Kids are experiencing mental health issues in increasing numbers.

Question

NYT magazine says that kids, particularly young girls, are experiencing increasing symptoms of various mental health issues like tics. The article says that this isn't just a result of the pandemic, but rather that the social isolation of social media might be responsible. Wanting to connect with people leads kids to mirror what they see on socials, including symptoms of disabilities or illnesses like Tourette's, depression, and anxiety.

Comments

I find restriction of energy drinks for kids under 16 pretty reasonable. The overconsumption of caffeine at such a young age can snowball into issues in the future like irregular sleep patterns. I don't think the restriction on caffeine is extreme, especially if a kid really wants an energy drink, a guardian can still provide it while also managing the caffeine levels. Whether the ban will be put in motion in the US, I'm not so sure.

Answer 1

This is proven to be true; a new HHS study claims: "A new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) study published in the American Medical Association’s journal JAMA Pediatrics reports significant increases in the number of children diagnosed with mental health conditions." They include studies from the pandemic related to COVID-19 and how it had a burden on families but especially on the kids. HRSA studies prove "The study, conducted by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), finds that between 2016 and 2020, the number of children ages 3-17 years diagnosed with anxiety grew by 29 percent and those with depression by 27 percent. The findings also suggest concerning changes in child and family well-being after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic." 29 and 27% may not seem like big time numbers but over a span across the nation this is a lot of kids facing mental health issues and major increases.