Parents say these were the top health concerns for kids in 2025
A. 2025 survey A researcher from the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital asked American parents of children ages 1 to 18 about their opinions on a variety of child health issues, including bullying, internet safety, lack of physical activity, parental stress and diet.
The Mott survey report, released in August, found that a majority of parents surveyed (69 percent) think the physical health of American children and teens is worsening. And even more parents are concerned about their children’s emotional health: 83% believe the mental health of U.S. children and teens is also in decline.
The survey results also show that parents believe social media, too much screen time, and internet safety are some of the top concerns facing children today.
“Since social media use has increased since 2010, the prevalence of mental health problems in young people has also increased significantly,” according to the report. “This increase in depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, in particular, has continued during the years of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Jonathan HaidtThe social scientist and author of “The Anxious Generation” is one of many experts sounding the alarm about rising anxiety and depression among young people and the connection between smartphones and social media.
“All of these devices are designed to keep kids scrolling for hours,” he previously told CNBC Make It. “The average screen time is eight to 10 hours, excluding school.”
“We have to undo this if we want any hope of them growing up healthy,” he said.
Haidt encourages parents to be more intentional about reducing their children’s device and social media use. Here, he and Jean Twenge, professor of psychology and author of “10 Rules for Raising Children in a High-Tech World,” offer some suggestions for how parents can work to make this happen.
There were no smartphones before high school
Haidt argues that there is a clear limit: Kids shouldn’t get smartphones until they reach high school.
A. global work In a study conducted by the non-profit Sapien Labs among 27,969 people aged 18-24, it was seen that mental health increased as the age of first smartphone ownership increased. Haidt also recommends that parents not allow social media use on children’s phones before age 16.
Haidt recommends that parents reserve a designated spot for kids when they pick up their devices.
“They live on the kitchen counter,” Haidt said as an example. “If you need it, you can check it out.”
No screens in the bedroom during the night
Twenge advocates keeping screens out of the bedroom overnight.
“It’s just a case of no argument: ‘You don’t need that phone in your bedroom when you should be sleeping. Period. End of story. Drop the mic. We’re done.'” Twenge previously told CNBC Make It.
Devices in the bedroom can disrupt kids’ sleep, whether it’s keeping them up late or their notifications waking them up. “Not getting enough sleep is a risk factor for everything we want our children to avoid, from getting sick to depression,” Twenge wrote in her book.10 Rules for Raising Children in a High-Tech World“
Haidt would go one step further: There were no screens of any kind in the bedroom, he said.
More free games out there
To keep kids from getting too caught up in their devices, Haidt also recommends that parents encourage them to spend time outside with friends.
Communities may decide to enact what he calls “free play Fridays.”
“Everyone knows that when kids get together at the park, they play baseball, football, etc.” I’ve mentioned Make It before. “Maybe they just stay on the school playground.”
After all, he said, playing with friends and without screens is “the most fun kids can have.” They may have so much that they will want to continue spending time with their friends on the weekend.
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