Teen Studies have shown that 78% of 13- to 17-year-olds report checking their mobile devices at least hourly; 35% of teens report using at least one of the top five social media platforms almost constantly. 

The study findings suggest that checking social media repeatedly among young teens ages 12 to 13 may be associated with changes in how their brains develop over a three-year period. The brains of adolescents who checked social media often – more than 15 times per day, became more sensitive to social feedback.

Another new study published by a Journal of Adolescent Health states that viewing social media often, violent videos, and early ages of viewing social media were related to less sleep and later bedtimes for teenagers. Restrictions and rules not allowing smartphones before bed time are associated with improved sleep. Thousands of studies show that lack of sleep has a negative effect on: school grades, family relationships, mood, behavior, and social skills.

Social skills are declining and face to face time is also declining due to social media and texting. Seventy five percent of females check social media when out with friends and almost 90 percent of those under 30 years old admitted missing out on face to face conversation because they were distracted by their cell phone: texting, Facebook, Twitter, snapchat, instagram social media etc.

Cyber-bullying is a great example of how social media communication differs from face-to-face conversations. A girlfriend’s alleged friend got together with her ex boyfriend and is able to post items that attack or victimize their friend and it is not done face to face. Research suggest that it takes place in a more extreme way over social media because the writers feel no accountability and are detached sitting in their room or on their smart phone etc.

Socials skills are eroding and children and teens that can type via technology do not have the confidence or verbal skills to apply for a job, interview for a summer job, meet new friends, join new organizations because they are holed up in their room with an inanimate electronic device that does not help them with social skills or interpersonal interactions. Children and teens avoid face to face communication and electronics is a big wall they can hide behind if parent’s do not set firm boundaries.

There is a correlation between social media use and a decrease in the quality of life. Anxiety and depression increase with high use of electronics and internet with children and teens. People need physical interactions and cyber interactions do not fill that void. Spending two hours interacting on social media is much different than two hours face to face.

There are benefits to social media and being able to connect and share information however there are risks re: privacy as well as addictive issues that can come with technology use.

Lifeworksaz.com provides child and teen counseling and has been counseling children and teens and adolescents for over 18 years in Phoenix, Chandler, Scottsdale, and Cave Creek Arizona.

There are many components to happiness. Giving to others breeds happiness. A positive attitude helps with happiness. Accomplishing goals brings happiness.Exercise on a regular basis brings us happiness, however, LONG TERM happiness and health involves Social Connections and must be high quality connections to : friends, family, and others. It is important to help children feel belonging and love and connect with other people at a high level for them to experience joy and happiness at a high level. Social Connections and social skills fosters happiness according to research studies that are over 80 years old. Below is more info on achieving happiness .

1. One must let go of who you think you should be to connect.
2. One must have courage to tell ones story of imperfection and who you are in your heart.
3. One must believe one is worthy of love and belonging.
4. Must believe you are worthy of connections.
5. One must have compassion..ability to be kind to your self and then to others in order to connect.
6. In order for connection you must have authenticity…a be willing to let go of who you thought you should be in order to be who you are. Vital for connection.
7. You must embrace vulnerability. Belief that what makes one vulnerable makes one beautiful.
8. Purpose and meaning in life is about feeling connected…this is proven neurobiologically and how we are wired.
9. One can not numb emotions and not want to feel because there is no such thing as selectively numbing. When we numb emotions we also numb gratitude, joy, and happiness.
10. We must feel worthy and that we are enough in this world. We are capable and valuable and have enough.
11. Children want to feel a sense of love and belonging and that is the job of parents if joy is to flow not accomplishments alone.

There is a great deal of research on what brings us happiness. It is not gender. It is not higher education. It is not income if above 50,000 per year. It is not race or color. It is not physical attractiveness.

Most youth believe that happiness will be obtained by making a lot of money or becoming famous. The research shows this is no true .

A Harvard study running over 75 years supports the above. It is relationships that keep us healthy and happy. It is high quality relationships that is vital to our happiness. Being socially connected to : family, friends, peers that are positive and warm relationships is vital. Good relationships protect our bodies and minds for the long term. Having people we trust and whom we can count on in times of need is vital for health and happiness.

Happiness is an attitude. I know many miserable people with lots of
money and ” things” and I know many that always have a sour outlook on
life.

Happiness comes from the ability to enjoy and appreciate. We wake up
and say thank g-d for my family. We are thankful for our health. Being
thankful and happy for our strengths. One can find so many things to
be thankful for: food, shelter, friends, loved ones, safety, and the
ability to sleep.

It was raining last week and I heard a bunch of grown men complaining.
Keep in mind it is sunny 330 plus days out if the year in Arizona.
They were looking at rain as a negative. If there glass on rain was
half full they would appreciate the rain and how the rain waters all
the plants and trees. They would embrace the rain.

It is important to take care of ones self so they can find happiness
and be able to give back to others. The compassionate caring and
giving to others is essential for happiness.

Finally find interests you enjoy, work, hobbies etc All the above will
help you sustain happiness but it must start with self love and your
perception.

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Child anxiety disorders in adolescents. , teens , and children should be addressed so the child can receive treatment . Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence based therapy that shows positive results however there are other therapies that are beneficial . Rapport is a vital piece in the therapeutic alliance to create desired change in children .

Twenty three percent of youth, kids, teens suffer from anxiety disorders including: separation anxiety , obsessive compulsive disorder , generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, post traumatic stress disorders and more . Children that have been exposed to trauma and abuse can have a number of anxiety conditions .

Child anxiety disorders that go untreated can often bloom into : substance abuse , depression, other anxiety disorders and poor social skills and low self esteem .

Anxiety disorders can lead to a negative pattern of avoiding situations socially that are essential to success in relationships, work, education , and other areas in life . Many children and teens today stay in their rooms and play video games. The child enjoys the video games because they have a lot of stimuli and reinforce playing with many psychological research tools that keep a child wanting to play the games. Many adolescents and children are playing: Call of duty, World of War Craft, Zelda, Black Ops, Mind Craft, Grand Theft Auto, and more. It is comfortable for many youth to play these games because they can avoid human interactions and can avoid dealing with emotional issues.

Children in the USA are losing social skills because they are: playing games online, video games, watching you tube, watching tv, on social network sites, and they simply are not interacting face to face with peers. It is important to help your child break the technology addiction or comfort zone. Many children need to work on their negative thought process that is keeping them stuck in their rooms . Building self esteem and confidence is vital to healthy social skills. Learning communication tools is also very important to build a strong foundation for success. Social anxiety can be the root of avoiding social interactions and playing video games and technology to an excess.

Lifeworksaz.com teaches children a variety of evidence based tools to overcome and manage social anxiety, Panic , Phobias, General anxiety, as well as other types of anxiety. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills, DBT skills, Progressive relaxatiion skills, mindfulness, and many more tools will help your child socially. Testimonials can be found at lifeworksaz.com .

The online video game called World of Warcraft is increasing in popularity and is extremely popular among Children, Teenagers, and adults now with 11 million users. Technology continues to provide entertainment for society and has many positives, however, it is all about BALANCE!!

If a teen or child or young adult is spending endless hours a day online playing video games he obviously is out of balance and this is unhealthy. When will the individual gamer find time to: exercise, develop his self esteem, learn about new life experiences, expand his or her horizons, learn social skills. When will a child or teenager find time to communicate and connect with his siblings and parents. What about sleep deprivation which impacts mood? What bout developing relationships with peers. What about healthy social skills? What about homework? Exercise? Sports? Reading? Developing artistic strengths etc..?

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Parents must empower themselves to set healthy limits for their children and teens so their children can maintain balance and health. Creating a plan and limit is essential to create success in a child and teens development.