FLOWOOD, Miss. (WLBT) – Mental health professionals are seeing an alarming increase in problems among children and their connection to cell phones and social media.
A three-day summit is underway to inform educators and parents on how to handle what is called the “Anxious Generation,” who were raised-on and hooked-on technology.
Educators are sharing social media’s escalating impact on children during a Canopy Children’s Solution breakout session at the Sheraton Hotel in Flowood.
The summit, entitled “Responding to an Anxious Generation” is equipping mental health professionals and parents with tools to deal with the negatives of technology use.
“I’ve even seen him escalate with me and my husband as far as push back just because I’m interrupting his screen time,” Nakisha Henderson said.
Henderson is a mental health therapist and the mother of a 10-year-old who sets limits on her son’s technology usage.
Canopy’s Learning and Training Development manager has advise for parents who do not implement rules.
“A five-year-old, she took away the tablet and the child completely destroyed the room, throwing fits, biting her, scratching, clawing at himself,” Henderson explained.
Wednesday’s session offered guidelines for a generation raised with cell phones – a group now experiencing increased anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies.
“Canopy, we had a 67% increase in the demand for work,” said Canopy Children’s Solutions CEO Dr. John Damon, PhD.
Experts recommend regular dialogue with kids about their usage, being aware of websites and apps, and engaging children in the outdoors and other activities.
“If we don’t engage their voice and hear them out and apply structure for them in partnership, they’re gonna rebel,” Damon said. “They’re gonna tear up things. They’re gonna revolt because this is a friend to me. This is a companion to me.”
Mental health professionals say establishing structure, time limitations, and monitoring use when you first introduce the devices is key.
“Take it up at night to charge it. Charge it in a central spot so they’re not charging in their room,” Shea Hutchins, Canopy Chief Solutions Officer, said. “That’s another good way for parents to set a healthy boundary.”
Three hundred and fifty educators, social workers, behavioral and mental health clinicians are learning ways to help parents deal with escalating behavioral issues.
The Children Mental Health Summit continues through Friday.
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