Valerie Huhn, Director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health, and Margie Vandeven, State Education Commissioner, will present on the state of children’s mental health to the Missouri Board of Education on Tuesday. The presentation is expected to include details about the impact of social media usage on mental health.
According to U.S. Surgeon General advisories, more than one-third of teenagers report using social media almost constantly, which has doubled since 2015. Spending more than 3 hours a day on social media puts children and adolescents at double the risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Young adults have the highest rates of social isolation, with almost twice as many reporting feelings of loneliness compared to those over 65.
The advisories suggest various steps for governments to address the mental health needs of children. One recommendation that will be presented is the creation of tech-free zones and promoting in-person friendships among children. Other recommendations include setting a positive example for responsible social media use, enhancing school-based mental health programs, and increasing the hiring of school counselors and social workers.
For more information on the upcoming presentation, please click here. Copyright © 2024 · Missourinet
