Minister Judith Collins says sexual abuse has nothing to do with the way a woman dresses, and has slammed radio hosts for making this connection.

Judith Collins: Sex offenders must face up to actions

Sexual violence is an abhorrent crime. Offenders who sexually attack women, and men, should face the full consequences of their actions, writes Judith Collins.