The Impact of Screen Time on Mental Health

5. Promoting Good Sleep Hygiene

The hour before bedtime should be a sacrosanct, screenfree time. The bedroom itself should ideally be a no-go zone for screens. Sleep is an important aspect of youth development, and you must do everything possible to promote a good night’s sleep. Keep screens out of children’s bedrooms to reduce any temptation to scroll or watch videos. Instead, encourage reading or other calming activities as part of their nighttime routine.

How the Ontario Psychological Association Can Help

The Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) offers resources to support parents in managing their children's screen time and mental health.

Access to professionals - If you feel that your child is facing mental health issues, they may need to see a psychologist. Use the Find a Psychologist service to connect with qualified Ontario psychologists experienced in child and adolescent mental health.

Educational materials and resources - Explore articles and guidelines on healthy technology use and mental well-being

Summing Up Screen Time

Prioritizing mental health means engaging in open conversations with your children about their screen use and online experiences. It involves being attentive to signs of distress or changes in behaviour that may indicate mental health concerns. Utilizing resources like those offered by the OPA can provide additional support and guidance.

Building a healthy relationship with screens is essential After all, they’re not going away any time soon.

By focusing on mental health and promoting a balanced approach to screen time, we can help our children develop resilience, strong social skills, and a positive sense of self.

This article is reprinted with permission from the Ontario Psychological Association. We are grateful for their generosity in allowing us to share this important information with our readers. For more details, please visit the following platforms: - askforhelptoday@psych.on.ca and https://www.psych.on.ca/ email: patadvhub@gmail.com www.patadvhub.org

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