Jim Liebelt

Senior Writer, Editor and Researcher for the HomeWord Center for Youth and Family at Azusa Pacific University

Jim is Senior Writer, Editor and Researcher for HomeWord . Jim has over 40 years of experience as a youth and family ministry specialist, and has been on the HomeWord staff since 1998. He has served over the years as a pastor, author, youth ministry trainer, adjunct college instructor and speaker. Jim’s culture blog and parenting articles appear on HomeWord.com. Jim is a contributing author of culture and parenting articles to Crosswalk.com. Jim and his wife Jenny live in Quincy, MA.

U.S. Teens' Drinking, Smoking Declines While Vaping & Pot Use Keep Rising

Fewer U.S. teenagers are drinking and smoking these days, but marijuana and vaping have gained in popularity — particularly among kids with lots of...

September 26, 2022

U.S. Teens' Drinking, Smoking Declines While Vaping & Pot Use Keep Rising

What's Hot? 09/23/22

A weekly listing of hot cultural items from the Internet, music, television, and movies.

September 23, 2022

What's Hot? 09/23/22

Nearly 1 in 10 American Adults, 1 in 5 Teens Report Having Depression

Depression is on the rise in the United States, according to sobering new research from Columbia University and City University of New York.

September 22, 2022

Nearly 1 in 10 American Adults, 1 in 5 Teens Report Having Depression

Concussion Aftermath Could Drag Down Teens' Grades

In a new study, researchers at the University of Washington found that those who had a recent concussion could be 25% more likely than classmates...

September 21, 2022

Concussion Aftermath Could Drag Down Teens' Grades

Problems Persist for Kids Exposed to Cannabis in the Womb

Children who were exposed to cannabis in the womb continue to show elevated rates of symptoms of psychopathology (depression, anxiety, and other...

September 20, 2022

Problems Persist for Kids Exposed to Cannabis in the Womb

'Gateway' Foods Like Candy, Pastries and Frozen Treats May Lead to Unhealthy Teen Eating

A study of adolescent eating habits found that certain ultra-processed foods, such as candy, prepackaged pastries and frozen desserts, may act as a...

September 19, 2022

'Gateway' Foods Like Candy, Pastries and Frozen Treats May Lead to Unhealthy Teen Eating

What's Hot? 09/16/22

A weekly listing of hot cultural items from the Internet, music, television, and movies.

September 16, 2022

What's Hot? 09/16/22

One App Is Especially Bad for Teens' Sleep

In a new study, researchers found YouTube fans experienced consistent and negative effects on sleep. Surprisingly, traditional TV was associated...

September 15, 2022

One App Is Especially Bad for Teens' Sleep

Getting Kids Walking, Biking to School Can Lead to Long-Term Fitness

Kids who walk, skateboard or ride their bikes to school when they are young are more likely to keep it up as they get older, reaping the health...

September 14, 2022

Getting Kids Walking, Biking to School Can Lead to Long-Term Fitness

Youth Engaged in Digital Self-Harm 9 to 15 Times More Likely to Attempt Suicide

In a new study, researchers found that adolescents who engaged in digital self-harm were between five and seven times more likely to have...

September 13, 2022

Youth Engaged in Digital Self-Harm 9 to 15 Times More Likely to Attempt Suicide

Teens More Likely to Vape If Parent Smokes

According to a new study, teens whose parents smoke cigarettes were 55% more likely to try e-cigarettes than those of nonsmoking parents and 51%...

September 12, 2022

Teens More Likely to Vape If Parent Smokes

What's Hot? 09/09/22

A weekly listing of hot cultural items from the Internet, music, television, and movies.

September 09, 2022

What's Hot? 09/09/22

Parents’ Who Reward Kids With Food, Restrict Their Diet May Turn Them Into ’Emotional Eaters’

Parents who reward children with food or restrict their diet risk their kids becoming “emotional eaters” who use food to regulate their feelings.

September 08, 2022

Parents’ Who Reward Kids With Food, Restrict Their Diet May Turn Them Into ’Emotional Eaters’

41% of Teenagers Can't Tell the Difference Between True and Fake Online Health Messages

A new study has found that teenagers have a hard time discerning between fake and true health messages.

September 07, 2022

41% of Teenagers Can't Tell the Difference Between True and Fake Online Health Messages

Study Finds Steep Rise in Type 2 Diabetes Among Children During COVID-19 Pandemic

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center and across the United States say they have documented a steep rise in type 2 diabetes among children...

September 06, 2022

Study Finds Steep Rise in Type 2 Diabetes Among Children During COVID-19 Pandemic

Parents Adopt Unhealthy Food Routines for Family Well-Being in Place of Unaffordable Activities

A new study suggests a key reason parents buy unhealthy foods for their families is to compensate for non-food-related activities which support...

September 05, 2022

Parents Adopt Unhealthy Food Routines for Family Well-Being in Place of Unaffordable Activities

What's Hot? 09/02/22

A weekly listing of hot cultural items from the Internet, music, television, and movies.

September 02, 2022

What's Hot? 09/02/22

‘Social Exclusion’ is the Most Common Form of School Bullying — Not Violence

Researchers from the University of Missouri-Columbia have found that the most common variety of bullying isn't physical violence, but “relational...

September 01, 2022

‘Social Exclusion’ is the Most Common Form of School Bullying — Not Violence