Childhood Studies Scholar Featured on NPR’s 1A
Teens are spending less time together in person, facing tighter curfews, and navigating a world of public spaces that often aren’t designed for them—or even welcome them. NPR’s 1A dug into these issues in a recent episode titled “How Building Public Spaces for Teens Can Fight Loneliness and Isolation,” hosted by Jenn White.
Among the featured guests was Dr. Valerie N. Adams-Bass, developmental psychologist and assistant professor in the Childhood Studies program at Rutgers University–Camden. She called attention to the impact of surveillance and limited autonomy on adolescent development, especially for Black teens. “Curfews don’t work unless there’s something else for young people to do,” she said, advocating for teen-informed programming that affirms identity and fosters real connection.
Interdisciplinary Insights: Rutgers-Camden’s Childhood Studies Programs
Rutgers University–Camden offers interdisciplinary M.A. and Ph.D. programs in Childhood Studies, focusing on the multifaceted experiences of children across various contexts. The M.A. program equips students with the skills to conduct research, influence social policy, and work with diverse child populations, leading to careers in public policy, social services, and education. The Ph.D. program immerses students in comprehensive theoretical and methodological training, preparing them for scholarly research and roles in academia, policy-making, and organizations dedicated to children’s welfare.
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