Young children in a study between the ages of ten years old and seventeen years old showed an increase in the us of anti-depressants in a one year period of time.

Experts state we need to identify the root cause and create emotionally healthy environments where children and teenagers are taught how to manage their stress, mood, and set backs. Pressure to excel and succeed as well as stress and body image were cited as reasons youth were taking medications.

Article from Dr Peter Breggin  Psychiatrist below.

On March 22 the FDA issued an extraordinary “Public Health Advisory” that cautioned about the risks associated with the whole new generation of antidepressants including Prozac and its knock offs, Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox, Celexa, and Lexapro, as well as Wellbutrin, Effexor, Serzone, and Remeron. The warning followed a public hearing where dozens of family members and victims testified about suicide and violence committed by individuals taking these medications.

While stopping short of concluding the antidepressants definitely cause suicide, the FDA warned that they might do so in a small percentage of children and adults. In the debate over drug-induced suicide, little attention has been given to the FDA’s additional warning that certain behaviors are “known to be associated with these drugs,” including “anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, akathisia (severe restlessness), hypomania, and mania.”

From agitation and hostility to impulsivity and mania, the FDA’s litany of antidepressant-induced behaviors is identical to that of PCP, methamphetamine and cocaine—drugs known to cause aggression and violence. These older stimulants and most of the newer antidepressants cause similar effects as a result of their impact on a neurotransmitter in the brain called serotonin.

For more than a decade, I have documented in books and scientific reports how this stimulation or activation profile can lead to out-of-control behavior, including violence. Indeed, the FDA’s conclusions seem drawn from my recent detailed review of Breggin Antidepressant Column, p. 2 studies pertaining to abnormal behavior produced by

the newer antidepressants: “Suicidality, violence and mania caused by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): A review and analysis” published in the International Journal of Risk and Safety in Medicine, 16: 31-49, 2003/2004 (The complete text of the peer-reviewed article appears on this website). I made a similar analysis in my most recent book on the subject, The Antidepressant Fact Book (2002, Perseus

Below are Scientific excerpts from DR Peter Breggin on adverse or negative impacts on SSRI or antidepressant medications  Many parents want to know the possible side effects etc and he has decades of info in his scientific articles. You can read about him at breggin.com.

There has been an abundance of information on anti depressants and SSRI and long term impacts on children and adult brains. Dr. Peter Breggin is an expert on psychiatric medications and Psychiatry and below are small portions from his scientific papers on antidepressants. You can go to his web site and read about his research on medications in detail his Bio is at the very end.

Even medical and evidence based research states that best results combine counseling with medication. Below is info from only one expert on medications there are many other opinions on medications and positive articles however this blog are more on side effects from Dr Breggin’s papers. 

When evaluating the vulnerability of children or adults to SSRI-induced adverse drug reactions, the inquiry should be broadened from suicidality to include the overall problem of SSRI-induced mental and behavioral disturbances, such as manic-like syndromes, agitated depression, agitation, anxiety, akathisia, and insomnia. These phenomena can be understood as a continuum of stimulant adverse effects that, in their extremes, result in manic psychoses with violence and agitated depressions with suicide.

The overall pattern of SSRI-induced mental and behavior syndromes is well- documented and should discourage their use in children. For example, in brief clinical trials involving children, rates of SSRI-induced mania run as high as 4-6% and rates for SSRI- induced depression as high as 5%. In actual clinical practice involving longer drug exposures and less thorough monitoring, the rates are even higher (see the enclosed reviews).

Studies conducted with adults have grave implications for even more vulnerable children. Many clinical reports, clinical trials and epidemiological studies demonstrate increased rates of abnormal behavior, especially suicide, in adults in association with SSRIs.

Evidence from many sources confirms that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) commonly cause or ex- acerbate a wide range of abnormal mental and behavioral conditions. These adverse drug reactions include the following overlapping clinical phenomena: a stimulant profile that ranges from mild agitation to manic psychoses, agitated depression, obsessive preoccupations that are alien or uncharacteristic of the individual, and akathisia. Each of these reactions can worsen the individual’s mental condition and can result in suicidality, violence, and other forms of extreme abnormal behavior. Ev- idence for these reactions is found in clinical reports, controlled clinical trials, and epidemiological studies in children and adults. Recognition of these adverse drug reactions and withdrawal from the offending drugs can prevent misdiagnosis and the worsening of potentially severe iatrogenic disorders. These findings also have forensic application in criminal, malpractice, and product liability cases.

Recent United States Food and Drug Administration-mandated class warnings

concerning the increased risk of suicidality in children treated with antidepressants.

have drawn a great deal of attention. More recently, the FDA has announced that it is investigating growing concerns about antidepressant-induced suicidality in adults. Almost no attention has been given to a far broader concern within rhe FDA about the “activating” effects of these medications in children and adults. On

March 22, 2004 the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory in regard to children and adults in which :

The agency is also advising that these patients be observed for certain behaviors that are known to be associated with these drugs, such as, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, akathisia (severe restlessness), hypoma- nia, and mania. (emphases addedY 

Drug regulatory agencies in the United States (FDA), Canada (Health Canada) and Great Britain (MHRA) have significantly upgraded their warnings concerning antidepressant-induced suicidality in children. Furthermore, the U.S. and Canada have confirmed an antidepressant-induced stimulant or ac- tivation cluster of adverse events in children and adults that includes hostility and aggression. Although most attention has been given to warnings about drug-induced suicidality, more emphasis needs to be placed upon U.S. and Canadian warnings about the potential production of stimulation and mania with hostility and aggression. This report examines these recent regulatory events and related research. It also updates the author’s most recent review of antidepressant-induced behavioral and mental abnormali- ties [6].

The SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) have been the major focus of attention by the reg- ulatory agencies. With some exceptions in regard to the severity or frequency of adverse reactions, the SSRIs can be treated as one group in regard to their profile of adverse drug reactions2. The SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa) and escilalopram (Lexapro). In recent reports issued by the FDA [14] four other potentially stimulating antidepressants were found to produce similar adverse behavioral and mental effects and were included in the group: venlafaxine (Effexor), mirtazapine (Remeron), Wellbutrin or Zyban (bupropion) and nefa- zodone (Serzone).

Why do so many individuals persist in taking psychoactive substances, including psychiatric drugs, after adverse mental and behavioral effects have become severe and even disabling? The author has previously proposed the brain-disabling principle of psychiatric treatment that all somatic psychiatric treatments impair the function of the brain and mind. Intoxication anosognosia (medication spellbinding) is an expression of this druginduced mental disability. Intoxication anosognosia causes the victim to underestimate the degree of drug-induced mental impairment, to deny the harmful role that the drug plays in the person’s altered state, and in many cases compel the individual to mistakenly believe that he or she is functioning better. In the extreme, the individual displays out-of-character compulsively destructive behaviors, including violence toward self and others.

The newer antidepressants frequently cause suicide, violence, and manic-like symptoms of activation or overstimulation, presenting serious hazards to active-duty soldiers who carry weapons under stressful conditions. These antidepressant-induced symptoms of activation can mimic posttraumatic stress disorder and are likely to worsen this common disorder in soldiers, increasing the hazard when they are prescribed to military personnel. Antidepressants should not be prescribed to soldiers during or after deployment.

Understanding the hazards associated with long-term exposure to psychiatric drugs is very important but rarely emphasized in the scientific literature and clinical practice. Drawing on the scientific literature and clinical experience, the author describes the syndrome of Chronic Brain Impairment (CBM) which can be caused by any trauma to the brain including Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and long-term exposure to psychiatric medications. Knowledge of the syndrome should enable clinicians to more easily identify long-term adverse effects caused by psychiatric drugs while enabling researchers to approach the problem with a more comprehensive understanding of the common elements of brain injury as they are manifested after long-term exposure to psychiatric medications.

DR PETER BREGGIN MD PSYCHIATRIST.

n the early 1990s Dr. Breggin was appointed and approved by the court as the single scientific expert for more than 100 combined Prozac product liability concerning violence, suicide and other behavioral aberrations caused by the antidepressant. In 2001-2002, he participated as a medical expert in a California lawsuit whose resolution was associated with a new label warning for Paxil concerning withdrawal effects.

Recently Dr. Breggin was the medical expert in the first psychosurgery malpractice suit and also the first ECT malpractice suit ever won in court. He has been a medical expert in many courtroom victories for individuals injured by medications, including numerous cases of tardive dyskinesia caused by neuroleptic drugs.

Dr. Breggin has also been a consultant to the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) on the adverse effects of psychiatric drugs on pilots.

Peter R. Breggin M.D. conducts a private practice of psychiatry in Ithaca , New York , where he treats adults, couples, and families with children. He also does consultations in the field of clinical psychopharmacology and often acts as a medical expert in criminal, malpractice and product liability suits. Before moving to Ithaca in November 2002 he was in practice for nearly thirty-five years in Washington , DC and Bethesda , Maryland . He has written dozens of scientific articles and many professional books, including Medication Madness: The Role of Psychiatric Drugs in Cases of Violence, Suicide and Crime (2008), and is on the editorial board of several journals.

In 2010 Dr. Breggin and his wife Ginger formed a new organization that continues their emphasis on bringing professional and laypersons together to share their concerns about the hazards of contemporary biological psychiatry while promoting more caring and empathic approaches to personal conflict and suffering. The new organization will sponsor an annual meeting each April in Syracuse, New York (empathictherapy.org).

Many of Dr. Breggin’s accomplishments as a reformer are documented in detail in The Conscience of Psychiatry: The Reform Work of Peter R. Breggin, M.D. (2009). This biographical tribute to Dr. Breggin’s work draws on more than half-a-century of media and more than 70 special contributions from his colleagues, as well as many other sources.

Dr. Breggin’s background includes Harvard College, Case Western Reserve Medical School, a one-year internship and a three-year residency in psychiatry, including a teaching fellowship at Harvard Medical School. After his training, he accepted a two-year staff appointment at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). He has taught at several universities, including a faculty appointment to the Johns Hopkins University Department of Counseling and an appointment as Visiting Scholar at SUNY Oswego in the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services in 2007-2008. He now teaches as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services at SUNY Oswego.

Many children and teenagers are having challenges falling asleep in the USA.

Many teens are reporting they can not sleep at night. A lack of sleep can have negative consequences on: depression, anxiety, and mood as well as increase physical health issues and mental health issues like suicidal thoughts.

Prescription sleeping pills is not the solution according to experts at Stanford University.

Sleeping pills can have serious side effects : addiction, depression, sleep walking, sleep eating, sleep driving etc.

Experts state rooms should be cool and dark and children should avoid caffeine in e afternoon and the evenings.

A large study in 2017 of over 699 teenagers showed that  having a cell phone in a child or teens room was associated with a reduction in sleep time as well as negative impacts on daily functioning ( school, interpersonal, and Mood).

Teen adolescents that spend a lot of time on their smart phones are not just wasting time. The research shows is that the addiction to the smartphone is a chemical imbalance in the brain that pre disposes your teenager to depression and anxiety disorders.

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that interacts with neural synapses, slowing down signaling between brain cells. GABA balances out the effect of Glx, which is an excitatory neurotransmitter that speeds up electric signaling in the brain.

Imbalances in GABA and Glx levels have previously been found to play a role in mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Ratios of GABA to Glx and GABA to creatinea natural substance that plays a role in emotional regulation and cognitive ability, among others — are significantly linked to the severity of smartphone and Internet addiction, as well as with the development of anxiety and depression.

Smart Phones for your children and teens can have many potential problems in your family including but not limited to increasing potential: addictions, loneliness, depressed mood, anxiety, poor grades, poor self esteem, poor social skills, poor family communication skills, obesity and more. Too much electronics in general can be problematic for youth.

The behavioral addiction of smart phone use begins to form neurological connection in your child’s brain that is similar to an opioid addiction according to a recent study by the Journal or Neuro Regulation. The replacement of people face to face was what was believed to cause loneliness and depressed mood and increase anxiety. The brain is being hijacked at the neural pathways with partial reinforcement and notifications and likes and bells and rewards and sounds that keep youth and adults addicted to there smart phones.. Features are created to draw your attention to the screen and to keep you clicking on the desired items.

Children and teens are falling more and more out of balance. Children and teens are using their smart phones late at night when parents are sleep. They are texting friends at all hours and this is impacting their sleep during the week and weekday. Research shows a child and teen need at least 9-11 hours of sleep a night and some are obtaining only 4-6 hours of sleep. This sleep reduction is having a huge impact on their mental health. Reduced sleep is impacting performance at school. Children and teens are asleep in class or unable to retain information in class. Children are distracted and are not able to focus on doing homework . The smartphone is DisneyLAnd in their hands 24-7.

Children and teenagers that are spending too much time on their smartphones are not physically active . physical activity is vital for a child’s mental health and physical health according to numerous research studies. Children and teenagers are not joining clubs and teams or doing philanthropic activities because they are so attached to their smart phones.

Family communication is heading South at a rapid rate. Children and teenagers are not coming out of their rooms and not involved with family events and activities. Heads are into the smartphones and children are not connecting with family members or eating dinner with families.

I did a detailed research paper on video games . Developers use behavioral techniques to increase time played on the game as well as reinforcers similar to the same methods used in gambling in casinos to keep peoples brains wired in hope of winning so they will spend money. There are many games that children in my office report have incentivized them to buy more items that will allow them more success in the game be it ammunition, power, players that play at a higher level. Some youth will spend 200.00 dollars from Holiday gifts to buy these extras and feel they need them to continue playing…addiction.

Parents need to set extreme limits on all electronic devices and create a contract with each child and monitor the usage otherwise your child will likely get out of balance and it will be a lot harder to reverse the negative behaviors a few years down the road without strong and firm boundaries.

Many Teens and Children are not spending time with family. Children are not learning accountability and responsibility at home. Children and adolescents are not doing chores. Youth are not eating dinner with parents nor sharing thoughts and feelings about there day. Children and Teens are not exercising and their mood is suffering. Teenagers are not learning healthy social skills and interpersonal skills. Youth are not doing philanthropic activities or joining clubs and organizations. Well some children and teens are however the numbers are headed South since the proliferation of the smart phone. The smart phone is like having Disney World as well as adult world items at your child’s finger tips. Why should a child do anything when they have 24-7 entertainment… There are many vital reasons why electronic use must be managed at a very high level. Relationships, Grades, social skills, and Physical health are spiraling downward.

Teen Depression, Anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and obesity is on the rise! Grades are heading SOUTH!!

What is creating the above rise in child and teen mental health issues?

Many experts believe it is the rise of the smartphone and social media applications as well as over use of the internet and smartphones and social media: instagram, snapchat etc.

In psychology it is well know that spending time with people face to face is a huge predictor for psychological well being.

One of the best measure to prevent mental illness is to spend time face to face with people that are loving and supporting.

The addictive nature of the technology is throwing children and teens out of balance. Children and adolescents are out of balance in spending time with family and loved ones . Youth are addicted to their: video games, smartphones, you tube, instagram, and snapchat. Children and teens are drunk on their technology and out of balance.

Children and teens are not spending enough time exercising. Exercise is vital for physical well being and mental well being. Without 24-7 technology your child is more likely to ride a bike or walk or join a team or individual sport.

Over thirty percent of children and teenagers are overweight and or obese. Diabetes and many other physical health issues are connected to this inactivity.

Research shows that blue light emitted from screens damage your child’s sleep. We also know that poor sleep is connected to poor performance as well as mood and behavioral issues in your child and adolescent teenager.

Many children and teens are performing well below their ability either failing classes or obtaining D’s when they have the ability to receive higher grades. The lack of motivation is connected to using smartphones, and social media , and texting, and internet usage. Children and teens are spending hours and hours entertaining themselves on technology however are not taking the time to do homework or study for tests. Further teens are up in bed receiving and sending texts and photos and videos till 3am etc. This behavior impacts sleep and performance at a very high level.

Children and teen motivation to do activities with family is down. Youth are not motivated to do chores at home when they can immerse themselves in : Netflix, video games, social media, you tube, instagram, snapchat and more.

Parents must set limits on these devices and make it a priority in order to modify behaviors. Teaching children work comes before play is an important lesson for life skills. Teaching children to honor and respect their parents is vital before they are spoiled and entitled with electronic gadgets.

It is possible to modify your child’s behavior. I have worked with parents with children that have: learning disabilities, autism, oppositional defiance, downs syndrome and many other disorders. Obtaining support to help you from a professional is a sign of power and strength.

Children as young as 5 and 6 are exposed to explicit images of pornography at a very early age. If your child or teen has internet access there is a very high probability that they are being exposed to porn. The numbers are staggering.

Children and teens that are exposed to porn are more likely to develop sexually risky behaviors and become sexually active at a much earlier age due to their exposure to porn. Violent and sadistic images of pornography are pervasive on the internet.

Children and teens can access Pornography through many different devices: smartphones, iPod, WII, PS3-4, X Box, Computers, iPads, DS games, any device that has access to the internet. Children are being exposed to a high concentration of porn as a daily diet and it is is very dangerous.

Pornography influences children’s attitudes toward relationships and sexuality. Exposure to porn can lead children to engage in dangerous sexual activities that are unhealthy and extremely risky. Exposure to porn can foster use of drugs and alcohol and unprotected sexual behaviors.

A majority of boys and girls over 12 are exposed to pornography. The largest group of individuals viewing pornography on line is not an adult it is children ages 12- 17 that are watching these graphic images daily.

Children exposed to pornography will begin to see sexuality as a disconnected activity from a healthy loving relationship. The children will learn to objectify women and men. Children and adolescents will begin to see others in a context that is devoid of emotions or empathy and in a contact where people do not have: feelings., personalities, or needs.

Pornography hurts adults, children, couples, families, and society. Among adolescents, pornography hinders the development of a healthy sexuality, and among adults, it distorts sexual attitudes and social realities. In families, pornography use leads to marital dissatisfaction, infidelity, separation, and divorce. Pornography will handicap one’s ability to be intimate in marriage and will ruin relationships.

Addiction to porn and the internet will also ruin lives. The inability to communicate and connect with partners and have healthy social skills is a huge issue..Child and teen pregnancy and sexual diseases are on the rise as well.

There are many things parents can do to help their child first is to have parental controls and devices that will block all pornography from the internet. There are a number of free programs out there however at the moment you may need a device for your: router, PC, and mobile devices however it can be done and is vital to help your children. Of course explaining healthy behaviors and intimacy and love is vital as well.

Teen “Drug’s”: Internet, Gaming, Smart Phone. Anxiety, Depression increase! Counseling Teens Phoenix Arizona.

What are your children and teens doing for the largest portion of their week? It is not sleep and it is not school and it is not sports and it is not reading. It is an addiction to the internet and media.

The list of video games children and teens are playing is infinite. Many teens are playing violent video games and many are playing fantasy video games and some are playing sports related video games. Some of the most popular are: Halo, Call of Duty, League of Legends, GTA grand Theft Auto and more.

Texting is taking up many hours of your child and teen’s day and it is most likely disrupting studying for school. Many children and teens in my office state they are texting at 3am during weekdays. The result is failing and poor grades. Furthermore they are exhausted and tired and this impacts their mood daily. Research on child and teen sleep is clear a child who is not receiving adequate sleep will have mood and behavioral issues at home and at school.

Many teens are watching you tube on their smart phones for hours on end. Some are watching movies, and comedy acts, some are watching much more. Children and teens are playing video games on their phones like Clash of Clans or Mind Craft etc.

Most teens and children have created more covert accounts on Instagram and Snapchat more so than a Facebook account. Teens are spending a great deal of time on their social media programs. Some are on twitter and other apps.

The total amount of time children and teens are spending on total electronic use is between 45-70 hours a week.

Watching movies on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime is pervasive and obviously there are endless TV series and movies to last a life time at their disposal.

There are some positives in using these devices. Yes, it can be used for studies and for social connection, however, it is all about balance and there is no balance when these devices are going 24-7.

An immense amount of research shows a correlation of: depression, anxiety, low self esteem, behavioral issues, mood issues, with the increase in internet, smart phone, and video game use.

Insomnia is on the rise and research by many medical journals state the electronic component is impacting your child’s brain and not allowing them to sleep as deeply and not allowing them to fall asleep when electronics are used late intothe night.

Children and families are being pulled apart because youth are holed up in their bedrooms glued to their smartphones and computers and I pads.

Families are not sharing their days together at the dinner table. Families are not spending enough one on one time together. Intimacy among families are on a huge decline.

Friendships are being replaced by playing a video game with someone your child has never met and feeling like this is what friendship is all about. Face to face communication has become less frequent and communication is switching to texting and internet chats.

Having someone like what you post is replacing real deep sharing of thoughts, hopes, fears, dreams.

The internet is a huge distraction for students that are studying. Many children and teens as young as 8 are going to adult web sites and watching inappropriate videos daily and are not focused on enjoying childhood. Childhood is being lost.

Physical activity is headed South and Physical health problems among youth are on the rise and is connected to inactivity. Diabetes for youth is skyrocketing and obesity is on the rise due to internet and media addiction.

Internet addiction is on the rise and children are dropping out of school due to this addiction. Creativity for children are at an all time low. Social skills and family communication are at an all time low as well.

Balance is vital for the youth of our world.

Over 50 percent of children under the age of two have been using smart phones. There are many reasons why smart phone use is not suggested by experts including American pediatric Organization and many more researchers in the field of child development and emotional and physical health.

The British government states that using: smart phones, Pc, I pads, Tablets, iPhones, video games, computers for young children will create severe emotional problems for your child. It can be challenges socially, insomnia, anxiety, depression, explosive anger, behavior issues and more. Human cues and human interaction and bonding are impacted by electronic devices.

Parents should be involved in: creative and active engagement with their children. Communication and teaching and playing with your child not games or electronic devices.

Children that watch or see aggression on TV, smart phones, video games, you tube will have aggressive thoughts and will likely ooze out with aggressive behavior verbally or physically. Garbage in Garbage out. You might be thinking well my child is playing creative games or educational games. I can assure you that they will be exposed to violent video games, shocking you tube videos, pornography ( majority of children under 8 exposed to it on phones or computers).  These visual images very likely will impact your child’s sleep patterns. Your child’s sleep impacts his or her mood. Your child’s mood will impact his or her school performance and social skills and self esteem. Family communication will decrease and interpersonal skills will diminish . It is vital to set serious limits and boundaries on your youth. Research shows 1 out of 9 youth are addicted to video games and their smart phones.

Obesity is on the rise in Scottsdale and Phoenix Arizona. Throughout the United States of America over 20 percent of children 8-17 are considered obese. There are a few things contributing to this outcome. Poor diets, lack of exercise daily, and sitting around playing video games, net-flixing, smart phoning, and more..Take these items away and your child or teen will have a reason to go outside and play sports, ride a bike, go to a gym, dance, hike, swim, light weights, play football, throw a ball around, skateboard, join a group and become social. Friends on line are not real friends in the sense that most discuss gaming only and their is rarely a physical interaction with the gaming friends that live all across the world .

The electronics are taking away time from learning behavior skills, academic skills, social skills, life skills, and physical activity that is vital for mood regulation and for stress management. You can modify your child’s behavior through counseling and parenting tips .

Many parents come to my office weekly with a wide array of challenges: disrespect, poor grades, anxiety, poor self esteem, poor social skills, Bipolar, addiction, depressed mood, defiance, conduct disorder, OCD, Aspergers, autism etc. All of these issues are important for a child, teen and family. Are smart phones the cause of these problems? They may not be the root cause of the problems , however, if your child is spending more than 1,5 hours a day : texting, you tubing, watching TV, playing games on his or her phone, playing  video games on a computer,x box, PS3 , DS player, smartphone, face booking, insta-gramming, snap chatting, TV, texting.. then all the above are more likely to occur.

Electronic devices and games are very addictive and are different than TV. Children and teens are sucked in by psychological principals that keep them attached to their devices. One psychological principle used is partial reinforcement. Children and teens are rewarded for various moves they make and can win rewards that are monetary and visual and auditory and your child is tapping in to many regions of the brain that are giving him or her natural chemicals that keep them playing. Also most children and teens would rather be on an electronic device you tubing or net flixing than doing algebra or an English paper or really most homework.

If your child is sucked into the electronic vortex chances are grades are not great and learning is not optimized. Your teen also is not learning social and interpersonal skills hiding behind the smart phone or computer or video game. Playing Halo online with friends is not “real life communication skills” that are needed for relationships and employment except possibly learning to write. So it is a very limited type of communication.

If your child is on electronics most of the day chances there relationship with family is suffering. Family communication is not optimized. It is important to learn face to face communication skills with family for healthy and happy relationships.

If your child or teen is in his or her room most of the day and night chances are he or she is not getting the needed sleep for a teen that is 9-10 hours a night. If your child is not getting adequate sleep he or she will be irritable and angry and unfocused in class. Your child may sleep in class and not be able to pay attention to the teacher as well. Relationships will go South and so will grades.

Research show that the more children and teens spend time on  social media the lower satisfaction they report regarding their lives. Childhood experiences are vital in shaping how they will succeed in adult life.

www.lifeworksaz.com

David Abrams MAPC, LPC, CAGS has been working with youth and families with behavior and emotional issues and mental health challenges for over fifteen years .

In a study of over 9,000 youth in England one out of seven youth were found to have a mental health diagnosis. Mental health problems among children and teenagers are increasing at a high level over past decades.

Emotional disorders, behavioral disorders, ADHD, ADD, and other disorders are increasing not only in England but in the United States of America. This shows that wealth alone does not increase mental health disorders, however, the lower the socioeconomics the higher the rate overall of mental disorders.

The research shows a high correlation with mental health disorders and among youth and usage of social media , internet use and media use.

Increases in emotional disorders among girls and young females was the highest. Increases in anxiety and depression among : children and teens was significant as well.

Parents that have open communication with their teenagers and children show a decrease in risky behaviors and mental health problems in their homes. Having a child be able to communicate feelings and thoughts is essential to mental health and physical health for children, teens ,and adults.

Many parents are doing their best parenting as well as doing a balancing act with work, and being a good partner or spouse in a relationship. Parents feel overwhelmed with information on parenting and are judged and criticized for not doing things the “right way”. Many milennials feel to young to be parents and 80 percent of children born are to millennial moms. Many parents are protective of their children and d o not want to post their children for fear the child will become a meme or have some negative connotation used on the web.

Most parents need co-parenting and when one parent criticizes the other parent it can destroy the family and the marriage. Each parent needs positive support and if one parent does not like the way the other is parenting than it must be discussed and a consistent agreed upon strategy is vital for the child as well as for both parents.

Many millennials are receiving financial support from parents and In laws because they do not have established jobs and they have a great deal of college debt  to pay off. Older mom’s in general are more financially secure so do not have to rely on anyone else to pay monthly bills.

Over 40 percent of marriages have a spouse from a different racial group. This is double the number from the 1960’s. There are many challenges with parenting and finances is a big piece, however, it is clear that parents that have financial stability have more tools to receive the support needed o raise their child be it: a tutor, counseling , joining sports teams, arts, etc.

Parents need the opportunity to provide stability to their children. Having a written out specific and organized parenting plan for each child that both parents agree upon will reduce stress and family pain as long as both parents are motivated to follow the behavior plan. Families can find peace and happiness and success with a professional plan for each child.

Healthy communication skills between parents and child are vital for healthy behaviors and healthy relationships between child and parent. Healthy communication goes both ways between a child as well as how a parent treats his or her child.

www.lifeworksaz.comworks with children and adolescent teens on healthy behaviors as well as working with parents on tips to improve behaviors, relationships, modify a child’s behavior, manage mood, manage stress, inprove self esteem , improve communications skills, improve social skills and life skills.

Too much time spent on Screens : I-pads, Smartphones, Video gaming, and watching television  is linked to heightened levels of anxiety and depression in children as young as two years old.

Children were seen to have less emotional stability, lower senses of control, greater inability to finish a task or follow directions and a lower sense of psychological well being among children, teens ,and adolescents  in another research study published in Prevention Medical Reports.

Those in the study that spent less than one hour on screen time vs those spending 7 hours on screen time were fifty percent less likely to suffer from anxiety and depressive disorders in a giant research study that used 40,000 plus youth data and reports.

Preschoolers that had more screen time than one hour (4) had more temper outbursts and forty six percent of pre school children were NOT able to calm down.

Curiosity diminished among youth eleven through thirteen with the more screen time. The more screen time above one hour correlated with less and less curiosity in life.

Studies show that time spent on screens is linked to poor shifts in brain connectivity compared to say reading. Studies show that screen time is connected to poorer language cognition as well as  poorer levels of behavioral or self control.

Changes were seen in the reward circuits of children and teenage adolescent brain, in the ratio of the neurotransmitter GABA to other neurotransmitters. Research shows social media taps into the brains addictive pathways.

Here are some more negative results of screen time for your child or teen whose brain is developing. Screens negatively impact children’s sleep. This is huge because sleep is connected with mood and performance and much more ( academic performance).

Screen time use is an identified factor in childhood obesity and teen obesity. Screen time can undermine learning for young children and babies.

Night time exposure to screens and LED devices : smart phones, Ipads, Video Games, computers etc suppresses melatonin and disrupts sleep!

Your child’s brain is in hyper mode and moving very rapidly when interacting with screens and video games and computers and smart phones. When your child or teenager is taken off their devices their brains are still moving a million miles a second. It will take your child a significant amount of time for his or her brain to adjust. Your child may be bouncing off walls in his unconscious attempt to find stimuli that is moving as fast as his brain.

Research shows a child’s vestibular system gets thrown off with screen time which is responsible for calmness and mood.

Our child may be great at playing video games however you must look at how their interpersonal relationships look like, their sports and music and other aspects of their life.

www.lifeworksaz.com has expertise working with children , teens and families to create health and balance and success in all aspects of life. www.Lifeworksaz.comhelps children, teens and parents with : Parenting, self esteem , social skills, mood regulation , anxiety management, anger management, Behavior Modification, depression management, sports mental training, and much more.

Study after study from Research journals and medical experts show that limiting social media is important for children and teens mental health. Researchers have looked at the relationship between social media and : Grades at school, family communication, social skills, Depression, Anxiety, and Self Esteem and much more.

Reductions in depression and loneliness were seen in a recent study with just a thirty minute reduction in social media for adolescents and children. Research shows a reduction in social media actually helped reduce loneliness and anxiety.

A huge research study in the UK using over 1500 youth showed negative impacts of social media: poor sleep habits, comparing self to others, low self esteem, poor self image, increase in anxiety and more.

Your child will have more balance is their lives if they spend time with family members communicating face to face, communicating with peers face to face, playing sports or involvement in physical activities or sports,  joining clubs and organizations, altruistic clubs, after school extracurricular activities and more.

Children and teens are spending a majority of their time on : instagram, snapchat, online, Video gaming, texting and watching tv and movies. It is not against the law to be doing so however in my office I find most children are out of balance.

Your child has the potential for more mood disorders: depression and anxiety. Your child is learning about violence and anger in most video games that reinforces violence and that is frequent and intense. Your child has the potential for sleep disorders and lost sleep due to too much use of electronic media. Your child is exposed to unhealthy behaviors. Your child is not learning about exercise or learning social skills and interactive skills that are needed for life and for employment. Your child is not doing a lot of homework or is avoiding studying because they have an entertainment center 24-7.

There are many things parents can do o create balance in a child and teens life and one is limiting exposure to the above at a very high level. Below is more info on children and social media.

Children and teens are using social media to express their deep feelings and fears at times and even let people know they are planning suicide. Parents and friends should not assume they are posting for attention. Recently two teens killed themselves in Colorado after posting suicide plans on their social media accounts . It was to late and they passed.

Children and teenagers need a safe and supportive individual to discuss their daily lives, stress, and problems. www.lifeworksaz.com

has been working with youth and families for over 15 years in Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona. The trauma is great for a teen who loses a friend to suicide.

Social media has created more connections with a click as an alleged friend however it has created fewer relationships that are real where a child or teen can talk to a real loving and supportive advocate.

Children and teens are communicating through : instagram, snapchat, Face book, and more and many times they want people to know how they feel and so they post it.

Child and teen depression is real. Many children and teens have taken their lives due to depression.

Children feel : sad, lonely, and have pain and stress just like adults, however, many children do not have the skills and maturity or the tools to cope with depression.

Experts state social media does not bring people together and many times it simply isolates youth and young adults. Using more than two hours of social media per day doubled the chances a youth or young adult would fill lonely or isolated.

Many children and teens are depressed or have signs of depression. Many children and teens are struggling with : family issues, divorced families, academics, blended families, low self esteem, poor social skills, peer pressure, hormonal changes, grief and loss. Many times teens will stuff their thoughts and feelings . Some teens hide in their room and avoid communication. Some teens are on their Smart Phones, TV, Netflix, and Video games. Too much of anything is not ok and parents can ask themselves is my son or daughter in balance or out of balance with their habits? Below is a story of a Tempe Teen that was depressed and it ended tragically. The good news is there are signs of depression and the sooner one gets help the better. After the article there is a list of some red flags your child may be depressed. There are experts in treating child and teen depression through counseling and therapy and other treatments.

I have worked with thousands of teens with depressed moods and depression. Moving to a new school, change, academic pressure, not getting along with mom or Dad, negative thinking, low self esteem, social dynamics, past challenges are being carried around by children and teens and these items need to be addressed to create health and balance.

A tragedy happened at a Tempe, Arizona High school yesterday . A student athlete committed suicide at a Tempe High school not far from Arizona State University.

Teen and child depression is on the rise and can not be ignored. Depression is not an adult disorder . Millions of children and teen adolescents feel depressed and there are a slew of reasons today that impact a child or adolescents mood.

A child or teen does not have to have had a traumatic childhood in order to be depressed . A teen can have loving parents and spiritual parents and feel depressed.

Setting limits and boundaries and requiring family interaction is vital . Spending one on one time with your teen is important and will help find out what is going on in their lives . Make it a requirement before they use their : video games , computers , smart phones etc . Schedule one on one time with each child and this lets them know they are important as well as they are more likely to share information with you than in front of the whole family . Most children will not share their true pain or depressed mood in front of the whole family or at dinner .

I find wonderful children and teens that have very negative thought processes about.

The best approach is to have someone who works w children and parents guide you to help create balance and learn tools to manage depression , anxiety , self esteem, family issues and more .

Teens face a myriad of pressures , from changes in development to questions about who they are and where they are going w peers, school, and their future. The natural transition toward adulthood can bring parental challenges and conflict as the adolescent teen pushes for their independence .

It is not simple to differentiate between depression and teen mood swings . Some teens that are depressed are not sad or withdrawn . Many depressed teens are angry , full of rage , defiant, and irritable and this may be depression.

Some signs of depression in teens are: sadness , hopelessness , irritability , anger , hostility , frequent crying or tears , withdrawal from family and friends, loss of interest in activities , change in eating habits or sleep habits , agitation, restless , guilt, worthless feelings , concentrating issues , thought of death, suicidal thoughts and more.

It is best to have a professional assessment from a professional who has expertise in teen and children .

There are many signs that may indicate your teen is down or depressed or is suffering from depression.

Some red flags that should not be ignored are: sadness , crying, tearfulness, hopelessness, a decrease in activities , inability to enjoy activities that were enjoyable.

Low energy, isolation, poor communication and a lack of connection w family and friends is a sign that something is going on that needs attention. Increased irritability and anger and rage are common w depressed children and teens.

Physical complaints : stomach aches , pain , etc are signs your teenmay be depressed. Changes in sleeping habits and or eating patterns is a red flag as well .

Self destructive behaviors, suicidal thoughts, self harming, drug andalcohol abuse are signs your child need help asap!

Parents should seek professional help if any of the above are going onas soon as possible. Depression is a very serious condition that impacts : thoughts, mood,

and behaviors. Teen depression can be treated .

Teens face many stressors and pressures. Transitioning from child to an adult. Figuring out who they are and what they want to do with life . Hormonal changes and wanting to fit in socially are just a few. Teens with depression do not always appear sad. Many teens display anger and irritability and aggression. Long lasting changes in mood, behavior, personality are all huge red flags that your teen needs professional help.

Some common symptoms for teen depression are: hopelessness , sad, blue, loss of interest in activities, withdrawal from friends and family , crying and frequent tears, changes in eating , changes in sleeping, agitation , restlessness, little motivation , lack of energy or excitement , fatigue , difficulty concentrating , thoughts of death , suicide or self harm.

There are many excellent counseling tools to help elevate mood and treat depression. CBT therapy looks at unhealthy thoughts that have no facts to support them and how these thoughts impact mood. DBT has a few elements: awareness/mindfulness, distress tolerance/mood regulation, interpersonal effectiveness. These are all research based and evidence based counseling techniques that have been used for decades with positive results. There are many other effective techniques that can be used to create health and balance for your child or teenager.

www.LifeworksAz.co  has a specialization in child and teen depression counseling and therapy, child adolescent counseling, family counseling, family therapy in Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona and serves valley wide

www.lifeworksaz.com

According to a recent report released by Researchers, anxiety affects 30 percent of children and adolescents at some point in their lives.

The institute reports a twenty percent increase in anxiety among young people over the last Ten years. Mental Health reports show hat of those who have anxiety, Ten percent percent experience severe impairment as a result of it. This may include poor academics, truancy, poor interpersonal relationships, poor communication skills with family members, substamce abuse, alcohol abuse, vaping, video game addiction etc. Not joining organizations or attending social gathering and much much more.

A growing number of children under 10 are living with anxiety, but several factors keep many from receiving treatment .One in five children ages 3 through 17 about 15 million have a diagnosable mental, emotional or behavioral disorder in a given year. But only fifteen percent of them get diagnosed or receive professional counseling services or medical care.

Child anxiety is stressful and painful for families. Activities that once were enjoyable are avoided and parents hear complaints of stomach problems, and various aches and pains, headaches and more. Learning ways to cope with anxiety is important. It is a fine balancing act however avoiding school and avoiding sleeping alone and avoiding new things is not creating a balance for your child or teenager. Forcing a child may be overwhelming and can be a failed approach as well. It is important that parents understand that anxiety can be debilitating and your child may no be manipulating and may not be lazy.

Many children that have behavioral issues like oppositional defiance or conduct disorders also have underlying anxiety that they do not know how to handle or identify. Learning skills to manage anxiety is vital to you child’s success socially as well as academically and behaviorally and emotionally. Most children can not articulate what is going on inside their bodies and minds. They must learn skills and tools to address their anxiety.

Some children can manifest itself in different ways. One way might be to avoid situations that are uncomfortable. Another way might be to escape the situation and this can be seen or perceived as oppositional or defiant when it is really fear based. Behavioral dysregulation is common with children and teens that have anxiety disorders: panic attacks, phobia, social anxiety, PTSD, Post traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorders , obsessive compulsive disorder and other anxiety disorders.

Children that display temper tantrums, behavioral problems at school, throw things at school, throw themselves down and cry and have full blown outburst may have a profound anxiety disorder however this needs to be assessed by a professional. Anxiety disorders need to be assessed and treated by a professional in mental health care.

Academic pressure and demands in the classroom can trigger anxiety and this will look like disruptive behaviors. The child may feel overwhelmed and anxious and not be able to cope with the teachers request or the assignment. The child might be intelligent however he or she may have a learning challenge or trouble with the task and feel overwhelmed hence unable to do the task and act out behaviorally.

Most teachers are not trained in identifying anxiety disorders and a child or teenager typically will end up in suspension or in the Principals office being punished. This does not address the underlying issue that may be an anxiety disorder.

Children and adolescents can learn a variety of skills to help with their anxiety: for example: cognitive behavioral techniques, Dialectical Behavioral techniques, stress management techniques, anger management skills, healthy life skills, health social skills, healthy communication skills, skills to build self, skills to improve family relationships and more

Children and teens will learn skills and coping skills to empower themselves when anxiety arises so they can manage their anxiety and live happy, fulfilled, and successful lives.

You can go to www.lifeworksaz.com and read testimonials as well as set up an appointment through the web site: www.lifeworksaz.com

I recall having a sweet, intelligent, ten year old in my office years ago who attempted suicide. Yes a ten year old. The child was not abused and had friends and did well academically. The good news is the child made it, however, suicide is on the rise and we must be aware so we can protect our children. The child had very negative thinking and extremely low self esteem. The child was critical and judgmental and was beating up on their self.

How do you know if your child or teen is at risk of developing a mental illness or at risk of suicide? Your child may:

Show typical signs such as a depressed mood, but often the signs of mental illness can be subtle. This is particularly true during the teenage years when it can be difficult to tell the difference between typical adolescent behavior’s and symptoms of mental illness.

A child may have less interest in activities he or she used to enjoy.

A child may have issues with concentration, increased or decreased sleep, decreased energy, or changes in appetite.

A child may show a dip in grades and school performance.

A child or teen may spend more time alone and less time with friends, or start using :marijuana, alcohol, vaping, popping pills not prescribed etc.

Relationships that break up can create a depressed mood and sometimes suicidal thoughts. Conflict with friends and fighting with family members can ooze into negative thoughts and depressed mood. Coming to terms with ones sexuality can impact mood and depression as well as negative thinking. Cyberbullying, divorce, having a parent not involved in one’s life and family relationships are big stressors. School bullying either verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual can happen and impacts mood in a negative way at times.

Children and teens with any mental illness : ADHD, ODD, Anxiety , etc or more are prone to depression and suicide more so than those without a mental health diagnosis.

There are many more behaviors and activities beyond what is written that can signal depressed mood like poor eating habits, too much sleep or too little sleep, avoiding family and friends, loss of pleasure in once enjoyed activities and MANY MANY MORE.

Youth live in a world dominated by technology: video games, texting, social media, snapchat, instagram, etc.. Research shows that children need quality time with their parents without technology.

There are many studies that link high levels of media time with mental health issues. Below is a study that looked at almost one half a million children.

“Headed by a psychologist from San Diego State University, researchers parsed the results of national surveys whose questions delved into the mental health of 500,000 young people between the ages of 13 and 18.

The findings, published last November in the journal Clinical Psychological Science, suggested that increased screen time may indeed contribute to, or worsen, adolescents’ feelings of alienation and loneliness. This proved to be particularly true of girls, whose screen time skews to social media platforms, with their highly visible currency of accumulated “likes.” Boys tend to gravitate to online games, the study said, where prowess is valued over looks or personality. Overall, increased screen time equaled increased feelings of depression.”

Mental health has many components: adequate sleep and a good eating schedule with quality foods. Feeling safe and having someone to talk to one on one. A child should exercise daily at least 45 minutes at a minimum. Having friends is vital for mental health for teens and adults.

We are all numb to the facts that web sites we use daily: facebook, twitter, Instagram, snapchat provide us with media for free however it really is not free the proce we pay is these companies sell our interests and consumer habits to these companies and that’s how they stay in business.

There are many applications that actually listen in to your surroundings and they specifically record what you are watching and what commercials are on and all of your viewing habits on TV.

Research shows that most people post positive events on social media and present a happy, fun, enjoyable life, however, the parts of their life that are miserable or in great pain or not highlighted. People look at the posts and think wow there “ life is great” etc. It is a skewed reality in fact they might be depressed and have other problems. Social media allows people to present a part of who they are almost like the cover of a book without looking at all the detailed chapters.

Children and teens well beings and mood can worsen from viewing social media and this has been researched. There is a correlation between lower self esteem and a greater sense of a depressed mood the more children and teens are using: twitter, instagram, snapchat , facebook, etc.

Many children and teens are addicted to video games and the internet. Many experts do not want to throw the term addiction around however there is research on I use facebook to forget my problesm, I use facebook more and more and really have no intention of being on so long etc. The same goes for video games .

Social media can be used by children to receive acceptance and validation that they perceive they are not receiving. Children and teens use social media for attention from others very often .

We know children and teens crave approval from there peers and there is this effort to seek( likes) or thumbs up or validation on there social media sites.

On snapchat many children have a game of not breaking the chain of using the site with friends and it has become a priority for youth to log in and comment daily even w a smiley face or hello just so they do not break the chain. Addiction? Can be yes.

Many children and teens have been cyberbullied through the internet. The internet and social media give children a sense of anonymity and they do not have to attack someone verbally face to face they can hide behind their smartphone or macbook etc. Cyberbullying is s huge problem in our society and it always leaves a digital footprint so children and teens must be very aware and careful of their behaviors because it is recorded for parents, and schools, and everyone.

Teen and adolescent years are extremely challenging for youth. It is important for parents to keep communication open and honest. Talking about your own fears and concerns are important as well.

Understand that teen mental health issues are treatable. Counseling can address many mental health issues as well as a psychiatrist for med management.

Severe changes in your child’s behavior can be a huge indication your child or teen is in need of support from a professional in the field of mental health.

Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, behavioral issues like oppositional defiance, substance abuse, a loss of self esteem, declines in academics, sleep issues and disorders, personality shifts, aggressiveness, excess anger can indicate psychological problems.

For boys aged nine to 15, suicide is now reportedly the second most common cause of death. It is a troubling statistic and one that reflects wider concerns.

Happy children have a better chance of becoming successful children and that’s why we see their emotional development as being just as important as their academic development.

Depression, anger, anxiety, body image, social skills, and self esteem are just a few areas that need to be addressed as well as behavioral and emotional issues.

A study published in Lancet Psychiatry, found that 14-year-old teens who had contact with counseling services had a greater decrease in depressive symptoms than those with similar difficulties but without contact. By the age of 17, the odds of reporting clinical depression were more than SEVEN TIMES higher in individuals without contact than in service users who had been similarly depressed at baseline. This includes other mental health services as well.

Contact with mental health services appeared to be of such value that after three years the levels of depressive symptoms of service users with a mental disorder were similar to those of almost 1000 unaffected individuals.

“Mental health and emotional issues can be painful for children, teens and adults . Research worldwide shows clearly that if we intervene at an early stage, we can see potentially dramatic improvements in teen and child symptoms of depression and reduce the risk that they go on to develop severe depressive illness.

Early prevention and finding balance through counseling, and parenting is vital for success. Looking at : sleep, diet, peers, social, self esteem, exercise, friendships, healthy habits, emotional and behavioral issues must all be addressed to spring board your child or teen into balance and success.

Teens have pain and stress and get anxious and depressed. Many adolescents are stressed about : family relationships, peer relationships, grades at school, about future careers, future jobs, future schooling , college?

Anxiety and depression are on the rise since 2012 as well as self harm. Cutting or self harm is also on the rise among adolescents as well as children. Self harm is on the rise and it is not only girls there is a high level of boys that are participating in s elf harm. Most who self harm are doing so to cope with anxiety and depression of course not all but a lot are coping with anxiety and depression. It is important to discover what is going on that is creating anxiety and depression to help each unique child as well as look at all areas of life that are causing great emotional pain.

Over 3 million teens reported an episode of depression in the past year. Over two million teens reported an incident of depression that impacted daily activities and habits. Almost seven million teens have reported an anxiety disorder. keep in mind this what is reported and there must be figures that are much higher than what is being reported statistically. Experts believe that over 27 million teens have experienced an anxiety disorder or an incident of depression that has impacted their daily functioning.

Adolescent teens have grown up watching terror and have gone through a huge recession. It is hard to get away from all the electronic screens and most media is relaying fear and negative messages to youth. When most youth have at least three screens or more it is hard to shut down the fear based stimuli unless there are strict limits enforced daily. Advertisements are bombarding youth from phones, tv, video games, web sites, movie sites, music sites and it is hard for youth to get away from it all. Most of it induces stress.

Boundaries are not being set and this is creating huge problems in relationships and at school and with mental health. Children are zoning out and parents are zoning out and time spent talking is a commodity.

Teens are stressed about dong well at school and getting into college or having a career or a job. Anxiety is a very big piece of most youths lives today in 2016. On the outside adolescents may present as calm however on the inside is great anxiety and pain.

Online bullying is big and is on the rise so not only can someone bully a child in person they can do it covertly online and cause horrible damage to children and teenagers. Many youth have committed due to bullying recently. Children and teens are cruel and unkind over instagram and show little compassion or kindness at all. Children do not want to go to school and are down and depressed due to the way others are treating them online.

Children and teens are distressed at a high level and mask it with games and music and other distractions. It is vital to talk about their thoughts and feelings daily in depth for their emotional health and physical health. Counseling can provide that balance for mental and physical health. Lifeworksaz.com has expertise in working with youth and families

LIFEWORKSAZ.COM specializes in working with children and teens with : depression, anxiety,mood disorders, and behavioral problems and more.

Children and teens have many stressors in life. Youth are struggling to understand their emotional and social world. Adolescents and children are struggling with academics, chores, family obligations, teachers, new schools, homework, peers, self esteem, hormone changes, body image issues, and much more. The last thing a child needs is to deal with bullying.

Children that are bullied need mental health counseling services at a rate of twice those that are not bullied. Bullying is associated with : depression, anxiety, cutting, self harm, and many other psychological mental health disorders.

Cyberbullying is happening with children and teens and is hidden from parents via: instagram, snapchat, Facebook, whatsapp, texting, and other applications on your child’s smartphone or electronic device. Ganging up on someone and victimizing them and humiliating them is abuse and it is not humor. Many children and teens have committed suicide based on cyberbullying. Parents can monitor and discuss above with their children and monitor their digital footprints.

Teens and children are spending between 6-9 hours per day on electronic devices. Youth in America according to a recent study of over 3000 youth show they are spending more time on media and electronic devices including phones than they are sleeping. The cell phone, Tv, You tube videos, cell phone games, texting , instagram, snapchat, video games, netflix , hula are distracting children from homework, exercise, and healthy face to face relationships. Children and Teenagers are in their room jumping from one electronic device to another and it is having a negative impact on learning and grades! I had a news reporter tell me that we do not know the impact of media on children. There are thousands of studies showing that children and teens are out of balance with media use, tv, cell phone use, and video games. The experts state children should be using no more than 1.5 hours per day . This includes the pediatric medical community. So media Health Care Doctors, Psychologists, Researchers, and world experts maintain we must limit the exposure to electronics. It impacts sleep, mood, performance, social skills, academic success and more in a negative manner.

Teenagers between the ages of 13-18 are spending on average nine hours per day on electronics: tv, netflix, texting, you tube, Facebook, instagram,social networking, snapchat, video games, online videos. Teens are rarely maintaining 7 hours of sleep per night during the school week.

Children are also using electronic media at a high rate. Youth ages 9-12 are averaging six hours per day of electronic media use nd this does not include time for homework.

Seventy percent of teens do not believe that watching tv, texting, playing video games, surfing the net impacts their ability to study and learn. Research shows this not to be the case in fact it is the opposite of what the teens believe.

Teen Boys are spending a great deal of time on video games. Male teens spend almost ten times the amount of time on video games and online gaming as well as cell phone gaming. Teen girls spend more time on social media than boys and girls spend more time reading than boys.

Parents are in a power position to set boundaries for: sleep, gaming, texting, Tv, Homework, and more. If parents do not set firm limits than an immature child will be sucked into the vortex of games and entertainment and will be in their rooms drunk with power. Family communication will deteriorate, grades will go south, negative behaviors will become more frequent, family stress will increase, and mental and physical health will be poor.

Being bullied and teens and school age children that are rejected lead to feelings of powerlessness and isolation. Victims often feel an extremely intense desire to regain their power and turn to violent behaviors to regain their power.

Twenty five percent of students are bullied and of these children seventy percent are bullied at school.

Studies show that students that have been bullied often are very likely to be vulnerable to: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, social isolation, sleep issues and disorders, substance and drug dependence and alcohol abuse, cutting, and more mental health issues. Post traumatic stress Disorder and suicide have also been linked to bullying. Long term psychological damage is linked to bullying and abuse ( emotional, verbal, physical, mental).

Gov legislation and laws have not stopped the violence. We have had 50 school shootings since Sandy Hook only a few years ago this is outrageous and sad and tragic.

We must teach children and teens mood management skills, stress management, social skills, healthy way to communicate thoughts and feelings and more. We need to teach children and teenagers: compassion, empathy, kindness, tolerance, respect, and coping skills for life. We must encourage youth to talk about bullying to parents and to share the info with the principal and all teachers and not look the other way. Cyberbullying also must be discussed it is happening with exponential frequency and is not ok.

Obtaining counseling for children and counseling for teens is important to address bullying to help youth learn skills to address this pain and provide parents solutions so your child does not suffer long term psychological disorders and other forms of harm to family, peers, or self.

Schools need to feel safe physically and emotionally for children and teenagers. Schools must be pro active with anti bullying programs and seminars and education on bullying on a regular basis. Schools should devote time to mental health issues since they will ooze out daily in the schools so it must be addressed!

A child that is victimized very likely will grow up and become a victimizer to peers, wives, friends etc. It is important to teach healthy boundaries( physical, mental, emotional) and healthy choices, right from wrong and also make sure your child is safe from bullying.

Lifeworksaz.com counseling has worked with children and teens that have been bullied or are victimizing others helping them create health and success in their lives.