Homework. Social media. Bullying. Work deadlines. Entrance exams. Inflation. Online predators. Enrichment activities. If you feel your pulse rising as you consider this word salad, you are in good company.
In August of this year, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a 35-page report titled
Parents Under Pressure: An Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents, drawing attention to the elevated stress and anxiety that are unique to parents and caregivers of our nation's children. “Throughout their lifespan, parents and caregivers often face heightened stressors, including financial strain and economic instability, time demands, concerns over children's health and safety, parental isolation and loneliness, difficulty managing technology and social media and cultural pressures," the surgeon general's advisory stated.
Forty-eight percent of parents reported that on most days their stress is completely overwhelming, while only 26 percent of nonparent adults reported similar levels, according to the report. The advisory further stated that “70 percent of parents say parenting is now more difficult than it was 20 years ago, with children's use of technology and social media as the top two cited reasons."
In our behavioral health practice, we see evidence of this daily. Parents are indeed overwhelmed and children's involvement with technology and social media are major contributing factors. We wholeheartedly support the surgeon general's conclusion that policy and cultural shifts are needed to support parents.
Meanwhile, what can we do to help parents
now?
Help with Digital and Online Safety
Nicklaus Children's Hospital and collaborators established the Digital Safety Alliance and the Safe+Sound initiative this year to support parents in navigating the complexities of today's digital world, where children can be introduced to cyberbullying, online predators, and mental distress.
The Safe+Sound website includes a wealth of resources, including content to help guide parents as they consider when and how to provide their children with cellphones, as well as information on cyberbullying and video games.
The site also includes information on a broad array of tools available to help keep children safe in a digital world. including smart phones that grow with the child, and parental control apps and systems that can protect children and provide parents with that precious commodity
, peace of mind.
For more information
click here.
Caring for the Parent and Caregivers
It should be noted that social media-induced anxiety and depression isn't unique to children. Parents can also feel pressured by images they see on social media that may promote feelings of inadequacy and depression, which contribute to stress. Protect yourself by focusing your social media engagement on groups/individuals that make you feel connected and included rather than those that may spark feelings that you don't measure up.
If your current family and social network doesn't provide you with the support you need, consider mental health counseling to help deal with stress. Most health insurance plans have provisions for mental health services and many of these are available virtually.
Make a point to detach yourself and your kids from technology during part of each day and focus on activities and interactions that can reduce stress. Ideas include:
- Go for walks, ride bikes or visit parks. These types of activities can be powerful stress reducers.
- Set an example by putting aside your smart phone during activities. Children often mirror what they see us do!
- Establish the dinner table as a technology-free zone for everyone, parents included! Phones should be sidelined to create time for family talk and engagement. Parents can promote positive conversation by encouraging the family to plan weekend activities together, focus on the best part of everyone's day, discuss vacation plans and more.
In short, don't let technology dominate life within your family. Make sure that each day includes time away from screens to engage with one another and the world around you. This focus can have a positive impact on the entire family.
Dr. Marisa Azaret is Director of Clinical Psychology at Nicklaus Children's Hospital and Co-Chair of the Digital Safety Alliance. If your child is experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety or other behavioral disorders, it may be time to seek professional help. Contact the Nicklaus Children's Psychology Team at: 305-669-6503.