[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/womensvoice.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/child_mental_health_banner.png” alt=”Three middle aged men jumping and very happy” title_text=”child_mental_health_banner” admin_label=”Fullwidth Image” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][et_pb_fullwidth_code raw_content_tablet=”<\/p>\n
Parents face ongoing challenges in raising healthy, well-nourished children in a world where sugary temptations lurk around every corner.<\/p>\n
” raw_content_phone=”” raw_content_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Text – Fullwidth Leader Text” module_id=”fullwidth-leader-text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”] When my latest book, Mental Health Crisis in Children and Teens<\/em>, was about to go to press, Dr.\u202fV.\u202fMurthy, the U.S.\u202fSurgeon\u202fGeneral, stated that the rise in youth mental health issues is \u201cthe\u202fdefining public health crisis of our time,\u201d and identified social media as a significant contributor to this problem. He called for urgent action, suggesting that the U.S.\u202fCongress should mandate the addition of a label to social media apps, similar to the warnings found on cigarettes and alcohol.<\/p>\n A 2019 study published in JAMA<\/em> demonstrated that teenagers who spend three hours a day on\u202fsocial media double their risk of depression. Shockingly, the average time teens spend on social media is five hours a day. The internet has transformed many aspects of life, with both positive and negative effects.<\/p>\n The internet and social media, with its dark underbelly of body shaming, pornography, and cyberbullying, are affecting teens\u2019 emotional and physical well-being in unprecedented ways. In addition, children and teens are much more vulnerable to the influence of various messaging. The digital world wasn\u2019t built with children\u2019s mental health and development in mind. Recently, many schools have prohibited the use of cell phones, and at\u202fhome, parents can limit time spent by setting timers on iPads, video games, and other digital devices. Many families are also starting to have device-free weekends. Reading, art, outdoor adventures, sports, and other activities are also encouraged.<\/p>\n According to neuroscience, the brain does not finish developing until the mid-to-late 20s. Brains \u201cunder construction\u201d are much more susceptible to all the factors that can cause mental health problems. Multiple factors determine mental health outcomes.<\/p>\n SOME OF THE MORE COMMONLY RECOGNIZED FACTORS INCLUDE:<\/strong><\/p>\n OTHER LESS COMMONLY RECOGNIZED BUT SIGNIFICANT FACTORS INCLUDE:<\/strong><\/p>\n When it comes to food, at a time when the brain needs the highest quality of nutrients, many kids and teens find it difficult to eat well. Parents and kids are constantly on the go and may not be aware of healthy food choices. Typically, kids fill up on fast food, go without meals, or snack all day on foods high in sugar and empty calories. The statistics on junk food consumption are sobering. Canadians get a minimum of 48% of their caloric intake from ultra-processed products, and in the United States, it is 67% of what children aged\u202f2\u201319\u202fconsume.<\/strong> Ultra-processed foods contribute to learning and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, impair cognitive function and emotional regulation, and can cause uncontrolled irritability and rage.<\/p>\n It is difficult to consistently provide healthy meals for children with all the other demands on parents, and changing eating habits can be overwhelming. As a single parent with three growing boys, while attending medical school, dinner was always a challenge \u2013 I don\u2019t like this, and I don\u2019t like that \u2013 the food battle was often about vegetables. So, I made vegetable juice and said, \u201cPlug your nose if you have to, but drink it!\u201d They got their vegetables, and I\u202ffound some peace of mind. Smoothies are a great way to help kids of all ages start their day by increasing their intake of necessary fuel for the body and brain. Start with a good-quality protein powder, then add frozen berries, banana, avocado, oat or almond milk, yogurt, and liquid omega-3.<\/p>\n In addition to a healthy diet, consider essential supplements, including a multivitamin for general nutrient support and omega-3 fatty acids for brain development. Children who seem to catch every cold going around will need additional immune-supportive nutrients, such as zinc, vitamin\u202fC, and vitamin\u202fD. These nutrients provide a solid nutritional foundation while you work to improve optimal health through healthy food and lifestyle choices. Do your best, keep it simple, and take it step by step. Making household changes with teens and kids, especially when your schedule is already overwhelming, can seem daunting. However, taking small, consistent steps can make a real difference. Gradually implementing changes and sticking to them will help you see improvements over time.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Are you concerned about your child\u2019s mental health? If so, you are not alone \u2013 current statistics show that 70% of parents report concerns. When my latest book, Mental Health Crisis in Children and Teens, was about to go to press, Dr.\u202fV.\u202fMurthy, the U.S.\u202fSurgeon\u202fGeneral, stated that the rise in youth mental health issues is \u201cthe\u202fdefining […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":40088,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40084","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-expert-advice","category-living-culture","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\nAre you concerned about your child\u2019s mental health? If so, you are not alone \u2013 current statistics show that 70% of parents report concerns.<\/h5>\n
Why are children and teens so susceptible to mental health disorders?<\/h5>\n
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Tips to enhance nutrients in children and teens<\/h5>\n
Important supplements for the developing brain<\/h5>\n