FLOWOOD, Miss. (WLBT) – Mental health professionals are seeing an alarming increase in problems among children and their connection to cell phones and social media. <\/p>\n
A three-day summit is underway to inform educators and parents on how to handle what is called the \u201cAnxious Generation,\u201d who were raised-on and hooked-on technology. <\/p>\n
Educators are sharing social media\u2019s escalating impact on children during a Canopy Children\u2019s Solution breakout session at the Sheraton Hotel in Flowood.<\/p>\n
The summit, entitled \u201cResponding to an Anxious Generation\u201d is equipping mental health professionals and parents with tools to deal with the negatives of technology use.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve even seen him escalate with me and my husband as far as push back just because I\u2019m interrupting his screen time,\u201d Nakisha Henderson said.<\/p>\n
Henderson is a mental health therapist and the mother of a 10-year-old who sets limits on her son\u2019s technology usage. <\/p>\n
Canopy\u2019s Learning and Training Development manager has advise for parents who do not implement rules.<\/p>\n
\u201cA five-year-old, she took away the tablet and the child completely destroyed the room, throwing fits, biting her, scratching, clawing at himself,\u201d Henderson explained.<\/p>\n
Wednesday\u2019s session offered guidelines for a generation raised with cell phones – a group now experiencing increased anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies.<\/p>\n
\u201cCanopy, we had a 67% increase in the demand for work,\u201d said Canopy Children\u2019s Solutions CEO Dr. John Damon, PhD.<\/p>\n
Experts recommend regular dialogue with kids about their usage, being aware of websites and apps, and engaging children in the outdoors and other activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we don\u2019t engage their voice and hear them out and apply structure for them in partnership, they\u2019re gonna rebel,\u201d Damon said. \u201cThey\u2019re gonna tear up things. They\u2019re gonna revolt because this is a friend to me. This is a companion to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mental health professionals say establishing structure, time limitations, and monitoring use when you first introduce the devices is key. <\/p>\n
\u201cTake it up at night to charge it. Charge it in a central spot so they\u2019re not charging in their room,\u201d Shea Hutchins, Canopy Chief Solutions Officer, said. \u201cThat\u2019s another good way for parents to set a healthy boundary.\u201d<\/p>\n
Three hundred and fifty educators, social workers, behavioral and mental health clinicians are learning ways to help parents deal with escalating behavioral issues. <\/p>\n
The Children Mental Health Summit continues through Friday. <\/p>\n
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