Artificial intelligence (AI) is used ubiquitously today—from helping children complete their homework, to curating social media feeds, to suggesting what individuals should watch next on television. While AI can be a useful tool, have you ever wondered how it might influence your thoughts or feelings? More importantly, have you considered how being exposed to and using AI might shape your child’s thoughts, emotions, and mental health?

In January 2025, researchers from the Oxford Institute published a Personal View that examined the challenges of studying how the use of AI may affect children. They emphasized that, while AI is transforming how children learn, interact, and engage with the world, no clear framework for measuring its long-term influence exists (Mansfield et al., 2025). Without structured research, determining whether the use of AI is beneficial, harmful, or both may be difficult.
As a parent, understanding the use and influence of AI could be overwhelming, but knowledge is power. While experts continue to study AI’s role in helping and/or hindering children’s mental well-being, parents can take steps to help guide their children’s interactions with technology in a thoughtful and informed way. Let’s discuss what researchers have found and how you can support your child in navigating the use of AI safely.

What Did the Research Find?

The Oxford study highlights a key issue: while AI is becoming a big part of children’s lives, we still lack significant research on how its use affects their mental health. Researchers warn that past studies on social media often made assumptions about harm without solid evidence, and the same mistakes could happen when researching the effects of AI’s use (Mansfield et al., 2025).

Key takeaways from the study include the following:

• Better research is needed. Many past studies have blamed technology for mental health issues without considering other factors like family life or personality differences (Mansfield et al., 2025).
• AI use is growing fast. With the rapid growth of AI use, children are encountering new and innovative ways to interact with these tools every day, but research and policy are lagging (Mansfield et al., 2025).
• We do not know enough. There is no standardized way to measure the effects of AI usage on individuals, so more long-term studies are needed (Mansfield et al., 2025).
• Collaboration is key. Parents, educators, and technology companies need to work together to make using AI safe and beneficial for children (Mansfield et al., 2025).

What Does This Mean for Parents?

Keeping up with technology advancements can feel like a full-time job. Today, children are growing up in a world where using AI is almost natural, and many parents may feel left behind. However, while we cannot always control how quickly technology changes, we can control how we guide our children’s interactions with it. Think about teaching a child how to swim. You start in the shallow end, teach them how to tread water, and make sure they know how to call for help if they get into trouble. The same approach works for teaching children responsible use of AI—children need guidance on how to use it safely and critically.

What Can Parents Do?

Even though researchers are still working on guidelines to help parents and children navigate how to apply AI, below, are some ways you can explore and talk to your child about using AI:

• Be Curious Together- Ask your child about their favorite apps and how they use them. Try watching a few YouTube shorts or scrolling through their social media feeds together. By showing interest, you create opportunities for conversations about what they are consuming and how the material they watch and interact with makes them feel (Internet Matters, 2023).
  • Example: If your child loves a certain YouTuber, ask, “What do you like about their videos?” If they mention feeling pressured to look or act a certain way, use it as a teaching moment about online influences.
• Set Healthy Boundaries- Just like you create a specific time for bed or limit junk food for your child, you can set boundaries around screen time. Encourage experiences like technology-free meals, outdoor play, and family game nights. This helps balance AI-driven content with real-world experiences (Skool of Code, 2024).
  • Example: If your child struggles with stopping after “one more episode,” set a rule like “When the timer goes off, we take a break,” and stick to it.
• Teach Critical Thinking- Help children understand that not everything AI presents is true or helpful. Teach them to question what they see and think critically about why certain videos, ads, or posts are being recommended on their social media feeds or other platforms (Internet Matters, 2023).
  • Example: If your child interacts with an AI chatbot and receives questionable advice, remind them that AI does not always provide correct or safe answers. Encourage them to verify important information with a trusted adult or expert. The Thrive blog on Finding Credible Information offers helpful guidance for parents on evaluating sources and determining what information is trustworthy online.
• Monitor Emotional Changes- Pay attention to your child’s mood after they have been online. If they seem anxious, irritable, or withdrawn, AI-driven content may play a role. Encourage open conversations and create a safe space for them to share their feelings with you (University of Cambridge, 2024).
  • Example: If your teen seems stressed after using social media, ask, “Did something online bother you today?” Asking questions can spark meaningful conversations and enable you to support your child as they process their emotions and online interactions.
• Advocate for Safer AI Practices- The Oxford researchers stress the implementation of better policies and protections for children using AI-powered platforms. Do your best to stay informed and use parental controls where possible (Munzer, 2024).
  • Example: If your child’s favorite app has a setting to limit recommendations or filter content, explore this setting together and adjust as needed.

AI usage presents exciting opportunities and unique challenges for caregivers and children to navigate. By staying engaged, asking thoughtful questions, and guiding your child’s interactions with AI, you can help them build healthy digital habits that can support their mental well-being.

References

Internet Matters. (n.d.). A guide to artificial intelligence (AI) for parents.https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/parent-guide-to-artificial-intelligence-ai-tools/

Mansfield, K. L., Ghai, S., Hakman, T., Ballou, N., Vuorre, M., & Przybylski, A. K. (2025). From social media to artificial intelligence: Improving research on digital harms in youth. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(24)00332-8

Munzer, T. (2024, April 30). How will artificial intelligence (AI) affect children? HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/how-will-artificial-intelligence-AI-affect-children.aspx

Skool of Code. (n.d.). AI Parenting: How to talk to your kids about generative AI. https://skoolofcode.us/blog/ai-parenting-how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-generative-ai/#:~:text=Talk%20About%20Ethics%20and%20Responsibility,and%20copying%20someone%20else’s%20work.

University of Cambridge. (2024, July 15). AI chatbots have shown they have an empathy gap that children are likely to miss. https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/ai-chatbots-have-shown-they-have-an-empathy-gap-that-children-are-likely-to-miss

Parents make multiple daily decisions that impact themselves and their family members. As a parent, you will likely want to use sound judgment and consider relevant and up-to-date information as you make positive and meaningful decisions for your family. However, the amount of information that is available through websites and digital media platforms – on any topic – can be overwhelming. Furthermore, identifying credible information using technology and on the internet can be challenging. Remember, the information available on the internet may not be accurate or used in the way that it may have been intended. There are two different types of incorrect information that will be presented and discussed in this blog post: misinformation and disinformation.

Misinformation is the unintentional sharing of false, inaccurate, or incomplete information (Heiss, 2020). This may include not fully listing all important facts, unintentionally excluding voices or different perspectives that may change the endpoint view, and/or not using information that is current. Memes and satire can fall under this category.

Example: Sharing a picture with a quote that does not belong to the person being quoted. A popular example of this is a picture of President Abraham Lincoln, who died in 1865, being quoted as saying that not everything on the internet is true.

Disinformation is the intentional spread of false in formation. This information is usually shared in ways that align with political or commercial motives (Heiss, 2020). The source may want to sell something or bolster a connection that is beneficial to them by purposely excluding facts and other voices and viewpoints and/or using outdated information (even if it has been proved as false in the past).

Example: Disinformation may come in the form of videos that use high-end technology to make it look and sound like a prominent figure is doing or saying something they did not say. Disinformation could include made up stories that intend to change public perception, or it may perpetuate conspiracy theories and/or rumors to sway the public to believe or buy something.

So, how do you find credible information that is accurate and current, so you can make sound decisions as you keep your family safe? Consider following the suggestions listed below.

Use Fact Checking Websites

One of the methods you can try to use is a fact-checking website. Examples of some fact-checking websites are listed below. Fact-checking websites compile information on popular topics that are being circulated, discussed, and/or reported and populate that information into articles. The articles state what is being said about a given topic – even when it needs to cover multiple perspectives – and fact check the information using relevant sources to produce a determination about the validity of the information (based on facts). Each article contains links to all of the identified sources, and users are encouraged to perform their own research. Website users are also invited to ask questions, electronically, about information they may have seen or heard.

Some credible fact checking websites to use are as follows:
www.factcheck.org – This website is a project of The Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania. They are working with Facebook.com to combat fake news and the spread of misinformation and disinformation in social media.

www.snopes.com – This is a website that is designed to fact check popular articles to show the validity of the information contained within the article. At the bottom of each article, a list of all of the resources that were used to fact check is presented. In addition, readers are encouraged to use additional resources to fact check (instead of just taking their word for it).

www.fullfact.org – This website is hosted by a charity organization based in London, England, and is comprised of people from different political backgrounds who fact check the information and supply their findings to site users.

A few websites that should be avoided due to misinformation or disinformation are as follows:

Wikipedia – This website can be edited by anyone. No fact checking is done, and no resources are usually listed.

Satire Websites (e.g., Buzzfeed, The Onion) – These websites often post inflammatory and intentionally false articles to entertain readers; however, the information in the articles could be mistaken as factual by some readers.

Research the Topic Further

Another method for fact checking is to further research your topic of interest using a search engine like Google (McManus, 2020). In the search bar, type in the basic idea of the article, and see what other information or articles come up. Are major news articles reporting on it? If not, the information may not be valid. If major new articles are reporting on the issue, you may be able to examine additional information on the topic or find missing facts that can increase your knowledge and guide your decisions.

Watch for common red flags that may indicate the article is not factual or may be trying to gain a specific reaction (McManus, 2020):

• Inflammatory language
• Name calling
• Broad generalizations
• Exclamation points
• WORDS ARE ALL IN CAPS

SMELL Test

An alternative fact-checking method is to use different tests, or questionnaires, to determine the accuracy of information. McManus (2020) offers the SMELL test, which was designed to help users critically look at information and sources. This test is outlined below, and the information is derived from the original chapter content in Detecting Bull: How to Identify Bias and Junk Journalism in Print, Broadcast and on the Wild Web (McManus, 2020).

Source

• Who or where is providing the information?
  • A traditional news outlet, a special interest group, a neighborhood blogger
• Are they credible?
  • Education sites
  • Government information
  • Research institutes
• Does the source have an agenda that would be furthered by sharing the information?
  • Who is funding the source?
  • Is the source receiving money for sharing this?

Motive

• Why is this source sharing this information?
• Does this information inform, entertain, or persuade you in a certain direction?
  • Entertainers are not bound by facts.
  • Persuasive wording can present information in a way that highlights topics that may direct your attention in a specific direction regardless of the facts.

Evidence

• Are there resources available?
• Did the website add links to sites and cite other sources?
• Do the sites offer information that supports their message?

Logic

• Is the evidence logical?
• Does this information agree with or support what you already know?
  • Information and research change; however, if the information is drastically different from what you know, you may want to do more investigating!

Left Out

• Is there missing information?
  • Is it intentional?
• Are there relevant facts or voices absent or marginalized?

CRAAP Test

Another test that could be used to determine the accuracy of information is the CRAAP test. California State University librarians developed this test to help determine if sources are credible since credibility is an important part of the information-literacy skill (George, 2022). The CRAAP Test, although created with academics in mind, can be used by anyone when they evaluate sources. By using the questions below, taken directly from the CRAAP test (California State University, 2010), you can evaluate resources and information to determine the validity of the information being shared.

Currency: the timeliness of the information.

• When was the information published or posted?
• Has the information been revised or updated?
• Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
• Are the links functional?

Relevance: the importance of the information for your needs.

• Does the information relate to your topic or answer your questions?
• Who is the intended audience?
• Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advances for your needs)?
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
• Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?

Authority: the source of the information.

• Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
• What are the author’s credentials or organizational affiliations?
• Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
• Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
• Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?

Accuracy: the reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content.

• Where does the information come from?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
• Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
• Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
• Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?

Purpose: the reason the information exists.

• What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
• Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
• Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?

Misinformation and disinformation can spread quickly through technology. Knowing how to evaluate and find accurate information, understanding the kinds of information you should be looking for, and realizing how you can validate that information are important skills that you can acquire and use to protect you and your family. Consider using one of the techniques, listed above, the next time you read an article about a topic that can affect your family. If you would like to learn more about finding information, misinformation, and/or fact checking, review the additional resources below.

Additional Resources

Fighting Health Infodemics: The Role of Citizen Empowerment

SIFT (The Four Moves)

Nieman Lab: Three Types of Bias

Misinformation is Everybody’s Problem Now

What are Credible Sources & How to Spot Them

Applying the CRAAP Test & Evaluating Sources

TED Talk: How We Can Protect Truth In The Age of Misinformation | Sinan Aral

References

California State University. (2010, September 17). Evaluating information: Applying the CRAAP test. https://library.csuchico.edu/sites/default/files/craap-test.pdf

George, T. (2022, November 4). Applying the CRAAP test & evaluating sources. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/craap-test/

George, T. (2022, December 7). What are credible sources & how to spot them. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/credible-sources/

Heiss, R. (2020). Fighting health infodemics: The role of citizen empowerment.Eurohealth.https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/338919/Eurohealth-26-3-23-25-eng.pdf

McManus, J. (2017). Detecting bull: How to identify bias and junk journalism in print, broadcast and on the wild web (3^rd ed.). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

Nguyen, C. T. (2018). Escape the echo chamber. Aeon.co. https://aeon.co/essays/why-its-as-hard-to-escape-an-echo-chamber-as-it-is-to-flee-a-cult

World Health Organization. (2020). Infodemic management. https://www.who.int/teams/risk-communication/infodemic-management

For adults and children, interacting with some form of social media has become a daily part of life. Therefore, parents need to stay well informed in order to ensure online safety for their children as they use social media and technology. Understanding how technology works, implementing safety features, and staying informed about and even getting ahead of dangerous online trends and challenges are strategies parents can use to help them monitor their children’s technology usage and keep their children safe. In addition, parents and caregivers can set up in-app settings, utilize external parental control apps, apply social-listening skills, and engage in open communication with their children.

Set up In-App Settings

Each social-media platform includes specific features for parents and caregivers to use as they navigate settings and set up parental controls. The Glossary of Digital Media Platforms, developed by the American Association of Pediatrics (2024), is a resource parents and caregivers can use to better understand the various social-media platforms children and teenagers may want to visit and utilize. Within each resource linked below, parents and caregivers can find information about privacy settings, methods to control messaging and friend selections, and how to set up screen-time management.

• Discord
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Snapchat
• TikTok
• Facebook
• X (formerly Twitter)
• Apple Operating System (iPhone and Mac)

Utilize External Parental Control Apps

Parents and caregivers can use parental control apps to help them ensure their children interact with social-media applications in a safe way (CNN, 2024). Many of these parental control apps are paid services that adults can put on the devices their child uses. Parents can, then, track information, such as screen-time usage; use website and app filters to block access to specific websites and applications on a device; enact safe search features on sites like YouTube; track calls and SMS (texting); and stop certain language and inappropriate or unwanted conversation topics from being searched and received. Check out some of the following parental control app websites to see if any of these external parental control trackers might work for you and your family.

• Kaspersky Safe Kids
• Qustodio
• Mobicip
• Net Nanny
• OurPact
• Bark

Apply Social Listening

Understanding what online trends and challenges are occurring across social-media platforms (e.g., ALS ice bucket challenge, the cinnamon challenge, the Kia challenge) can help parents prepare to have conversations with their children and help prevent children from engaging in harmful behaviors. Parents can identify current social-media trends and find out more about specific trends by searching hashtags and information trending on social-media sites (e.g., Twitter, TikTok).

Have Open Communication

Openly communicate with your child so you and your child understand why and how to stay safe in online spaces. Although understanding and setting up safety measures and parental controls can help prevent inappropriate media from getting through to your child’s account, making sure your child understands why you are setting boundaries and expectations is also vital. You may want to visit and use the resources, listed below, to help you learn new skills and strategies for communicating with your child.

• Communicating with Adolescents and Teens (mini booster module)
• Setting Boundaries and Expectations (mini booster module)

Learn how you and your child can create a family media plan for your family by using the American Academy of Pediatrics  Family Media Plan, which can be completed online and downloaded.

Additional Resources

Social Media Fact Sheet

Digital Empowerment Resource

Helping your Teen Navigate Social Media

When Should You Get Your Child a Cell Phone?

Children: Technology and Socialization

Adolescent Social Media Use

Finding Credible Information

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Definitions of common digital media terms. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/center-of-excellence-on-social-media-and-youth-mental-health/definitions-of-common-digital-media-terms/

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Family media plan. https://www.healthychildren.org/english/fmp/pages/mediaplan.aspx

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Glossary of digital media platforms. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/center-of-excellence-on-social-media-and-youth-mental-health/glossary-of-digital-media-platforms/

Behr, A. (2024, March 22). The best parental control apps in 2024, tested by our editors. CNN.  https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/best-parental-control-apps

Nemours Children’s Health. (2022, August). Monitoring your child’s media use.https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/monitor-media.html

In 1992, the World Federation for Mental Health established the first World Mental Health Day, which continues today and is held annually on October 10th (WMHD, 2024). On this day, various organizations, governments, and individuals work together to increase awareness of the mental health challenges people around the globe face each day and to create a platform for advocacy and education. Today, the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State joins the World Federation for Mental Health to recognize the importance of normalizing discussions around mental health challenges, reducing stigma around mental health disorders, and providing resources and support to individuals in need.

Mental Health

One’s mental health can affect how they think, feel, and act and can influence their emotional, psychological, and social well-being (Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, 2021). Often, one’s mental health defines how they cope with everyday stressors and achievements, how they deal with ups and downs in relationships, and how they make decisions (Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, 2021).

Parents and Mental Health

As a parent, you need to understand what your child’s mental health needs might be and be able to recognize when your child may need outside support (Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, 2021). In addition, you should be aware of and recognize your own mental health needs. Parenting can come with positive experiences like joy, love, and human connection, but it can also come with significant challenges and can create stress across the different life stages of your children (Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, 2024). Taking care of yourself may feel unnecessary or not worthy of prioritization; however, when you take care of yourself and learn how to cope with everyday stressors, you set yourself up to better help those around you.

Remember, prioritizing your health and well-being by eating healthy meals, engaging in physical activity, identifying ways to find and achieve your calm, leveraging your circle of support, and establishing a positive work-home-life balance are important elements to integrate into your life. By taking care of yourself, you will be better able to meet your own needs and help your child when they are in need. Further, when parents model healthy and effective strategies that help them regulate their own emotions, their children benefit from seeing their parents cope with difficult situations and can learn ways to help themselves manage and regulate their own emotions (Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, 2022b).

Children and Mental Health

Having and exhibiting good mental health is an important component for parents as they help and support their child as they grow into a healthy adult. Children with good mental health are better able to have and maintain positive interactions with family members and friends, work towards and achieve educational milestones, and find ways to participate in their local community (Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, 2021).

Experiencing poor mental health can be the result of different factors that may include biological components, such as genetic issues or brain chemistry; life experiences, such as past trauma or abuse; or a family history of mental health challenges (Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, 2021). In addition, there are certain situations and instances that may increase a child’s risk for these concerns, such as family stress, chronic illness, grief and loss caused by death, or physical/sexual/emotional abuse (Youth.gov, n.d.a).

Parents and caregivers can help their children feel happy and positive about themselves by showing their children love and affection, spending time with their children, encouraging their children to talk about their feelings, and being interested in what’s happening in their children’s lives (Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, 2021). Physical health is also an important component to maintaining good mental health. Just like you, as a parent, need to take care of yourself, you can help your child maintain healthy habits in their lifestyle, like being physically active, eating nutritious foods, and getting enough sleep (Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, 2021).

Watch for Warning Signs

Mental health challenges can come with warning signs. Be sure to watch for any early warning signs that could indicate your child may be struggling with mental health challenges. Warning signs may include the following (Chung, 2024; Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, 2021, 2022a, 2022b; Youth.gov, n.d.b):

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Having problems concentrating
• Struggling in school, or showing a dramatic drop in grades
• Feeling afraid of or wanting to avoid school
• Pulling away or withdrawing from people and usual activities they used to enjoy
• Having low or no energy
• Feeling numb or like nothing matters
• Having unexplained aches and pains, or complaining of physically not feeling well over a long period of time
• Excessively dieting or exercising, or having a fear of weight gain
• Engaging in self-harm behaviors (such as cutting or burning their skin)
• Engaging in risky or destructive behavior, alone or with friends
• Having periods of highly elevated energy and activity, and requiring much less sleep than usual
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Using alcohol or drugs
• Sexually acting out
• Participating in illegal activities
• Running away
• Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
• Yelling or fighting with family and friends, or wanting to spend much more time alone
• Experiencing mood swings
• Feeling anxious, or having persistent thoughts and memories they can’t get out of their head
• Making inappropriate comments like “nobody would care if I was gone “or “I don’t deserve to live”
• Hearing voices, or believing things that are not true
• Thinking of harming themself, others, or the environment
• Having suicidal thoughts

Additional Resources

Adolescent Mental Health: Parenting to Wellness

Adolescent Mental Health: Parenting to Wellness is a Thrive Initiative supplemental parent-education module that is designed to offer support to parents and caregivers of adolescents who experience mental health challenges.

Branch Out Parenting Program

Branch Out is a Thrive Initiative program that is specifically designed for parents, guardians, and caregivers of adolescents or children who are 10 to 18 years old. During adolescence, youth need their parents’ attention and support more than ever. Many changes and transitions occur during adolescence, so this phase of life is a time of excitement and anxiety—for youth and their parents. Throughout this program, information and parenting strategies are offered for parents to adapt as necessary to fit their child and their individual circumstances. Programming focuses on helping you learn communication skills and on encouraging you as you work with your adolescent to build a relationship that is centered around respect and trust.

CDC Mental Health Resources

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers resources for adults and children to help them learn more about mental health or help them cope with mental health challenges.

Taking Care of You

This 3-minute mini-booster video module presents information to new parents and caregivers about the importance of taking care of themselves and practicing healthy behaviors, so they can more effectively care for their new baby.

SAMSA Hotline – Call or text 988

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889, is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service. It can be accessed in English and Spanish and is specifically  for individuals and family members who are facing mental health or substance-use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.

References

Chung, R. J. (2024, March 4). Teen mental health: How to know when your child needs help. Healthychildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Mental-Health-and-Teens-Watch-for-Danger-Signs.aspx

Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State. (2021). Mental health [Module 4 of the Branch Out Online Curricula]. Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State.

Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State. (2022a). Part 2 – Parents’ Role in Helping Child Return to Wellness [Module 3 of the Adolescent Mental Health: Parenting to Wellness Online Curricula]. Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State. Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State. (2022b). Part 3 – Parental Self

Care [Module 4 of the Adolescent Mental Health: Parenting to Wellness Online Curricula]. Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State.

Office of the U.S. Surgeon General. (2024). Parents under pressure: The U.S. surgeon general’s advisory on the mental health and well-being of parents. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/parents-under-pressure.pdf

World Federation for Mental Health. (2024). World health mental health day 2024. https://wmhdofficial.com

Youth.gov. (n.d.). Risk and protective factors for youth. https://youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-mental-health/risk-and-protective-factors-youth

Youth.gov. (n.d.). Warning signs. Youth.gov. https://youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-mental-health/warning-signs

One way for family members to connect is to write a blog together. Discussing and writing about important events and meaningful moments, in a blog, can help a family stay connected with each other, friends, and extended family members. Creating a blog with your child can also provide opportunities for your child to be creative in choosing topics and what information to include, and this activity can introduce young writers to a different form of writing as they develop their communication and literacy skills.

How Do You Start?

Choose a website to host your blog – Many online platforms can be used to blog. Most of these platforms are free for basic use and, if you purchase more complex versions, you can customize your blog by using additional or advanced features. Below are a few sites you may wish to explore as you start your blogging journey.

• WordPress
• Webador
• Wix

Pick a name – Customize the name of your blog. Make it a fun activity, and include the whole family as you choose a unique name! It could be a funny name, a name that has a specific meaning for your family, your family’s name, or a combination of all three!

Choose your audience – Whom are you writing this blog for? Although blogs are usually public, you can make your blog private and invite anyone you choose—family, friends, coworkers—to follow your posts. The information you include in your blog will likely depend on whether your blog is public or private. If you choose to make your blog post public, be sure not to add any personal information that could make you and your family unsafe.

If your blog is private, remember to send out an invitation for your audience to allow them to sign up for updates through email or Really Simple Syndication, commonly referred to as RSS. This notification allows your followers to receive notifications of new posts as soon as you publish your information, and you do not have to message everyone each time you make a post.

Writing the Posts

Now that you have decided where to post your blog, what the name of your blog will be, and who your audience will be, you are ready to start writing! Include the entire family as you choose your topics. Below is a list of ideas for topics and activities to get you started.

• Family vacations
• Start and/or end of a school year
• Special interests of your child that they want to research and write about
• Sports events and accomplishments
• Milestones your child is reaching
• Moves/updates your family is going through
• Holiday check-ins

Remember, writing a blog can be a journey that you can tailor depending on what information you and your family are comfortable sharing. Add pictures to your posts as you write about memories and include updates. Your blog can be a virtual memory book that you can turn to as the years go by, so you and your family can share and remember accomplishments and reminiscence about events, people, and fun times.

Additional Resources

How to Teach your Child about Online Safety

Adolescent Social Media Use

Digital Empowerment Resources

Internet Safety for Parents

References

Fireworks entertain millions of people and add sparkle to events throughout the year. They are often enjoyed at sporting events, weddings, and concerts. Yet, traditionally, fireworks are most often used in the United States to celebrate the Fourth of July. Large fireworks displays occur in communities across the country, and some families ignite fireworks in their yards. While lighting fireworks at (or close to) home may seem like a fun activity for the whole family, thousands of people experience serious injuries from fireworks-related incidents every year. Many times, the people who get hurt in these incidents are bystanders and not the person setting off the fireworks.

The information below includes safety recommendations to reduce fireworks-related injuries, details about known fireworks-related injuries, and tips on how to treat any injuries if they occur.

The Safest Ways to Enjoy Fireworks

Keep your distance. Fireworks can be loud enough to severely damage the hearing of adults and children. When attending a fireworks show, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends that attendees stay at least 500 feet away from the fireworks’ launch site (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021) to protect their hearing. Young children could wear earplugs, earmuffs, or headphones for an added layer of protection. In addition, unexploded fireworks, commonly referred to as duds, could land on the ground—at private or public fireworks activities— and they have the potential to go off. Avoid going near duds, and consider calling the fire department to help you dispose of them.

Pay attention to the weather. Weather conditions can impact the safety of hosting a public fireworks display and igniting fireworks at home. For example, if the area is experiencing dry conditions, releasing fireworks can lead to wildfires and poor air quality (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021). In such situations, the local news media will typically encourage individuals to attend community firework alternatives and/or inform the community about safe outdoor activities. These activities and events may include laser shows or drone light shows.

Choose a safe alternative. Although sparklers may seem like a safe option for children, they could have similar dangerous effects as other types of fireworks. Sparklers burn at nearly 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and, at this temperature, sparklers can burn through metal, ignite clothing, cause eye injuries, and/or result in third-degree skin burns (National Safety Council, n.d.). If children want to participate in festivities, safer alternatives include giving them flags, glow sticks, party poppers, bubbles, silly string, party snappers, and noise makers.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a fireworks display and leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Safety Tips for Deploying Fireworks at Home (If You Must…)

DOs

• Supervise older children while they are handling fireworks.
• Choose a spot away from people, houses, and flammable materials to ignite any fireworks.
• Use protective eyewear when handling fireworks.
• Read the device’s directions before use, and carefully follow the instructions when igniting the fireworks.
• Use a long-stemmed lighter to light fuses.
• Ignite only one device at a time.
• Keep your pet(s) indoors and distract them from any stress the fireworks and associated noise may cause (e.g., food, TV, radio, toys).
• Have equipment nearby to extinguish a fire or unexploded devices (e.g., bucket of water, working water hose).

DON’Ts

• Do NOT allow young children to handle fireworks, even sparklers.
• Do NOT permit anyone under the influence of drugs/alcohol to handle fireworks or supervise children who are handling fireworks.
• Do NOT use any illegal fireworks (e.g., fireworks purchased from an unlicensed store, stand, or tent). Licensed retailers will have a brightly colored retail label.
• Do NOT ignite fireworks in any indoor space.
• Do NOT light fireworks while holding them.
• Do NOT throw or point fireworks at another person.
• Do NOT cover the device with your hand or any other body part.
• Do NOT shoot any fireworks from a metal or glass container.

Cleaning up Used and Unexploded Fireworks

1. Follow the package instructions for proper disposal of all used fireworks.
2. Do not touch used fireworks (and duds) for at least 20 minutes.
3. Avoid picking up or relighting duds.
4. Soak duds and unused fireworks in water for at least 2 hours outside, if possible.
5. Drain the water from the container.
6. Transfer fireworks to a plastic bag.
7. Dispose of the fireworks outside in a closed trash bin.

Common Fireworks-Related Injuries

Types of Injuries

• Burns and blisters
• Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
• Fractures and sprains
• Corneal or retinal injuries
• Death

Injuries by Body Parts

• Hand and finger injuries
• Leg, arm, and trunk injuries
• Head and face injuries
• Eye injuries
• Hearing damage

Immediate Treatment for Fireworks-Related Injuries

• Soak the body part that has sustained the burn in cool water until the affected area no longer burns and the pain is relieved.
• Soak any smoldering clothes with water until cooled, and then remove the clothing. If the clothing sticks firmly to the skin, cut away as much clothing as possible without pulling the clothing from the skin.
• If the injured area is oozing, cover the area with a sterile gauze pad or a clean, dry cloth (e.g., sheet, towel).
• Call 911 or rush to the nearest emergency room to seek immediate medical attention for severe injuries.

Signs of a severe injury:

• The injury is deeper than a superficial wound (e.g., clothing is stuck to the area)
• Redness and pain persist at the site of injury
• Bad odor or discharge is present
• The injury involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a moving joint
• The injury covers a large portion of a body part

Note: The following home remedies are not recommended because they can make the injury worse and/or delay the healing process:

• Do NOT put ice on the burn
• Do NOT rub the burn
• Do NOT put butter or grease on the burn
• Do NOT cover the burn with mustard
• Do NOT place powder on the burn

Additional Resources

The National Fire Protection Association offers free resources, facts, and infographics that promote fireworks safety.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a 2022 Annual Fireworks Report regarding fireworks injuries and activities during the year.

The American Academy of Pediatrics answers parents’ frequently asked questions in this First Aid for Burns resource.

The American Pyrotechnics Association provides resources to preserve and promote American traditions, including using fireworks to celebrate July Fourth at https://www.americanpyro.com/.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021, June 29). American Academy of Pediatrics: Stay safe this 4^th of July. https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/health–safety-tips/american-academy-of-pediatrics-stay-safe-this-4th-of-july/

American Pyrotechnics Association. (n.d.). Tips to celebrate safely. https://www.americanpyro.com/tips-to-celebrate-safely

Healthychildren.org. (2023, June 28). 4^th of July fireworks safety: Tips for families. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/stay-safe-this-4th-of-july.aspx

Healthychildren.org. (2023, July 26). Burn treatment & prevention tips for families. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Treating-and-Preventing-Burns.aspx

KidsHealth Medical Experts. (n.d.). Fireworks safety. Nemours KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/fireworks.html

National Safety Council. (n.d.). Leave fireworks to the experts. https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/summer-safety/fireworks

Science and Technology Directorate Transportation Security Laboratory. (2022, June 30). 10 tips for firework safety. United States Department of Homeland Security. https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/news/2022/06/30/10-tips-firework-safety

Smith, B., & Pledger, D. (2023, June). 2022 fireworks annual report: Fireworks-related deaths, emergency department-treated injuries, and enforcement activities during 2022. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/2022-Fireworks-Annual-Report.pdf

In today’s digital age, the question of whether children, adolescents, and young adults are becoming desensitized to violence, hatred, and intolerance may be rhetorical. Exposure to violent and negative content on various media platforms can have a profound impact on how people (especially, possibly, children) perceive and react to real-world violence. Let’s discuss desensitization, its origins, its impact on empathy, and some strategies parents can incorporate to mitigate its effects.

What is Desensitization?

Desensitization refers to the reduced emotional and physical response to a situation, circumstance, or even an event after being exposed to it repeatedly. For example, when children are exposed to frequent violent content, especially violence committed by people against other people, on media sites or platforms (e.g., TV, video games, YouTube), they may become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others. Research shows that this exposure can lead to lower emotional responses to real-life violence, less empathy, more aggression, and a greater acceptance of using violence to solve problems (Mrug et al., 2016).

Origins of Desensitization

Desensitization has its roots in psychology, particularly through the work of Albert Bandura. In the 1970s, Bandura’s social learning theory (SLT) demonstrated that children tend to imitate what they see, especially from influential sources like television (Su et al., 2010). Thus, according to Bandura’s SLT, repeated exposure to violent media can lead to desensitization. Many studies have since supported Bandura’s findings and support the theory that children who are regularly exposed to media violence tend to exhibit higher levels of aggression and are more likely to engage in criminal behavior as adults (Media violence, 2009).

Impact on Empathy

Desensitization to violence can significantly impact empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of others (Mrug et al., 2015). When children are repeatedly exposed to violent content, they may start to see violence as a normal part of life and become less responsive to the pain and suffering of others (Media violence, 2009). Studies have shown that regular exposure to violent media can lead to a decrease in empathetic responses (Su et al., 2010). This reduced sensitivity can impact social behavior and could increase the chances of aggressive and antisocial actions (Pittaro, 2019).

Strategies for Parents

Given the pervasive nature of violent media content, there are several positive steps parents can take to help protect their children from its potential effects. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Monitor Media Consumption: Keep track of children’s media content and set limits on screen time. This includes television, movies, video games, and social media. Explore the Thrive Professional Resource guide for more tips on managing screen time (page 17).
2. Promote Media Literacy: Educate children about the impact of media violence. Media-literacy programs can equip children with skills, so they can distinguish between reality and fiction and understand the consequences of violent actions and behaviors. Explore the National Association for Media Literacy Education’s Parent’s Guide to Media Literacy and other resources here.
3. Encourage Positive Media Choices: Encourage children to engage with non-violent media content. Provide access to educational programs, documentaries, and prosocial video games. Using these types of alternatives can help foster positive behavior and attitudes.
4. Model Appropriate Behavior: Children often imitate their parents’ behavior. Parents can positively influence their children’s behavior by modeling empathy, kindness, and non-violent conflict resolution.
5. Create Open Communication Channels: Establish an environment where children feel comfortable discussing what they see in the media. This enables parents to address any concerns and provide guidance on interpreting violent content.
6. Use Parental Controls: Utilize parental control features on devices and streaming services to help restrict access to inappropriate content.

Many consider desensitization to violence a growing concern for future generations. While we cannot control the world’s violence, we can take actionable steps to manage what is viewed in our homes. As we strive to be mindful of the media our children consume and foster open discussions, we can support our children’s healthy emotional and psychological development and help nurture a generation of people who value kindness and understanding.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2009). Media violence. Pediatrics, 124(5), 1495–1503. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2009-2146

Mrug, S., Madan, A., & Windle, M. (2016). Emotional desensitization to violence contributes to adolescents’ violent behavior. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 44(1), 75.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-015-9986-x

Mrug, S., Madan, A., & Wright, R. A. (2015). Emotional and physiological desensitization to real-life and movie violence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 44(5), 1092.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-014-0202-z

Pittaro, M. (2019, May). Exposure to media violence and emotional desensitization. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-crime-and-justice-doctor/201905/exposure-media-violence-and-emotional-desensitization

Su, W., Mrug, S., & Windle, M. (2010). Social cognitive and emotional mediators link violence exposure and parental nurturance to adolescent aggression. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 39(6). https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2010.517163

As children reach toddlerhood (i.e., age 1 to 3 years), they begin to increasingly show signs of independence. Their strong desire to complete tasks independently is often displayed in activities of daily living like getting dressed and brushing their teeth. Because young children do not always have the concentration or control to brush their teeth by themselves, parents need to find ways to encourage their child’s self-help skills while supervising their efforts. Consider the following tips to help teach your child about the toothbrushing process and to build their confidence as they learn to brush their teeth on their own.

Brushing Basics

Toothbrush

Ensure your child has a soft-bristled toothbrush with a thick handle and a small brushing head. Your child may be able to choose from a variety of kid-friendly toothbrushes that are available in vibrant colors and have fun characters on the handle.

Toothpaste

Select a toothpaste that contains fluoride and has a taste and texture that your child likes. If your child does not respond well to one toothpaste, try another with a different flavor.

Brushing Angle

For the outer surfaces and most inner surfaces of their teeth, teach your child to hold their toothbrush horizontally at a 45-degree angle. For the front, inner surfaces of their teeth, teach your child to hold their toothbrush vertically across their teeth. For the chewing surfaces, your child may lay the toothbrush flat across those teeth to brush.

Brushing Motion

Show your child how to brush along the line where their teeth and gums meet in short, circular strokes or long, up-and-down strokes. Both the circular and up-and-down techniques are acceptable, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

Brushing Time

Watch the clock, set the timer, play a song, or use a mobile app to help keep your child engaged for at least 2 minutes while they brush their teeth.

Toothbrush Replacement

Replace your child’s toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or replace your child’s toothbrush sooner if the bristles appear to be visibly frayed.

Brushing Expectations by Age

From birth to first tooth (around 6 months old), use a clean, damp washcloth or gauze to wipe your child’s gums clean after each feeding.

Upon the arrival of your child’s first tooth (around 6 months) to 3 years old, apply a smear of toothpaste (approximately the size of a grain of rice) to your child’s toothbrush and begin to brush your child’s teeth twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. Begin to gently floss between your child’s teeth when they have two teeth that touch.

When your child is between the ages of 3 years to 6 years old, apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to your child’s toothbrush, and brush 2 times a day for at least 2 minutes. Assist your child with their teeth brushing (and flossing) until they can rinse and spit out the toothpaste rather than swallowing it.

How to Teach Your Child to Brush Their Teeth

If your child has learned to rinse and spit out their toothpaste instead of swallowing the toothpaste (usually around 5 to 6 years old), it may be time for you to encourage them to brush their teeth on their own. Here are some techniques you can use to help your child learn to independently brush their teeth.

Break the process into small steps. Teach your child to brush their teeth in sections. Focus on the outer surface, the inner surface, and chewing surface of one quadrant (i.e., upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right) for 30 seconds before moving on to the next quadrant.

Show and tell. Prepare your toothbrush with toothpaste and stand or kneel next to your child. You can face your child or both of you can face the mirror. Direct your child to copy your movements and the sections you are focusing on as you both brush your teeth together. You may use analogies like the train wheels moving across the train tracks.

Hold their hand. Wrap your hand around your child’s hand to help guide the way your child holds their toothbrush and the way they move the toothbrush across their gums and teeth.

Take turns. Encourage your child to brush their teeth first while you supervise them. Use your words to help guide them on where to brush. Let them know that you plan to “check their work” when they finish. Use the “checking” stage to brush the areas they may have missed.

Sing a song. Sing a song or create your own song to a familiar melody (e.g., Row, Row, Row Your Boat) to help explain to your child the steps for brushing their teeth.

Consider your child’s temperament and learning style when determining which teaching technique to use. Feel free to try different techniques or combine techniques until you find the model that works for you and your child. With your continued guidance, your child will establish a consistent oral health routine, maintain good toothbrushing practices, and prepare to brush their teeth by themself. When you teach your child how to properly care for their primary teeth, it can set the stage for the health of their adult teeth and their oral hygiene practices for years to come.

Additional Resources

The Give a Kids A Smile® Program in association with the ADA (American Dental Association, 2020) provides resource sheets for parents and caregivers. Here are additional healthy habits that they offer parents and caregivers to consider as they help their child maintain a healthy smile and oral health.

• Begin taking your child to dental visits when their first tooth appears or by the time they turn 1 year old, whichever comes first.
• Encourage your child to eat healthy foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, lean meats) to protect their teeth’s health. Limit cavity-causing treats like candy, sugary beverages, sodas, snacks, and sticky sweets.
• Encourage your child, who is at least 1 year old, to drink water between meals. The ADA suggests that water with the fluoride is the best drink for your child’s teeth.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Division of Oral Health offers activities and resources for infants and children who are up to 4 years old. Find the resource here: https://scdhec.gov/sites/default/files/Library/ML-025192.pdf

The ADA provides several resources to help you take care of your child’s teeth through their Mouth Healthy™ campaign. A few of these resources can be found at the following:

• Mouth Healthy. (n.d.). Baby teeth. American Dental Association. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/baby-teeth
• Mouth Healthy. (n.d.). Dental health for babies and children. American Dental Association. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids
• American Dental Association (2019, February). Your child’s teeth. https://jada.ada.org/action/showPdf?pii=S0002-8177%2818%2930788-8

References

American Dental Association. (2020). Tiny smiles. https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/public-programs/give-kids-a-smile/ada-gkasts-eng_dental_professionals.pdf

American Dental Association. (2022, October 7). Toothbrushes.https://www.ada.org/en/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes

Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center. (2023, April 26). Brushing your child’s teeth. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/publication/brushing-your-childs-teeth

Harrisburg Smiles. (2020, October 22). How to teach your child to brush their teeth—Your guide to the process.https://harrisburgsmilesdental.com/how-to-teach-your-child-to-brush-their-teeth-your-guide-to-the-process/

Jana, L. A., & Shu, J. (2021, May 25). Let the brushing games begin. Healthychildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Let-the-Brushing-Games-Begin.aspx

Oraljel Kids. (n.d.). Six creative ways to get your kids to brush their teeth. https://www.orajelkids.com/en/resources/six-creative-ways-to-get-your-kids-to-brush-their-teeth

Shahangian, J. (2017, January 13). How do I get my preschooler to let me brush her teeth? Healthychildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/How-do-I-get-my-preschooler-to-let-me-brush-her-teeth.aspx