A Pediatrician’s Perspective: How Smartphones and Social Media Fuel Anxiety in Youth
A Pediatrician’s Perspective: How Smartphones and Social Media Fuel Anxiety in Youth

In exam rooms across the country, pediatricians are seeing a troubling trend: a rising tide of anxiety in children and teens. While the COVID-19 pandemic amplified mental health challenges for youth, many experts say the spike began long before lockdowns and masks—around the time smartphones became a fixture in daily life.

Tired All the Time: How Smartphones and Social Media Are Disrupting Teen Sleep
Tired All the Time: How Smartphones and Social Media Are Disrupting Teen Sleep

It’s time that parents wake up to the fact that sleep deprivation among youth is largely triggered by increased dependence on smartphones and social media.

Alone Together: How Smartphones and Social Media Contribute to Social Deprivation in Youth
Alone Together: How Smartphones and Social Media Contribute to Social Deprivation in Youth

Picture a group of teenagers gathered in a living room—yet each sits silently, eyes locked on a screen, thumbs scrolling in unison. They’re together, but not truly with each other.

Breaking the Scroll Cycle: What Parents Can Do About Social Media and Teen Depression
Breaking the Scroll Cycle: What Parents Can Do About Social Media and Teen Depression

According to a Pew Research Center report, up to 95 percent of teens aged 13–17 confirm using a social media platform. Fully 35 percent of teens say they are using at least one of them “almost constantly.” In today’s digital world

Dislike Button: Swiping Left on Excessive Social Media, Screen Time, and Teen Depression
Dislike Button: Swiping Left on Excessive Social Media, Screen Time, and Teen Depression

Teen anxiety and depression are skyrocketing—and the time spent on smartphones and social media appears to be igniting the fuse.

Measles Cases Are on the Rise: How to Protect Your Child
Measles Cases Are on the Rise: How to Protect Your Child

The World Health Organization has issued a warning about the rapid spread of measles around the world, noting a 79 percent increase in cases compared to 2022, with more than 306,000 cases reported last year. As of April 18, 125 measles cases have been reported across 18 US jurisdictions in 2024. As a comparison, the entirety … Continue reading “Measles Cases Are on the Rise: How to Protect Your Child”

Benefits of Accepting Negative Emotions
Benefits of Accepting Negative Emotions

Negative emotions are an unpleasant and unavoidable part of life. These feelings often stem from the difference between expectations and reality. When negative emotions creep in during holidays, birthdays, and other events where people are expected to feel only positive emotions, anxiety and distress can become enhanced. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. … Continue reading “Benefits of Accepting Negative Emotions”

Benefits of Enforcing Delayed Gratification with Your Child
Benefits of Enforcing Delayed Gratification with Your Child
  • Instant gratification can lead to addiction and depression over time.
  • Delayed gratification sets up your children for future success.
  • Children struggle with delaying gratification; parents need to teach them.
  • Encourage goal setting, patience, and good decision-making with your child.
Supporting Your Expectant Spouse
Supporting Your Expectant Spouse
  • Having a supportive partner can help reduce anxiety and depression levels in pregnant women.
  • Attending as many prenatal appointments as possible shows your spouse that you’re an equal partner in the pregnancy.
  • One of the most important ways to maintain a healthy relationship during pregnancy is by emphasizing and prioritizing open communication.
  • Every pregnancy is different, so it’s important to be flexible and adaptable in your approach to supporting your expecting partner.

Article Types

Archives

Sign up to our Newsletter

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Is Your Child Sick?


en español


Stay connected to your children’s health:

Want pediatric news, kid-friendly recipes and parenting tips?
Sign up for our patient parent newsletter:

Other great ways to connect: