Excessive screen time and social media consumption worries parents, study shows   

Two issues that have been concerning parents these days are—the effect of social media and the internet on kids’ lives. According to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health by the University of Michigan Health, more than half of parents say that mental health problems are their children and teenagers’ top health […]

Follow us:

Two issues that have been concerning parents these days are—the effect of social media and the internet on kids’ lives. According to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health by the University of Michigan Health, more than half of parents say that mental health problems are their children and teenagers’ top health concern.   

A new conundrum?  

childhood obesity, which parents identified as the top children’s health issue a decade ago, was surpassed this year by concerns about mental health and technology use for children in the United States and it might just be the case for the fast-growing youth of India. Parents continue to focus on issues that have an influence on children’s physical health, such as obesity and unhealthful eating. But what worried them more are issues related to mental health, social media, and screen time.  

reports say   

According to nationally representative research, most parents are concerned about their kids’ growing screen time, especially their use of social media and total screen time.  

which is this year’s top and second worries for kids’ health. Mental and emotional health issues are of utmost importance. The survey results, which are based on 2,099 responses gathered in February, also show parents’ ongoing concern for kids’ mental health. Most parents see severe issues with melancholy, suicide, stress, anxiety, and associated issues like bullying. A shortage of mental health treatments also concerned almost half of parents.  

According to Mott paediatrician Susan Woolford, M.D., M.P.H, there are major consequences for children’s wellbeing due to the disparity between the rising number of youngsters with mental health issues and the restricted access to mental health care. The classroom surroundings, technology standards, and mental health difficulties faced by school-age children today have changed dramatically, according to Woolford.  

To address both continuing and new health issues, parents should collaborate with their children’s schools, mentors, and medical professionals. They should also often bring up dialogues with their kids and teenagers that encourage them to express any worries they might be having on a physical or emotional level.