Is there really a childhood mental health epidemic?

As a child psychologist, mental health of our children and teens is a constant concern to
me. Do you know that in 2023, two in five high school students reported persistent
feelings of sadness or hopelessness? And a very alarming statistic is that young people
ages 10 to 24 now account for 15 percent of all suicides. The current generation of
children and teens struggling with depression, anxiety, and self-harm has drastically
increased.

What plays a key role in this childhood mental health epidemic?
Phones, tablets, and other devices are playing a key role in the childhood mental health
epidemic. Yes, parents, they do play such a significant role. “Many parents assume
that social media is the primary culprit, but several lesser-known aspects of screen use
are likely to be equally problematic.” (Sunseri, P. 2025)

How do devices negatively impact the mental health of our young people?
In Reversing the Childhood Mental Health Epidemic, Paul Sunseri, Psy.D. delineates
3 root causes:

1. The Dose-Related Effect:
   There is a dosing effect. Kids use these devices to such an extent that they
   literally become addicted to them. By the way, we see this addiction in adults,
   too.
2. The Crowding-Out Effect:
   Digital devices are so engaging that they can displace time spent on family
   interactions, physical activity, going outdoors and getting exposed to sunlight,
   reading, drawing, and so on. Smartphones, tablets, and gaming systems are so
   appealing to kids that for some, nearly any other activity pales in comparison.
   This can create an ongoing struggle for parents, who often find themselves in
   daily battles to get their children out of their bedrooms.
3. Sleep Deprivation:
   Many children and teens are chronically sleep-deprived. According to the CDC, it
   is recommended that school-age children get 9-12 hours of sleep per night while
   teens should get 8-10 hours (CDC, 2024). Sleep deprivation in children leads to
   mood swings, depression, anxiety, poor attention and concentration, impulsivity,
   academic struggles, school absenteeism, and more.

How can the negative effects of screen time be reduced?

1. Reduce Overall Screen Time:
   Reducing overall screen time is a logical response to too much screen time
   evidenced by mental health concerns, especially depression and withdrawal.
   Implement time outs from screen time, i.e. until homework is completed and
   bedtime.
2. Designate Family Time:
   Weekend “vacations” from screen time can be beneficial, even if only one day. As a parent and child specialist, I recognize the importance of mental health. I often recommend a daily two-hour “family time”, where everyone—parents included—set screens aside. You may discover that your kids will naturally wander out of their rooms looking for something to do. Thus, you may see family participation increase, as well as other healthier interests.
3. No Screens an Hour Before Bed and No Devices in Bedrooms at Night:
   Children need time to unwind before bed, and getting off screens at least an hour
   before their bedtime significantly improves sleep quality. Also, it is too tempting
   for children to have devices in their bedrooms overnight. Removing them will
   deter late night interference with their sleep.
4. Expect resistance:
   Initially, you can expect resistance from your children and teens. You will likely
   hear comments like “This is dumb!” “All my friends do it!” “You’re mean parents!”
   “I hate you!” Stay firm and don’t fall victim to your kids’ guilt trips. After about two
   weeks, your kids should become accustomed to their new routine.

► Parents have the power to greatly influence their kids’ positive mental health.

References: Sunseri, P. Reversing the Childhood Mental Health Epidemic. Psychology
Today (2025).