EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – Thursday marks World Mental Health Day, a time to raise awareness about mental well-being. Sandy Bowersox, a pediatric psychologist at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension Saint Vincent, emphasized the critical role of sleep and the potential dangers of technology use, particularly for children and teens.
Bowersox explained that lack of sleep can lead to mood swings and emotional instability, increasing the risk of mental health issues. On the other hand, excessive use of technology and social media can adversely affect young people.
“A teenage brain is wired to seek social feedback, and while some feedback can be positive, rejection is common and can be challenging to handle,” she said. This environment fosters comparison among peers, making some children especially vulnerable to negative influences they encounter online. This can lead to unhealthy behaviors, including eating disorders, self-harm, or substance abuse.
Despite these risks, Bowersox acknowledged that technology can also help reduce feelings of loneliness. To mitigate potential harm, she recommends that parents limit social media usage to no more than two hours a day for younger children until they believe their teens are ready for more autonomy.
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