Our youth are constantly bombarded with various media content, which can have a significant impact on their mental health. In this article, a licensed mental health therapist at CHOC shares valuable advice on how to help our youth process their thoughts and feelings about media content in a healthy way.

Empowering Youth to Navigate Media's Impact

Importance of Helping Kids Process Media Content

Our youth are constantly exposed to inappropriate, serious or harmful content through various media outlets. As caregivers, it's crucial to help them process these thoughts and feelings in a healthy way. A 2023 survey found that teenagers spent an average of 4.8 hours on social media platforms daily. Girls spent nearly an hour more than boys. Teens aged 13 to 19 preferred YouTube and TikTok. These statistics show the significant time our youth spend on media, which can often be biased and misleading.While media can offer resources and raise awareness, it can also negatively affect mental health. Open discussions about the content they watch and read are essential.

How Caregivers Can Help Kids Process Self-Harm and Suicide Content

Caregivers, educators and mental health professionals must work together to reduce the stigma around mental health. Approximately 17 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 have engaged in self-harm. The COVID-19 lockdown increased young people's reliance on media, highlighting the need for greater awareness.Since children's brains don't fully develop until around age 25, we must listen to them nonjudgmentally, simplify difficult topics and address their questions. Validating their feelings is vital.

How Media Content Influences Kids' Behaviors and Attitudes

Media includes various platforms like print, broadcast, digital, streaming and interactive. These forms can influence perception, behavior and mental health, especially among children.For example, the show "13 Reasons Why" sparked controversy due to its depiction of self-harm and suicide. Suicide attempts reportedly increased after its premiere. Children also encounter self-harm content on social media, creating a copycat effect.When children share their deepest thoughts on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, it presents an opportunity for caregivers to discuss these issues.

Mental Health Effects of Self-Harm and Suicide Content in Media on Kids

Media coverage of self-harm and suicide can deeply impact children's mental and physical health. Hearing about tragedies can weigh on their minds.Open conversations help kids process this content and minimize negative effects. The CDC reported that suicide was the second leading cause of death among 10 to 24-year-olds. Children may experience sleep disturbances and normalize harmful behaviors.

Strategies for Helping Kids Process Self-Harm and Suicide Content

It's important to listen actively, allowing children to share their experiences. Validate their feelings and correct misinformation. Create an environment that encourages questions.Praise and reinforce your child for being open. Proactive measures like daily check-ins and setting boundaries can also make a difference.Seven actionable steps caregivers can take include:- Be mindful of what children are listening to and watching.- Monitor internet use and sites they spend time on.- Find time to check-in and create a safe space.- Teach healthy boundaries regarding electronic device use.- Be honest and answer questions objectively.- Leverage technology with parent control apps.- Seek support if needed.

List of Caregiver Monitoring and Safety Applications

MamaBear App: Monitors location and online activity for safety.Bark: Monitors texts, emails and social media for signs of trouble.mSpy: Monitors electronic use to protect from risks.Checky: Monitors phone checking habits.Screen Time App: Tracks and monitors screen time.OurPact Child App: Helps manage screen time and set boundaries.Get more expert health advice by subscribing to the KidsHealth newsletter here.Learn more about CHOC's pediatric mental health services:At CHOC, we specialize in providing a full spectrum of pediatric mental healthcare, including inpatient, intensive outpatient and outpatient program services.Get resources:Get 24/7 advice from CHOC by calling our free nurse helpline at 1-844-GET-CHOC.Crisis Resources:If your child expresses thoughts of harming themselves or others, call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest emergency department.988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 9-8-8, text any message to 9-8-8 or chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat.Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741.Save for later: Download, print or share on social media.Additional Resources:Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ+ Suicide Hotline): (866) 488-7386.OC-LINKS (Mental Health Resources): (855) 625-4657.NAMI Warm Line (Emotional/Mental Health Support): (714) 991-6412.References:Bridge, J. A., et al. (in press). Association between the release of Netflix's "13 Reasons Why" and suicide rates in the United States: An interrupted times series analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.Statista Research Department. (2024, February 19). U.S. teens average time spent on social networks per day in 2023. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1451257/us-teens-hours-spent-social-networks-per-day/Susi, K., et al. (2023). Research review: Viewing self-harm images on the internet and social media platforms: Systematic review of the impact and associated psychological mechanisms. The Journal of Psychology and Psychiatry.