New research reveals parents’ biggest concerns as kids head back to school

By Stephen Beech via SWNS

Overuse of social media and digital devices is the biggest concern of parents as children prepare to head back to school, reveals new research

More than half of moms and dads are also worried about mental health issues, according to the findings.

Emotional well-being and use of technology - such as mobile phones and tablets - were the biggest concerns in the annual survey of American parents, surpassing childhood obesity which was the top children’s health issue a decade ago.

Two-thirds of parents are worried about children’s increased time on devices - including overall screen time and use of social media, according to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.

Mott Poll co-director Doctor Susan Woolford said: “Parents still view problems directly impacting physical health, including unhealthy eating and obesity, as important children’s health issues.

"But these have been overtaken by concerns about mental health, social media and screen time.

“Children are using digital devices and social media at younger ages, and parents may struggle with how to appropriately monitor use to prevent negative impacts on safety, self-esteem, social connections and habits that may interfere with sleep and other areas of health."

The findings, based on more than 2,000 American parents, show the majority view depression, suicide, stress, anxiety, and related topics such as bullying as big problems.

And nearly half of parents expressed concern over a lack of mental health services.

Dr. Woolford said: “The mismatch between the growing number of youth with mental health concerns and the limited access to mental health services has serious implications for children’s well-being."

Moms and dads also shared a high level of concern about violence in school.

Dr. Woolford says changes to the school environment - such as metal detectors, armed guards and locked doors, as well as "active shooter" drills may remind children and parents about the potential for school violence.

She believes some moms and dads may struggle with how to manage their own stress and anxiety while they try to reassure their child.

Dr. Woolford said: “Parents may want to talk with their child periodically about how safe they feel at school and what they’ve heard about violent incidents.

“They should tailor the information to their child’s age and avoid sharing graphic details while offering reassurance about safety measures that their school has in place.”

Parents in low-income households were more likely to view several children’s health issues as a major concern- including depression and suicide, bullying, school violence, drinking and drugs, smoking and vaping, teen pregnancy and sexual activity, child abuse and neglect, parental stress, discrimination, Covid, and health risks from pollution.

Parents in middle and high-income homes were more likely to rate overuse of devices and social media as significant problems.

Dr. Woolford said: “Differences in how parents view children’s health problems may reflect their day-to-day experiences dealing with environmental challenges such as unsafe neighborhoods, as well as discrimination that may be more frequently experienced by children from low-income homes."

She added: “Today’s school-aged children have experienced dramatic shifts in classroom environments, technology norms and increased mental health challenges.

“Parents should partner with schools, mentors and their child’s health care providers to address both ongoing and emerging health concerns.

"They should also regularly revisit conversations with their children and teens that encourage them to share any concerns they might be experiencing, both physically and emotionally.”