Latest news with #teens
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
7 teens wounded in shooting overnight in Auburn Gresham neighborhood
Chicago police said seven teens were wounded overnight in a shooting on the South Side in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood at a large gsthering. Shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday, officers on patrol in the 1200 block of West 78th Street were trying to disperse a large crowd when a vehicle drove by and someone opend fire. Seven teens were shot before the vehicle fled the scene, police said. A 17-year-old boy suffered a wound to the leg, and was taken in fair condition to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. An 18-year-old man also was taken with a wound to the leg in fair condition to the same hospital. A 19-year-old man suffered wounds to leg and arm, and was taken in fair condition to UChicago Medicine. A 17-year-old boy was wounded to the arm and was taken in fair condition to the same hospital. An 18-year-old man suffered wounds to the the leg and chest, and was listed in serious condition at Little Company of Mary Hospital.A 17-year-old boy was struck to the the leg and back was taken in fair condition to Holy Cross Hospital. Another 18-year-old man suffered wounds to the leg and buttocks was listed in fair condition at UChicago Medicine, police said. No one was in custody for the drive-by shooting, and detectives were investigating.
South China Morning Post
10 hours ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
How can Hong Kong teens stress less and what apps are available?
Every week, Talking Points gives you a worksheet to practise your reading comprehension with exercises about the story we've written. Everyone gets stressed sometimes. It is also common to ignore these feelings and hope they go away overnight. But stress does not just disappear. Avis Ngan, who created a Hong Kong mental health clinic called Mindsight, warns that the problems can get worse if left alone. This is called the stress cycle, which is used to describe how the body adapts to stress. It uses the steps: alarm, resistance and exhaustion. Three stages of stress 'Like our phone's 'low battery' alert, our body's alarm is triggered when it realises there's a challenge and gets ready to respond,' Ngan said. The response is also known as 'fight or flight'. Our bodies react with an increased heart rate, heightened senses and rapid breathing. Ngan said that school pressure and the fear of missing out were typical causes of the 'alarm' stage for Hong Kong teens. 'This feeling ... can make our body and mind react as if there is danger,' he said. 'Resistance' is like a phone's power-saving mode. Avis Ngan suggests keeping track of your emotions. Photo: Handout 'Our body is working hard to deal with stress and stay balanced,' said Ngan, who is also a clinical psychologist. But just like power-saving mode is not for all-day use, the body cannot stay in this high-alert state for too long without good rest. In this stage, we may build up feelings of frustration and have difficulty concentrating. The final stage, 'exhaustion', sets in when our body is tired. 'It's like when your phone battery dies completely. This makes us feel completely burnt out,' the psychologist explained. Symptoms include tiredness, mood swings, a loss of interest in your favourite activities, and health problems or allergies. 'When exhaustion hits, everything starts falling apart in ways that really matter,' Ngan said. 'Your brain feels foggy during class, making it impossible to focus even when you try.' He said this felt like your mind and body were 'running on empty, affecting everything from your academic performance to your closest relationships'. Why are Hong Kong teens 'lying flat'? For some, it's 'not as stressful' Stuck in resistance Ngan noted that many students got stuck in the 'resistance' stage. 'They might think they are doing OK because they have not completely crashed, but their body is actually in overdrive,' he said. These students keep telling themselves they will take a rest after revising, but there is always another test. In this case, they will begin to get irritated easily, have difficulty focusing, and see changes in their sleep and appetite. They may also struggle to get tasks done. 'When you notice these signs, stop what you are doing and do some deep breathing, a five-minute meditation,' he said. A quick walk can also calm you down. Ngan suggested keeping track of your emotions. 'When stress hits, it's like getting caught in a downpour – but you don't have to stand there getting soaked in the stress cycle,' he said. 'Your coping tools are your umbrella, and knowing your early warning signs is like having a really good weather app.' For a daily check-in, apps like MoodMeter can help you understand your feelings. Calm and Headspace include stress-relief exercises, while Newlife.330 has tools and videos in Cantonese. Writing your thoughts out on paper can also be beneficial. Ngan said this could help create a connection that made it easier to accept your emotions. To test your understanding of this story, download our printable worksheet or answer the questions in the quiz below.
Forbes
20 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
How Retirees (And Teens) Can Find Their First Side Hustle Customers
A simple side hustle (or two) can provide retirees with extra income. You don't have to be tech-savvy or a sales pro. All it takes is a passion for your project and someone to share it with. Notice it's 'someone,' not 'someones.' All it takes is one person. Patient zero. Then you're off to the races. The 2025 MarketWatch Guides Side Hustles Survey shows 72% of Gen Zers have worked a side hustle in the last year. But these often micro-entrepreneurial ventures aren't just for twenty-somethings. The same survey indicated 31% of those in the Baby Boomer/Silent Generation age bracket are running side gigs. With nearly one in four of all people using these small businesses to create additional spending cash, you can be sure they're becoming a viable strategy for retirees. At the other end of the spectrum, even teens are getting in the game. Teenage side hustles can go well beyond the lemonade stand meme popularized generations ago. These money-making opportunities can produce enough revenue to fully fund the annual contribution of a Child IRA. But it all starts with Customer #1. That person (or entity) validates your hustle. It gives you the confidence and the momentum to push on. After that, it all gets easier. Face it, the excitement of starting a new business—and that's precisely what a side hustle represents—can overwhelm you. But in a good way. The joy of creating something that never existed empowers you. The job of convincing someone to buy it, however, may overpower you. That's normal. That shouldn't hold you back. In fact, here's a piece of common-sense advice that may just calm any nerves you have. Most new entrepreneurs overlook their greatest asset—the people they already know. In business jargon, that's called your 'existing network.' Here's the crazy thing. You don't even have to use a sales pitch. You just need to have a normal chat over coffee (or whatever beverage you prefer). These people—friends, family, former coworkers—they all know you. You don't have to pretend to be someone you're not. Besides, they'd see right through that façade. Be yourself. Be conversational. Merely let them know what you're up to. And don't do all the talking. Purposely pause at points where it's natural for them to start asking questions. That's the key. Get them talking. Get them curious. Get them to probe you. The more they talk, the more they convince themselves they're interested. That's when you can switch into sales mode, if you even have to. Very often, they'll sell themselves. 'I received my first customer by doing market research and reaching out to a group of friends for feedback,' says Judy Ta, a business coach at Judy Ta LLC in Torrance, California. 'I would ask them about challenges they have, competitors, thoughts about my industry, and for feedback on my business idea. One expressed interest, so I transitioned it into a sales pitch, which led to a follow-up conversation and my first sale.' Retirees generally have vast personal and professional networks. You don't have to speak to all of them. Pick the ones most likely to offer reliable feedback. This is so natural that even an introvert can do it. So, rest easy. You don't need to be a social media influencer to make sales. After that first sale, strike while the adrenaline is still flowing. Don't let any lack of sales experience constrain you. You don't need a fancy online presence to get started (although, face it, this does help, especially if your potential buyers expect it). Many retirees succeed by leaning on that old-school tradition: the human connection. This means hawking your goods face-to-face. If you don't have a marketing background, you might find the act of selling a bit intimidating. 'I retired from the Air Force after 27 years and started my own company,' says Bill Barrington, founder of Barrington Leadership Group in Arlington, Virginia. 'My greatest challenges were self-promotion and marketing—neither are skills that are taught in the military.' Like any new skill, you can learn the art of selling through small steps and reframing the concept. Maybe you're not selling. Maybe you're solving a problem. Or perhaps you should consider how you learned new things when you were still in high school. What motivates teenagers? Independence? Control? Rewards? When you think about it, these are the same things that motivate many adults and, most especially, entrepreneurs. Why is it that teens know the purpose of all the remotes in your house? Why is it that, when your computer raises your ire, you call your teenage grandchild for advice? Heck, it's getting so bad you need a high schooler to show you how to run the dishwasher. It's not that they're smarter than you. It's that, when they put their mind to doing something, they energetically dive in. They can do that because they have a lot of free time. You know who else has free time? Retirees. And if you're ready to return the favor for all the times your eighth-grade grandson cleaned out your gutters (or the inbox in your email), now's the time to teach him about the power of compound interest. Better yet, you can have him run his own side hustle in tandem with you. Side-by-side side hustles. Not only can you both learn, but you can both learn together. You see how reframing works? You went from dreading the idea of 'selling' to enjoying quality time with your kids or grandkids. 'Many of the moms I coach start carts with their kids — not just to make money, but to build something together,' says Jennie Blackwood, founder of Social Graze Charcuterie Bar + Cart to Cashflow Coaching in Loomis, California. 'It becomes a bonding experience and a hands-on way to teach teens business basics, customer service, budgeting, and pride in ownership. Some even go on to run their own carts, and I've seen families use the earnings to open Roth IRAs or save for college. But beyond the money, it's about mindset. These moms are saying, 'I want my kids to see you don't have to follow the grain—if mom can build something from scratch, so can you.' And that belief is worth more than any startup capital.' Who knows? If you're working with your child or grandchild, consider practicing together to discuss the features and benefits of each of your side hustles. This will give you a chance to see what life is like on both sides of the selling fence. If you've never started a business before, particularly if you're retired, it's easy to fall prey to the burden of perfection. Accomplished entrepreneurs know that the secret to success is simply to start. Don't delay. Start scrappy. You can refine things as you go along. What's that famous GE catch phrase? 'Ready. Fire! Aim.' Don't be afraid to fix things on the fly. Don't overemphasize your 'grand opening.' This is only a side hustle. Speed tends to reward. Winners get there first. Those who hesitate fall behind. 'They get caught in the trap of 'I need everything perfect first,'' says Blackwood. 'Logo, pricing, website—they delay action until they have it all figured out. But done beats perfect every time. Share the journey. Show your face. Talk about your idea before it's polished. The people who support you early are buying you, not your branding.' Indeed, you'll find your confidence won't start building until after the first few sales, not before. Why? It's your authenticity and connection that seal the deal, not your product. After that, if your product truly solves a significant problem, it will begin selling itself. What evidence should you be looking for that your side hustle is selling itself? That depends on your product and the marketing method you use. If you're selling a book, you'll begin to see sales go up without any advertising. If you're providing a service like cleaning out gutters (or email inboxes), the phone will start ringing before you're done with your next job. This implies you've got sustainable word-of-mouth advertising. You stoke this by focusing on referrals, obtaining testimonials, and public visibility. (Of course, a consistent, well-performing product underpins all of this.) Remind satisfied clients to refer you to a friend. Ask them to provide a testimonial you can use. Above all, make sure people see you out there, wherever your potential customers hang out. 'Referrals were key,' says Chris Sorensen, CEO at PhoneBurner in Seattle, Washington. 'I made sure each customer had a great experience, then simply asked if they knew anyone else who could benefit. That steady word-of-mouth helped me grow without needing a big marketing budget.' Also, social sharing and gratitude posts offer a double bang. Not only do they get your name out, but they get your customers' names out, too. Everyone appreciates a 'thank you' (remember the response you got to those handwritten thank-you notes your mother forced you to write?). Doing this can create a reciprocity cycle that can, in turn, become a mini-marketing engine for organic growth. You don't need a business plan. You don't need a marketing degree. All you need is an idea, a network, and the will to act. It doesn't matter which end of the age spectrum you're on. Whether you're a senior side hustler seeking more spending money or a teen entrepreneur looking to fund a Child IRA, these tips work. Are you intrigued by the opportunities a side hustle can offer you? Use your hobby as a launching pad. It makes the journey easier than you can imagine. Not only does the internet offer a seamless distribution opportunity, but it also serves as a free resource library. Would you like to find out more about senior side hustles and other entrepreneurial topics? Click here to sign up for Chris Carosa's newsletter and receive a free three-step checklist to determine if your idea has what it takes to succeed.
Forbes
21 hours ago
- General
- Forbes
The Best Mattresses For Teens, Tested By Actual Tweens And Teens
Shopping for a mattress for teens requires parents to consider different factors than if they were buying for a younger child, or even themselves. Tweens and teens are in a stage of life where they're experiencing rapid physical growth, hormonal changes that often impact sleep patterns and may now have strong preferences for a certain type of mattress feel—or a larger bed. Athletic teens may also benefit from increased pressure relief to support recovery. We enlisted tween and teen testers, including two of my own kids, as well as 15 other older kids to find the very best mattresses for teens. My top overall pick, the Avocado Eco Organic mattress, hits all those marks and more. The Bear Original is also a fantastic option for those looking for a more wallet-friendly teen mattress. The Avocado Eco Organic is our pick for the best mattress for teens overall given its nontoxic ... More profile and comfortable feel. 'Tweens and teens can benefit from mattresses that provide adequate support tailored to their developing bodies—especially as their bodies undergo significant changes during these years,' says Dr. Steven Abelowitz, pediatrician and medical director of Ocean Pediatrics in Orange County, California. He says to consider mattresses that help support proper spinal alignment, allowing for teen bodies to grow appropriately, which is generally a medium to firm mattress. After our testers slept on over a dozen mattresses for months and, some for years, and speaking with several pediatricians and sleep experts, I've narrowed our guide down to the models below. I leaned toward brands that used natural materials, just as we did when ranking the best mattresses for kids based on the latest research regarding the impact and concern related to certain materials on growing children. Note that all prices below are based on full mattresses, as many teens might upgrade from a twin kids mattress to a bigger bed in this new life stage. The following is a list of all the winners from our testing process: Avocado Green Mattress Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Mattress type: Hybrid (latex) | Firmness: Medium | Height: 10 inches| Warranty: 10 years | Trial period: 100 nights | Certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Oeko-Tex 100, EWG Verified, Made Safe, Greenguard Gold, Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified, Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and Forest Stewardship Council latex, Certified B Corp, Certified Climate Neutral Best for: Skip if: Tweens and teens are still developing, so the need for being conscious of what they sleep on for many hours a day, is top of mind for many parents. 'Parents should, ideally, search for mattresses that are made from mostly organic materials and take special consideration to look for a mattress that is free of toxic flame retardants, heavy metals, and formaldehyde. Instead, consider natural latex materials that tend to be more durable and breathable than synthetic alternatives,' says Abelowitz. The Avocado Eco Organic Mattress is free of synthetic materials that could off-gas in your teen's room and combines over 800 recycled steel coils with GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex to create a supportive sleep surface that most older kids will find comfortable, making it a versatile pick for various preferred sleep positions. Certified organic cotton and wool form a comfy topper. It's earned a laundry-list of environmental credentials, virtually more than any other mattress brand out there. This is a huge plus for our tester. 'The extensive certifications make me feel really good about the safety of this mattress for my developing tween who has pretty severe asthma and environmental allergies,' she says. Fortunately, this mattress is as comfortable as it is sustainable. Our tester's 10-year-old back-sleeping child—who is also a multi-sport athlete—has slept on this 'really comfortable' mattress for two years and 'wouldn't trade it for anything,' even after testing out several other mattresses in between. They rated the pressure relief an 8 to 9 out of 10 saying that the mattress 'absolutely cradles all your pressure points.' She does note, however, that solely side-sleepers may feel some pressure building up over time. The Avocado Eco Organic mattress is versatile, supportive and chemical-free. It's definitely not inexpensive, but still comes in at a slightly lower price point than other comparable natural mattresses, and if you're buying it to last for years to come, it's a worthy investment. Unfortunately there's no in-home delivery option, so just keep in mind that it's heavy (as most natural mattresses tend to be.) Our tester did mention a 'faint natural type smell' upon opening it, but says it went away quickly. The Avocado Green Eco Organic mattress has remained a top pick across the board: the kid version was named our best mattress for kids overall. You can also learn more about all of its finer details in this full-length review by our adult tester. Brooklyn Bedding Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Mattress type: Hybrid (foam) | Firmness: Soft, medium or firm | Height: 12.25 inches | Warranty: Limited lifetime | Trial period: 120 nights | Flippable: No | Certifications: Greenguard Gold, Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified Best for: Skip if: Winner of our Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a versatile mattress that delivers comfort and support across age groups, making it an excellent choice for growing teens and adults alike (you can read one adult's personal review for even more insight.) This affordable mattress works for virtually any type of sleeper since parents can select from three firmness levels: soft, medium and firm. It's also one of the tallest mattresses on our list, measuring at 12.25-inches tall. The five-layer combo of individually encased coils, two layers of foam and a moisture-wicking quilted top delivers a supportive surface that doesn't hug the body like traditional memory foam, but instead, contours around it to help relieve pressure points. Our 11-year-old tester, who is normally a back or side-sleeper, found the pressure relief on the mattress excellent, rating it a 9 out of 10, calling it 'very soft and cradling.' They also rated the 'very good' edge support an 8. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress works well for almost every type of teen sleeper. As far as delivery, it arrives quickly, compressed in a box that one adult can move in, despite the height being a big unwieldy. Our tester's parent says it 'unfolded and puffed up fast' and had zero odor. They also appreciated the side straps that made moving the mattress easier. It's a fantastic all-around option that won't break the bank. Your child can try it out for 120 days to decide if they like it or not, although a $99 return fee will apply if you choose to send it back. Bear Mattress Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Mattress type: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium | Height: 10 inches | Warranty: Limited lifetime | Trial period: 120 nights | Certifications: Greenguard Gold, Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified Best for: Skip if: The Bear Original is a comfortable medium-firm mattress that provides necessary support for still growing tween and teen bodies and athletes who may require more pressure relief. Unlike traditional memory foam, your kid won't feel as if they're sinking into a pit of, well, foam. Described as 'remarkably supportive' by our tester, the Bear Original uses high-density foam as its foundation, topped with responsive layers of foam and a graphite-gel foam layer (which should help keep the sleeper cooler than traditional foam) to provide a good balance of support and comfort. The Bear Original is firm enough to provide pressure relief for athletes. 'It was firm enough that it wouldn't move around or feel lumpy or wobbly when I laid down, but still soft enough to feel good on my joints,' says our 13-year-old athletic tester. 'I don't like soft mattresses because they sort of cave in around my body and make me hot. This mattress didn't do that.' The firmer feel is also ideal for restless sleepers who tend to shift positions throughout the night. Parents can rest assured that it's fiberglass-free. An added perk? It comes with two free pillows. My Green Mattress Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Mattress type: Hybrid (latex) | Firmness: Medium-firm | Height: 10 inches | Warranty: 20 years | Trial period: 365 nights | Certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), GreenGuard Gold, Made Safe, Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified Best for: Skip if: 'Side-sleepers may need a mattress that offers pressure relief in areas such as the shoulders and the hips which bear more of the weight during side-sleeping,' says Abelowitz. This natural Dunlop latex mattress provides a supportive and comfortable landing pad with just enough medium-firmness that's ideal for side-sleeping older kids like my daughter. My almost 12-year-old has been using this mattress and is, for lack for a better word: obsessed. She calls it 'the most comfortable mattress ever.' Prior to swapping to the Kiwi Organic, she'd never sleep past her alarm, and now, it's difficult to get her out of bed in the mornings, because she loves lying in her bed so much. 'I slept on the very edge a few nights and felt no bending at all,' she says. The over 1,000 pocketed coil springs provide solid lumbar support and the notably cushy feeling top has become a family favorite, fought over with by her teen sister. Having also tested out this mattress, I can attest that it's springy yet firm with no sagging or movement, such as rolling in the middle of the night—and the edge support is strong, even when sitting at the end of the bed. As a parent, I've also noted that any morning complaints of backaches have disappeared since using this mattress. The My Green Mattress Kiwi Organic is supportive, made of clean materials and offers great edge ... More support. The Kiwi Organic is delivered compressed in a box and there's no odor at all even when first unwrapped, which was a major plus as someone with a sensitive nose—and for my child who's prone to allergies. If your teen runs hot, you should note that it's made of GOLS-certified Dunlop latex, which while breathable, is less so than Talalay latex. The entire mattress is made in the U.S. and comes with a robust 20-year warranty and 365-night trial period. Birch Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Mattress type: Hybrid (latex) | Firmness: Medium-firm | Height: 11 inches (Twin XL) | Warranty: Limited lifetime | Trial period: 100 nights | Certifications: GreenGuard Gold, Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), Fair Trade Certified Best for: Skip if: The latex Birch Natural (which also made our list for Best Organic Mattress), made of hypoallergenic and certified organic materials, is a clean and sustainable option that rates high in comfort from our 12-year-old tester. Like the Avocado Eco Organic, it also uses Greenguard Gold and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified materials, so you can feel secure knowing it contains no dangerous chemicals or materials. Also importantly, it's supportive and comfortable for growing teen bodies. Our tester's softball-playing 12-year-old, who is primarily a side-and stomach-sleeper, has slept on this Birch mattress for two years and says the 1,000 individually wrapped steel coils provides 'excellent' pressure relief and 'really rises up to meet your pressure points so that no pressure builds up at their shoulders or hips.' 'As soon as we switched her to this bed, she stopped complaining of waking up with various aches and pains,' she says. They did note that this mattress is 'on the softer side,' despite the brand website saying it's medium-firm, which her child really liked, but is worth noting. The Birch Natural uses natural materials to keep teens cooler while they sleep. A breathable organic cotton top combined with wool layers and the natural breathability of organic latex, also makes this a great option for hot sleepers. The company offers in-home setup and delivery, which is especially helpful if you're purchasing a full size or larger that is heavier and more unwieldy to take up stairs or down long hallways yourself. Even if you don't opt for the in-home setup, the bed inflates and unrolls quickly with no lingering odor, according to the tester. It's definitely on the more expensive end, but comes backed with a limited lifetime warranty and 100-night trial period, so you can likely pass it down among multiple kids (and even adults.) Saatva Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Mattress type: Innerspring | Firmness: Firm | Height: 10 inches| Warranty: Lifetime | Trial period: 365 nights | Certifications: Greenguard Gold, CertiPUR-US Certified, Congress of Chiropractic State Association Seal of Approval, American Chiropractic Association-approved Best for: Skip if: If your teen prefers a traditional innerspring mattress with coil support, the luxurious-feeling Saatva Classic sets a high benchmark. Earning a perfect 10 out of 10 overall rating from our tester, the mattress is available in three firmness levels (plush soft, luxury firm and firm) and two heights (11.5 inches and 14.5 inches) so you can customize the best fit for your child. The dual layers of innerspring means there's greater airflow than in a foam mattress, making it exceptionally cool and ideal for hot sleepers. A hypoallergenic organic cotton cover on top of the cushy 3-inch Euro pillow top adds to its breathability. Our tester notes that it 'felt cool to the touch' even after a night of sleep on it. They also say the pressure relief is 'great' and their 13-year-old finds it super comfortable after months of use and 'sleeps better than he's ever slept before.' They particularly appreciate the excellent edge support and motion isolation, rating both features a 9. 'You can even sit on the edge and not have it collapse,' she says. The Saatva Classic is a luxurious innerspring option that arrives via white glove delivery. Instead of fiberglass or chemical-laden flame retardants, the Saatva Classic utilizes a plant-based thistle pulp as a fire-resistant layer. Free white glove delivery is included, so you won't have to worry about hauling a bulky mattress up the stairs—or figuring out how to dispose of your old one, which our tester greatly appreciated. Just select the option at checkout, and they'll remove it at no extra cost. While this is on the pricier end of our picks for teens, it comes with a lifetime warranty and 365-night trial period offering extended protection. Amazon Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Mattress type: Hybrid (foam) | Firmness: Medium | Height: 11.5 inches| Warranty: Limited lifetime | Trial period: 100 nights | Certifications: Greenguard Gold, CertiPUR-US Certified Best for: Skip if: If your teen is the type who flops on their back, then rolls to their side over and over again, the Helix Midnight is a great medium-firmness hybrid option that'll properly support various sleeping positions While the knit cover is already breathable to help keep teens cool, parents can choose to upgrade to a GalcioTex cooling pillow top for extra temperature regulation. The mattress is on the softer side compared to others on this list, though, so edge support isn't as robust, but it was still rated an 8 out of 10 by our tester. Our testers two teens (ages 14 and 15) loved the Helix Midnight so much they acutally begged to go back to it after testing out several other mattresses in between—and rated it a 10 out of 10. 'Both of my teens have tested this mattress for over two years. It works perfectly for both of them, even though my son is a restless hot sleeper, while my daughter is a peaceful side sleeper,' she says. 'They find it cozy yet supportive. Soft, but not too soft.' She also appreciates the mid-range price point, that it's made in the US (assembled in Arizona, to be exact) and has no fiberglass to worry about. Our senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman, who has also personally tested the Midnight notes that 'it might be a touch too firm for strict side sleepers if they're lighter in weight,' as something for parents to keep in mind. You can also add on in-home delivery setup and removal (or just one or the other) for an additional fee at checkout. WinkBeds Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Mattress type: Hybrid (foam) | Firmness: Softer, luxury firm, firm or plus | Height: 13.5 inches| Warranty: Lifetime | Trial period: 120 nights | Certifications: Oeko-Tek Standard 100, CertiPUR-US Best for: Skip if: Voted our best overall pillow top mattress of 2025, the WinkBed is a hybrid innerspring and foam mattress that let's you select the optimal firmness level for your child, including a 'Plus' option that's specifically designed to support larger bodies (250-pounds and up). A cushy quilted Euro pillow top sits beneath a eucalyptus-derived Tencel cover that's naturally moisture-wicking to keep the sleeper cool, an added bonus for sweaty (and hormonal) teen sleepers to help them get more restful sleep. The perimeter is lined with reinforced coils to provide robust edge support, so no one has to worry about rolling off the bed or sagging off when sitting on the ends. The plush pillowtop and cooling gel-infused foam helps keep teens comfy on the WinkBed. Our tester actually used it with multiple teens during several sleepovers and said not a single one complained of bad sleep or aches afterwards. Her own 13-year-old, who runs hot, was 'very comfortable' at night in terms of temperature and pressure relief. Another Forbes Vetted editor who has been sleeping on the WinkBed for a year says that the softer firmness level would be better for lighter teens who won't require as much firm support. The search for the best teen mattress started with months of in-depth research. I studied competitor reviews, online customer feedback, major mattress brand sites and also utilized our own sleep team's mattress testing conclusions. I noted details such as warranty and sleep trial information, special certifications each mattress had earned from certain organizations that recognized if they were organic, sustainable and the like. I also paid attention to finer features some mattresses offered and others didn't. I also spoke to multiple pediatricians to get their thoughts on features that were important to pay attention to, especially for teenagers whose bodies are still developing, or who may now have different sleep needs compared to younger kids I then sought out well-known mattress brands (and a handful of newer ones) to start testing. My tween and teen personally tested several of the contenders, as well as a variety of other parents with tween and teenage children—some of whom tested their mattress over nearly two full years. Testers are still getting in new mattresses and testing them as of this writing. Each panelist then shared their insights and feedback using the following factors: Panelists noted whether the delivery was easy or difficult, paying particular note if they lived in a multi-story building or were the only adult at home. Some companies just left a giant unwieldy mattress in a box on your doorstep while others offered white glove delivery, setting up the mattress (and hauling away the old one) before they left. Testers noted if there was a strong odor when they first unboxed or unwrapped the mattress, and how long it took that smell to go away (if ever.) Testers were also asked to rate the mattresses' pressure relief on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best. The teens recorded whether they felt it was firm, too soft or just right. Some parents who are similarly sized to their teenagers also tried this out. Some of our testers are teens who play sports who may require greater pressure relief. 'Mattresses that offer sufficient pressure relief in specific areas that are affected from sports can help alleviate discomfort,' says Abelowitz. While older kids aren't likely to be rolling off their beds, we still had panelists note how supportive or unsupportive the edge support felt, both with the teen on it alone, and if a sibling or parent were on the bed with them. We also had them mimic side sleeping to see if the bed slanted one way or another. While it's not as critical for the tween/teen set who probably aren't regularly sharing a bed with another person, the testers (and their parents) were still asked to feel how much motion could be felt on the mattress in a variety of circumstances such as when a parent or sibling lays on it then rolls to the side to get off or when a restless sleeper rolls around on it. To find the best mattress for your teen, you'll need to consider a number of factors. First and foremost, you should consider what position your tween or teen likes to sleep in: on their side, on their back, stomach or a combination of it all. Think about other details like if they're someone who rolls around a lot at night, or likes to sleep with a leg hanging off the side of the bed. This will all help determine the following details: There are several different types of mattresses, and the kind that's best for your tween or teen may just depend on their personal preference and needs: innerspring, memory foam, latex or hybrids which are a combination of types. How firm or soft you want the mattress to be will really depend on your child's preferred sleep position. 'Back sleepers typically require medium to firm mattresses that support the natural curvature of the spine without causing the lower back to sag,' says Abelowitz. Meanwhile, 'mattresses that allow for the hips to sink slightly may be beneficial to side-sleepers to keep their spine aligned.' Stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer mattress. Like kids, tweens and teens bodies are still developing, so parents should be cautious of anything that could off-gas or impact their hormones. Look for products with Greenguard certification, which helps protect children from indoor air pollution,' says Los Angeles-based pediatrician Dr. Steph Lee. She cites furniture and fabrics as some major sources of indoor air pollutants, along with tobacco smoke, gas stoves, and mold. Other certifications that let you know the mattress is made of organic, sustainable or chemical-free materials include GOLS and GOTS. (Read more about mattress certifications and all they entail from our sleep experts.) Dr. Mary Halsey Maddox, board certified sleep doctor and pediatrician at Sleep Dreams based in Alabama, also recommends airing out new mattresses for a minimum of 72 hours before sleeping on them. 'For my own child, we left the fan going, the windows cracked, and the bedroom door closed for this process,' she says. 'When puberty hits, growth spurts also will follow soon after so if you're looking for a new mattress, make sure it's something your tween can grow into as the years go by before they're off to college or move out of the house,' says Lee. As the size of the mattress increases, so does the price. Teens, however, may benefit from a larger mattress, whether that's a Twin XL so they can comfortably stretch out, or a full or queen that are larger both horizontally and vertically. If your child is especially particular about their sleep environment or has allergies or sensitivities, it's often a good idea to select a mattress with a generous sleep trial policy with easy returns. On the other end, if your child is a hard sleeper, be sure to check details on warranty information to see what they'll cover—and for how long. Since most teens run hotter than adults, having built-in cooling factors—whether it's a naturally breathable fabric, cooling gel or some cooling tech—can be a nice-to-have detail. While few mattresses actually significantly cool down a body, many have better airflow than others, perhaps keeping the sleeper from getting less sweaty while they sleep. Look for details about airflow and breathability. In general, materials like latex will be more breathable than foam. We'd be remiss not to consider the total price as a major factor. On average, quality brand name full-size mattresses run anywhere from $600 to over $1,800. A mattress is a significant investment, so you'll need to consider how long it'll be used, if it'll be passed down to younger siblings or if you'll be able to transition it to a guest bed if your teen leaves home in a few years to take advantage of its longevity. That said, mattresses made in the US or those that use all or mostly certified organic and natural materials tend to be higher priced than their counterparts, so you'll have to weight what's most important to you—and what you're willing to shell out for. I'm a longtime parenting journalist and product tester with a primary focus on kid and baby gear. I'm also a parent to three, including an 11-year-old and 13-year-old who has, over the past decade, tried out everything from crib mattresses to adult mattresses and everything in between. I regularly interview sleep experts and pediatricians to keep up to date on any new guidelines and safety information in regards to products that impact kids in particular. In addition to testing products for this article along with other panelists, I also tapped several pediatricians and sleep experts to get their advice on specific features and considerations to think of when shopping for a mattress for tweens and teens: What Is The Best Mattress For A 13-Year-Old? 'The ideal mattress for a 13-year-old depends on their unique sleep needs and sleep hygiene,' says Abelowitz. Take into consideration factors like the position they prefer to sleep in, if they tend to run hot or cold and if they tend to toss and turn a lot. What Type Of Bed Should A 14-Year-Old Have? 'A 14-year-old should have a bed that fits their body comfortably. It should not be so small that their legs hang off the end, but they do not need a California King either," says Maddox. "Some teens are fine in a twin, others need a double or queen. If they are sharing a bed with a sibling, I recommend no smaller than a queen.' What Firmness Is Best For Teenagers? The ideal firmness really depends on how they prefer to sleep: on their sides, stomach, back or a combination of some or all. According to Maddox, 'Side sleepers tend to do better with a softer mattress and back sleepers tend to like more firm mattresses, but these are generalizations.' She recommends having your teen try various types of mattresses first to see what feels most comfortable before committing.
CBS News
2 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Metropolitan Peace Initiative crisis response team helps teens manage conflict during 'trend season'
When the weather gets warm and teens gather at Chicago's beaches and downtown, it's known as "trend season," and while you might have seen the videos of these large gatherings, what you don't see are the adults woven in trying to make a difference. "We're building relations with the businesses so when the teens already get down here, we already have that established with the businesses," said Rodney Phillips, a crisis responder with Metropolitan Peace Initiative. "They already know what we're doing, why we're here." Phillips, who is also associate director of the crisis response program, is in the streets and on the ground during teen trend. While he's certainly not a teen anymore, he listens to them and tries to understand them. "It's frustrating when some of the teens are criticized, and it's frustrating when you see people, what they just see on the news, but when you're the boots on the ground and you're in the thick of it, it's a lot of layers to it," he said. The crisis responders unpack each of those layers with conversation. "Now we have a personal relationship with some of the trenders," Phillips explained. "So when you have a personal relationship, they open up a little more, and they may tell you what's going on in their personal lives; where they may say, I don't have nowhere to stay, or I'm trying to et back into school, or I have a substance abuse problem." For 18 weeks members of the crisis response team train in classrooms before they go out into the field and star talking to teens during trends. "A lot of times, like, 'Nice shoes, kid!' you know, who doesn't want to be complimented? And I think that's a good ice breaker," said Sharona Giles, director of the crisis prevention and response unit. Giles offered some insight into how their team of 25 adults makes connections in a crowd of hundreds of teens. "Body language is huge," she said. "I think that's the biggest kind of indicator, but also who's surrounded? Like, if you see somebody, and he has all the girls around him, he's probably charismatic, he's probably got some skills. He's probably someone we want to pay attention to, because he has all of these other kids around him." They build relationships and sometimes break up tense situations. "It could get scary," Philips said. "It's dark. It's 500 kids. You're breaking up, simultaneously, fights; like small brush fires, and, because of that, dangerous things can happen." After two years, they believe their work has prevented violence. "The endgame is to connect them to resources that's going to help their personal development, so we can get them the resources that they need," said Phillips. CBS News Chicago has partnered with Strides for Peace as the media sponsor for Chicago's Race Against Gun Violence in Grant Park on June 5. Click here for more information on the fundraiser, how to sign up and our coverage of participating nonprofits.
