As school restarts, parents are continuing to fret over children’s well-being due to the overuse of social media and the internet, highlighting worries about their influence
In a recent poll by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, over half of parents expressed heightened apprehension about mental health issues impacting their children.
Among parents in low-income households, worries about children’s mental health were even more pronounced.
However, these concerns were linked to something which goes beyond normal stressors: they were revolving around social media and the internet.
Mental health worries and technology usage dominate the list of parental concerns
Worries for parents over child mental health and the overuse of social media
Emotional well-being and technology usage have taken center stage on this year’s list of parental concerns.
In contrast to a decade ago, when childhood obesity was considered the leading health issue for kids, the problems have shifted to mental health, overuse of social media, and excessive screen time.
Concerns about children’s excessive screen time and device usage have surged, ranking as the top two health concerns in this year’s national poll.
Parents are grappling with monitoring digital interactions effectively, mitigating potential adverse effects on safety, self-esteem, sleep patterns, and overall health.
Addressing mental and emotional health
Depression, suicide, stress, anxiety, and bullying are among parents’ top mental and emotional health concerns. A notable gap between the number of youth with mental health needs and the availability of suitable services raises significant concerns about children’s well-being.
Parents from low-income households are more inclined to view children’s health issues as significant concerns, such as depression, bullying, and school violence.
In contrast, middle and high-income parents identify overuse of devices and social media as critical problems. Nevertheless, parents across income brackets share concerns about unhealthy diets, obesity, healthcare costs, and inadequate mental health services.
Meeting evolving health challenges due to technology
Today’s school-aged children navigate changing classroom environments and technology norms, accompanied by mounting mental health challenges.
Efforts between parents, schools, mentors, and healthcare providers are essential in addressing ongoing and emerging health concerns.
Open conversations with children are crucial, encouraging them to freely share their physical and emotional concerns.
In conclusion, the overuse of social media and the digital world is mounting concern among parents as children return to school.
Mental health worries and technology usage dominate the list of parental concerns, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to the digital landscape and fostering emotional well-being.
