Social media top concern for parents as kids return to school survey

Social media top concern for parents as kids return to school survey

Parents Worried About Children’s Social Media Use and Mental Health, According to Poll

Photo by Cara Murez/HealthDay Reporter

When it comes to their school-aged children, parents in the United States have expressed concerns about two main issues: social media use and mental health. These worries are highlighted in the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health. According to the poll, parents still consider problems impacting physical health, such as unhealthy eating and obesity, as important children’s health issues. However, these concerns have been overshadowed by worries about mental health, social media, and screen time.

Two-thirds of the parents surveyed reported being worried about their children’s increased time on digital devices and their use of social media. These concerns topped the list this year. With children using digital devices and social media at younger ages, parents face the challenge of monitoring their children’s use in a way that prevents negative impacts on safety, self-esteem, social connections, and other areas of health.

During the pandemic, screen time became an increasing concern for parents, as previous reports have suggested. Pediatrician Dr. Susan Woolford, co-director of the poll, encourages parents to regularly evaluate their kids’ use of technology. Additionally, certain social media and device settings can help protect children from potential harm.

The poll also revealed that mental and emotional health were among the top concerns for parents. Depression, suicide, stress, anxiety, bullying, and related topics were viewed as significant problems. Nearly half of the surveyed parents expressed concern about the lack of mental health services available to their children. The growing number of youth with mental health concerns and the limited access to appropriate services are major issues that have implications for children’s well-being.

• Certain vaccines may reduce Alzheimer’s risk
• Maryland reports local malaria case.
• Stem Cells Could Create Tooth Enamel or ‘Living Fillings

Another concern raised by parents is school violence. Changes in the school environment, such as the presence of metal detectors, armed guards, locked doors, and active shooter drills, serve as reminders of the potential for violence. Dr. Woolford suggests that parents periodically talk with their children about how safe they feel at school and what they have heard about violent incidents. These conversations should be tailored to the child’s age, avoiding graphic details while offering reassurances about the safety measures in place at the school.

The survey results also showed that parents’ concerns vary depending on their income level. Poorer parents were more likely to have major concerns about depression, suicide, bullying, school violence, unsafe neighborhoods, drinking, drugs, smoking, teen pregnancy, sexual activity, child abuse, neglect, parental stress, discrimination, COVID-19, and health risks from pollution. On the other hand, middle and higher-income parents considered overuse of devices and social media as significant problems.

However, parents across income groups share concerns about unhealthy diet, obesity, healthcare costs, and the lack of mental health services. Vaccine safety, parents doing too much, and COVID-19 were among the lowest-ranking concerns on the list.

Dr. Woolford emphasizes the importance of parents partnering with schools, mentors, and healthcare providers to address both ongoing and emerging health concerns. Regular conversations with children and teens that encourage them to share any physical or emotional concerns they might be experiencing are also essential.

The poll, conducted in February, provides valuable insights into the concerns of parents regarding their children’s health. These concerns highlight the need for a holistic approach to address the challenges posed by social media use, mental health issues, and school violence. By understanding these concerns, healthcare practitioners, educators, and policymakers can better support parents and provide appropriate resources and services to promote the well-being of children.

Original Source: Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan