Effects of Technology on Mental Health

In our ever-changing world, the use of technology is continuously expanding. It influences every area of our lives, from our ability to communicate with loved ones to having access to information at our fingertips. Unfortunately, we’ve also seen the number of adverse effects it has on mental health as well.

While technology has opened avenues for individuals to access information and find help and support, significant risks are associated with its increased usage. With it becoming more prevalent in children’s lives, deciding what age kids should get a phone is important, as it can have lasting effects at an early age. Specifically, screen time and social media use among kids and teens have been linked with an increased prevalence of mental health concerns. The effects on children and teens can impact social skills and their development and can be linked to several other subsequent factors. Research has indicated that internet addiction, particularly among younger demographics such as teenagers, is becoming a widespread issue. It has been linked to depression, low self-esteem, and loneliness. These symptoms may often lead to diagnosable mental illnesses and worsening problems that were already present. The passive use of social media sites, such as Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and Facebook, is specifically linked to being a risk factor for increased levels of depression. Overall, in terms of the relationship between screen use and both physical and mental health outcomes, there have been several studies that suggest higher levels of screen use in children and adolescents are associated with reduced physical activity, increased risk of depression, and lower well-being.

Prevalence

While not all mental health concerns among young people can be linked to technology, we must recognize the vast amount of children who are impacted by these issues. Research finds that 1 in 5 children between the ages of 13-18 have, or may develop, a severe mental illness before they reach adulthood. Within this group:

• 11% are mood disorders.
• 10% are behavior or conduct disorders.
• 8% are anxiety disorders.

Unfortunately, the effects of technology on children and youth are not only spreading to a larger population but have also been shown to be long-lasting. To put things into perspective, 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses are diagnosed by the age of 14 and 75% by age 24. With this in mind, taking cautionary steps to mitigate potential risk factors for our children, including their access to technology, is essential. These can include adding parental controls to limit the amount of time your children can have on their mobile devices or while watching television. It is crucial to keep in mind how a child’s exposure to technology and social media can leave a lasting impact on their mental health.

As their parents, you must find other activities for your children to participate in, whether enrolling them in a child’s summer camp, putting them in art classes, or even organizing extra parent-child bonding activities throughout the week. Being involved in these can positively affect children’s behavior and quality of life. Having different options available means your children will not solely have to depend on a screen for entertainment. Focusing less on technology usage and prioritizing other activities can stimulate your child’s brain and have positive effects that will ultimately benefit them.

How Can You Help?

It may be nearly impossible to avoid technology in all forms, but monitoring your kids and limiting the amount of time spent on social media or looking at a screen is important. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends less than one to two hours of entertainment screen time daily for children. It discourages kids under two years of age from using any media. Additionally, using screens for communicating with friends and loved ones may benefit some children and teenagers. Still, parents must monitor this use to ensure that it is positive. It is recommended that parents and caregivers use technology alongside children and youth and engage them in discussions about safe and healthy media use. This can help your child create healthier habits when using technology and social media that will benefit them in the future.

Mental illness in kids can begin in childhood but may go undetected. This is because symptoms may not be evident until a child is older. As parents, you must learn the tell-tale signs and symptoms associated with mental health disorders so you can get your child the treatment they need should an issue be present. Below are some of the most common warning signs in teens and adolescents:

• Extreme mood swings
• Drug or alcohol use
• Severe changes in sleeping habits, personality traits, and behavior
• Difficult time concentrating
• Extreme sense of worry or fear during daily activities
• Attempting to harm one’s self or thinking about it
• Partaking in risky behaviors that can lead to harming themselves or others
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Feeling withdrawn or sad
• Signs of addictive behavior in regards to the internet

If you suspect that your child may be experiencing a mental health condition, do not wait to seek help. There is no shame in going to a doctor or clinical psychologist who specializes in counseling for kids when it comes to mental disorders. If you don’t know where to seek help, consider talking to your child’s school counselor or pediatrician. Natural alternatives to drugs include CBD for kids, which has shown promise in treating anxiety and signs of depression in children prone to ADHD.

It’s crucial that you sit down with your child and explain the dangers of technology, even if they are not showing symptoms of a mental health disorder but appear to be a little too attached to their phone or computer. Creating these boundaries and informing your children about potential threats is an excellent way to stay prepared should an issue arise. Create an open discussion with them and listen to their thoughts and concerns about social media. Does screen time support their health and well-being? Do they show depressive symptoms when talking about their social networks? Moving forward, try to be as vigilant as possible regarding monitoring their screen time. By being prepared and being open, you’ll hopefully be able to prevent or worsen mental health conditions within your kids. And remember, if your child needs behavioral health treatment, get help as soon as possible.