How Parents and Youth Experience Stress in Today’s World

Being a parent and raising children in today’s society is different than the experience your parents had when they raised you. Today’s world may feel faster paced and more interconnected. Parents face growing pressures to help their children navigate social media, academic demands, and rising concerns about mental health. Research from the Child Mind Institute’s 2025 Study Report Navigating Mental Health Intergenerational Perspective suggests that parental concerns about raising children in today’s world are well founded. By analyzing responses from 1,000 parent–youth pairs (i.e., youth ages 11 to 22), the study explores how families understand and experience mental health (Child Mind Institute, 2025). In fact, this study found that parents’ ideas and youths’ ideas align regarding the biggest threats to adolescent well-being—loneliness, social isolation, bullying, and academic pressure (Child Mind Institute, 2025). This shared perspective matters: it confirms that parents are not overreacting, and youth are experiencing real, observable stressors.

The study also highlights encouraging progress. Most parents and young people report feeling they “know some” or “know a lot” about mental health, and these responses reflect a growing awareness and openness between parents and children, especially compared with past generations (Child Mind Institute, 2025). At the same time, gaps in understanding mental health remain. About one in eight parents believes that mental health disorders only affect adults; a misconception that appears more frequently among older parents (Child Mind Institute, 2025). Findings like this highlight the importance of providing ongoing education to help parents better understand mental health and learn how to identify and address concerns early.

While parents and youth agree on many core issues, the study reveals important differences in how parents and youth experience stress. Adolescents, especially older teens, report worrying about a wider range of challenges than parents often recognize, including social media pressures, online interactions, and peer or romantic relationships (Child Mind Institute, 2025). These concerns may be less visible to adults but are deeply impactful in young people’s daily lives. The study also suggests that parents are experiencing significant stress and emotional strain connected to raising teens. Parents often worry about their ability to support their children’s well-being while balancing their work, family demands, and their own emotional needs (Child Mind Institute, 2025). Supporting parent and teen mental health begins with connection. Parents may want to engage in consistent check-ins and honest conversations about stress and demonstrate a willingness to truly listen and consider options to alleviate stress for parents and youth. Parents may also consider their own well-being because when they model self-care, they strengthen themselves and create a foundation their children can rely on during challenging years.

Barriers to mental healthcare can also look different from perspective to perspective. Parents tend to focus on practical obstacles such as cost, quality, and access to services. Children emphasize emotional barriers, particularly stigma and the lack of youth-friendly support (Child Mind Institute, 2025). As a result, even when parents secure resources, children may hesitate to use those resources if they fear judgment or feel misunderstood.

Despite these differences, the study delivers a hopeful message: parents and children largely share the same values and attitudes regarding mental health (Child Mind Institute, 2025). This common ground offers a powerful opportunity for connection. Parents can deepen this connection by creating consistent, judgment-free spaces in which to have conversations about stress, friendships, and emotions. Making these discussions part of everyday life, rather than reserving them for moments of crisis, can help children feel secure and encourage them to open up (Child Mind Institute, 2025). Parents should also recognize that today’s stressors, particularly those tied to the digital world, may be very different from the stressors they faced growing up. In addition, parents should validate their children’s experiences, even when they are unfamiliar, to strengthen trust and the parent-child relationship.

Parents can further support their children by normalizing mental healthcare, modeling healthy coping strategies when appropriate, and reinforcing that help-seeking is a sign of strength and not weakness. Furthermore, paying attention to the gap between what adults observe and what children may be feeling internally is crucial as young people may hide their struggles due to fear of stigma (Child Mind Institute, 2025). Engaging in regular check-ins, formal and informal, can make a meaningful difference. In addition, supporting youth mental health is not solely a family responsibility, and schools, communities, and accessible healthcare systems can play essential roles in creating environments where children can thrive (Child Mind Institute, 2025). Parents should stay connected with the other adults in their children’s lives (e.g., teachers, counselors, coaches) and advocate for support for their children as necessary.

Navigating youth mental health can be difficult, but families do not need to face these circumstances alone, and many tools are available to help them address challenges. This study shows that, despite rapid social and technological change, parents and children often understand each other’s concerns better than they realize (Child Mind Institute, 2025). That shared understanding is a strong starting point for deeper connection, honest dialogue, and effective support. When parents commit to listening, learning, and providing support consistently, they can play a powerful role in helping their children manage stress, build resilience, and grow in an increasingly complex world.

References

Child Mind Institute. (2025, October 7). Navigating mental health. https://childmind.org/education/childrens-mental-health-report/2025-study/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=science&utm_campaign=msf-report-2025-10-07&utm_content=msf-2025-study

Why Family Meals Matter More Than Early Sweet Exposure

A new study conducted in the Netherlands is challenging a long-standing assumption about early childhood nutrition: feeding babies sweet foods early shapes their long-term preferences for sugary tastes and will lead to unhealthy dietary patterns (Kumar Malesu, 2025). According to the research, which involved giving infants either sweet- or neutral-tasting vegetables and purees, no lasting impacts were found regarding babies’ preferences for sweet foods as they grew into toddlers. However, the study did find that exposing children to a broader food environment, such as the variety of foods offered and where the food was consumed like at a family mealtime, was very influential in molding children’s food preferences. In addition, the study noted that the eating patterns of the entire family played an important role in children’s food choices (Kumar Malesu, 2025).

This finding reinforces what many nutritionists and pediatricians have long suspected: early dietary exposure is only one small part of the larger picture (Kumar Malesu, 2025). What really shapes children’s eating habits are their day-to-day experiences with food, what meals are served, how the meals are prepared, and who eats the meals with the children (Kumar Malesu, 2025). Beyond nutrition, shared family meals offer a powerful and practical way to influence children’s long-term relationships with food and help them build healthier habits, develop broader palates, and feel more connected to their families.

When families eat together, children learn through observation. They watch what their parents and siblings eat, how their family members respond to different foods, and how each member of the family engages with each other during meals (Savage et al., 2007). If family members talk positively about food and model healthy portion sizes, children tend to adopt those behaviors. On the other hand, if meals are skipped, rushed, or dominated by processed snacks, those experiences can also become a part of the child’s food culture (Savage et al., 2007).

Establishing and maintaining consistent family provide organization, structure, and security for all family members especially young children (Beehive Restaurant & Lounge, 2025). Shared family meals create space for connection, conversation, and routine. Studies have shown that children who eat regularly with their families tend to have better academic performance and improved emotional well-being (Eisenberg et al., 2004). These benefits often persist for the rest of their lives.

To build these habits, families don’t need to eat together at every meal. Sharing a few dinners or breakfasts each week can make a difference— consistency and quality are key. Choose a few nights or mornings each week to prioritize family meals. Make your breakfast or dinner enjoyable by allowing your child to plan the menu or by asking your child to choose a conversation starter and minimize distractions like phones or TV. Encourage your children to help with simple tasks, like setting the table, choosing vegetables, or measuring and pouring ingredients. Involving them in meal preparation can increase their interest in the food being made and served and instill responsibility.

As much as possible, make meals flexible and approachable. Instead of cooking separate dishes for picky eaters, try build-your-own meals like tacos or salad bars where everyone can customize their plate within a healthy framework. These options can help children feel empowered because they are making choices for themselves. Introduce new or disliked foods alongside familiar favorites and remember children may need multiple exposures to certain foods before they acquire a taste for them.

Family meals shouldn’t feel like a battleground. Instead of focusing on rules or forcing bites, aim to make the experience positive. Use mealtimes as a chance to check in with each other, share stories, and laugh together. When meals are relaxed and enjoyable, children are more likely to eat well and develop a positive relationship with food (Beehive Restaurant & Lounge, 2025).

Ultimately, the research reminds us that what children eat in their first few weeks of trying solid food does not matter as much as their overall eating pattern, which includes the foods consumed, quantities of foods, and frequency of eating (Kumar Malesu, 2025). The environment we create at the table, what we serve, how we eat, and how we talk about food have lasting impacts. Creating space for family meals reminds children that food is more than nutrition, it’s care, conversation, sharing, and belonging.

Additional Resources

Eating Together as a Family

References

Beehive Restaurant & Lounge. (2025, September 14). The power of family meals: Why eating together matters.  https://beehiverl.com/the-power-of-family-meals-why-eating-together-matters/

Eisenberg, M. E., Olson, R. E., Neumark-Sztainer, D., Story, M., & Bearinger, L. H. (2004). Correlations between family meals and psychosocial well-being among adolescents. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 158(8), 792. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.158.8.792

Kumar Malesu, V. (2025, March 20). Early sweet foods don’t shape toddlers’ diets — Family meals matter more. News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250319/Early-sweet-foods-done28099t-shape-toddlerse28099-diets-e28094-family-meals-matter-more.aspx?utm_source=news_medical_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=children_s_health_newsletter_25_march_2025

Savage, J. S., Fisher, J. O., & Birch, L. L. (2007). Parental influence on eating behavior: Conception to adolescence. The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 35(1), 22–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-720x.2007.00111.x

Beehive Restaurant & Lounge. (2025, September 14). The power of family meals: Why eating together matters.  Beehive Restaurant & Lounge. https://beehiverl.com/the-power-of-family-meals-why-eating-together-matters/

Kumar Malesu, V. (2025, March 20). News-Medical. News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250319/Early-sweet-foods-done28099t-shape-toddlerse28099-diets-e28094-family-meals-matter-more.aspx?utm_source=news_medical_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=children_s_health_newsletter_25_march_2025

What New Research Reveals About Social Media and Mental Health: Are Teens Over It?

A new report from the Pew Research Center, recently covered by CNN, reveals teens in the United States (U.S.) are becoming concerned about the effects of social media use on their mental health (Duffy, 2025). While platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok remain central to teen social life, the study shows a significant shift in how teenagers view their digital lives. Nearly half of the teens surveyed said social media has a mostly negative effect on people their age. This finding signifies a sharp attitude change from just a few years ago (Duffy, 2025). This evolving perspective suggests that teens are becoming more critical of the platforms they use every day.

The Pew study, conducted in fall 2024, surveyed around 1,400 U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 and their parents. A striking finding is that 48% of teens believe social media has a negative impact on people their age; this is an increase from the 32% reported in 2022 (Duffy, 2025). However, only 14% say social media affects them personally in a negative way; this is a small increase from previous years—but an important shift in viewpoint (Duffy, 2025). This result may indicate that, while teens are seeing the toll social media use may take on others, they are less likely to see themselves as being affected in the same way.

Parents are more pessimistic. Many parents report having high levels of concern over their children’s social media use, especially regarding impacts on teens’ mental health, sleep, and academic performance (Duffy, 2025). Interestingly, teens are not pushing back against this concern, and many are taking active steps to limit their screen time! Currently, about 45% of the teens surveyed said they spend too much time on social media; this percent is up from 36% in 2022. In fact, 44% report they have tried to cut back on their use of social media or smartphones overall (Duffy, 2025). This growing self-regulation may signify a shift in teens’ perspectives, and they may be recognizing that less screen-time use could be beneficial in several ways, such as enhanced focus and better sleep.

The data from this report display an interesting divide regarding gender. Teen girls are more likely than teen boys to report that social media negatively affects their sleep, productivity, self-confidence, and mental health overall (Duffy, 2025). These differences mirror wider trends in teen well-being, such as girls are consistently more likely to report anxiety, depression, and body image issues (Asmelash, 2019). The design of many social platforms, which often emphasize appearance, popularity, and curated perfection, may be part of the cause of these pressures for girls. In fact, according to the report, girls, in particular, said they feel more pressure to post, to appear attractive or popular, and to engage with content that often triggers comparison or self-doubt (Duffy, 2025). This constant exposure to idealized versions of peers and influencers can take a powerful toll on teenage girls’ self-esteem and create unrealistic expectations and idealistic aims that no one can ever achieve.

Sleep disruption is also an important concern. Many teens admit that using social media interferes with their sleep; this could be from late-night scrolling or responding to messages and notifications (Duffy, 2025). Poor sleep is closely linked to mood disorders, academic struggles, and reduced ability to manage stress (Harvard Medical School, 2021). When these challenges are combined with ongoing pressures to maintain appearances online and the perceived need to respond immediately and, therefore, be “on” all of the time, teens, understandably, report experiencing mental health challenges that are tied to their digital lives (Faverio et al., 2025).

However, despite the rising concerns, teens still report many positive aspects of social media use. Many say it helps them stay connected with friends, find creative inspiration, and even access mental health or other health information (Duffy, 2025). These benefits shouldn’t be dismissed. For many teens, especially those who feel isolated in their offline lives, digital spaces can provide community and support. However, the data suggest that the balance is shifting. Fewer teens now describe social media as a mostly positive force, and teens are moving toward a neutral or mixed view (Duffy, 2025).

This shift in views could be a starting point for important conversations about what aspects of social media use need to change. These changes can include how teens use social media, how platforms are designed, and how adults can support healthy social media use for teens.

For parents and caregivers, some takeaways from this report could include the following: have open conversations about how social media makes teens feel, establish family guidelines around screen time usage, and offer support for offline activities. Rather than banning social media use outright, parents can help teens develop digital literacy, emotional awareness, and the ability to recognize when online experiences are hurting rather than helping (Duffy, 2025).

Ultimately, social media is here to stay. What can change is how individuals view it. When social media emerged, many teens viewed it as purely fun and harmless, but, today, teens are also seeing the negatives. They’re beginning to talk openly about social media’s “dark side,” the anxiety using it can create, the pressure using it puts on people, and the self-comparison using it generates. Now, the challenge is to match that awareness with action. Social media usage doesn’t have to be toxic by default. When teens use social media by engaging in thoughtful choices and having honest conversations, usage can be part of a healthier, more balanced family and teen experience.

References

Asmelash, L. (2019, August 14). Social media use may harm teens’ mental health by disrupting positive activities, study says. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/13/health/social-media-mental-health-trnd/index.html

Duffy, C. (2025, April 22). Nearly half of teens say social media is bad for youth mental health, report finds. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/22/tech/teens-social-media-mental-health

Faverio, M., Anderson, M., & Park, E. (2025, April 22). Teens, social media and mental health. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/04/22/teens-social-media-and-mental-health/

Harvard Medical School Division of Sleep Medicine. (2021, October 1). Sleep and mood. https://sleep.hms.harvard.edu/education-training/public-education/sleep-and-health-education-program/sleep-health-education-87

Is Plant-Based Milk Enough for Toddlers? What Parents Need to Know

Today, families have more options regarding the different types of milk available for them to buy. Plant-based milk has grown in popularity as more people explore alternatives that align with various dietary needs, lifestyle choices, and environmental values. But, if you’re thinking about swapping out cow’s milk for a plant-based substitute in your toddler’s diet, you should know plant-based milks may not meet the nutritional needs of young children.

In a recent study, Lomte (2025) examined what happens when cow’s milk is replaced with plant-based alternatives—such as soy, almond, or oat milk—in the diets of toddlers ages 1 to 3. The researchers found that most plant-based drinks, especially non-fortified or organic options, do not provide the same levels of essential nutrients found in cow’s milk (Lomte, 2025).

What the Study Found

The study analyzed how different plant-based drinks impacted toddlers’ intake of key nutrients. The results showed that children did not receive enough of the following nutrients:

  • Calcium (important for strong bones and teeth)
  • Vitamin B12 and B2 (needed for energy and brain development)
  • Iodine (supports healthy thyroid and growth)
  • Protein (helps build strong muscles and supports overall growth)

Why This Matters

During toddlerhood, children grow very fast. Their bodies and brains need specific nutrients every day to be healthy and thrive. If milk is removed from the diet without an adequate replacement, children may experience deficits in bone strength, brain development, overall growth, and energy levels (Matsuyama et al., 2016). Some U.S. organic-labeling standards restrict the addition of synthetic nutrients, which may influence the nutrient content of certain plant-based drinks sold in the United States (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2023). Similarly, European regulations prohibit the fortification of certified organic foods with synthetic vitamins and minerals (Lomte, 2025), which may also affect the nutrient content of imported organic products. Consequently, parents may believe they are making a healthier choice by choosing options labeled “organic,” but those labels may guide people towards diets that are deficient in important nutrients.

What Parents Can Do

If you are using or considering using plant-based milk for your toddler, you may want to do the following:

  • Wait until after your child is 12 months old – In general, cow’s milk and milk alternatives should not be introduced into your child’s diet until he or she is 1 year old. However, if your child has a diagnosed allergy or special dietary need, follow your pediatrician’s guidance (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023).
  • Read the label carefully – Choose a drink that is fortified, which means vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin B12, and iodine have been added to make the drink more nutritionally complete (Shoemaker, 2019).
  • Consider fortified soy milk – Fortified soy beverages are currently the only plant-based milk alternative that contains the correct amount of essential vitamins and minerals to meet your child’s dairy needs. Look for versions that are unsweetened, unflavored, and fortified with calcium and vitamin D (CDC, 2023).
  • Talk to your pediatrician or dietitian – This professional can help you decide if a milk alternative is suitable for your child’s dietary needs and whether additional supplements or nutritional adjustments are necessary.

Bottom Line

Plant-based milk can be part of a healthy toddler diet, but not all milks are created equally. Fortified options, especially those made for young children, may be the better choice if you want to replace cow’s milk in your child’s diet. Remember to read labels carefully and seek support from your child’s doctor so you can feel confident your toddler is getting the nutrients he or she needs to grow strong and healthy.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, August 24). Cow’s milk and milk alternatives. https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/foods-and-drinks/cows-milk-and-milk-alternatives.html

Lomte, T. S. (2025, March 31). Study reveals most plant-based milks don’t meet toddlers’ nutrient needs. News Medical.net. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250331/Study-reveals-most-plant-based-milks-done28099t-meet-toddlerse28099-nutrient-needs.aspx

Matsuyama, M., Harb, T., David, M., Davies, P. S., & Hill, R. J. (2016). Effect of fortified milk on growth and nutritional status in young children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Public Health Nutrition, 20(7), 1214. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980016003189

Shoemaker, S. (2019, September 3). What is fortified milk? Benefits and uses. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fortified-milk

United States Department of Agriculture. (2023, March 31). Allowed and prohibited substances in organic foods. https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic/labeling

How Childhood Habits Shape Teen Mental Health

A new study published in JAMA Network Open highlights that early lifestyle habits can be powerful in shaping healthy adolescent mental health outcomes. Researchers followed children ages 6 to 9 for 8 years and tracked their eating habits, physical activity, and overall well-being (Haapala et al., 2025). Researchers found that children who consistently practiced healthy behaviors, such as regular physical activity, limited screen time, sufficient sleep, and good nutrition, experienced fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress by the time they entered their teen years (Haapala et al., 2025).

Physical Activity as a Mental Health Buffer

The study found that engaging in physical activity was among the most influential habits for protecting children’s mental health. Specifically, children who were active regularly showed significantly lower rates of emotional distress by age 14 (Haapala et al., 2025). This discovery aligns with decades of research that indicates daily movement supports mental health by regulating mood-related brain chemicals like endorphins and serotonin (Biddle & Asare, 2011). Whether it’s organized sports, playground time, or biking around the neighborhood, consistent physical activity seems to have a positive effect on various aspects of children’s development.

The Role of Screen Time and Sleep

On the other hand, the study found that engagement in recreational screen time showed the opposite trend. Higher screen-time usage was linked to increased mental health symptoms, particularly anxiety and low mood (Haapala et al., 2025). While technology and, therefore, screens are regular parts of modern life, too much exposure, especially when usage intrudes or reduces sleep or physical activity time, can have lasting negative consequences, such as obesity and declining academic performance. One effective strategy for reducing screen time is to set daily limits for recreational use. For example, families, on a school night, might decide to allow their children 1 hour of recreational screen time after homework has been completed. Engaging in activities like outdoor play, family board games, or creative hobbies, instead of extra screen time, can help children stay involved and support healthier routines.

Sleep also emerged as a key factor in children’s mental health. Children who have regular, sufficient sleep patterns were significantly less likely to develop emotional challenges later in life (Haapala et al., 2025). Poor or inconsistent sleep, however, was associated with children experiencing increased stress and difficulty regulating emotions (Owens et al., 2014). Sleep plays a crucial role in how we think, feel, and handle stress; getting enough sleep is an important building block for developing and maintaining good mental health. One of the simplest ways to promote healthy sleep is by establishing a consistent bedtime routine. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, children ages 6 to 12 years old should get 9–12 hours of sleep per night, while teenagers 13 to 18 years old need 8–10 hours of sleep for best function (Paruthi et al., 2016).

Food and Feelings Are Connected

Nutrition also plays an important role in mental health. Children who ate balanced diets tended to have better psychological outcomes (Haapala et al., 2025). New research shows that what children eat can affect their bodies, mood, and abilities to think and learn (Jacka et al., 2010). For example, children who regularly ate meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins, such as grilled chicken with brown rice and broccoli, were shown to have lower rates of anxiety and depression compared to children who ate high-sugar, high-fat diets (Jacka et al., 2010).

Building a Healthy and Balanced Routine

This new study also discusses the combined effect of engaging in healthy behaviors. The more habits a child practices consistently, the more protection they seem to have against future mental health challenges. Even making small improvements in multiple areas made a noticeable difference (Haapala et al., 2025). Therefore, instead of focusing on perfection in one area, build routines around sleep, nutrition, movement, and screen time in order to support children’s emotional resilience and mental health.

References

Biddle, S. J. H., & Asare, M. (2011). Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents: A review of reviews. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 45(11), 886–895. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2011-090185

Haapala, E. A., Leppänen, M. H., Kosola, S., Appelqvist-Schmidlechner, K., Kraav, S.-L., Jussila, J. J., Tolmunen, T., Lubans, D. R., Eloranta, A.-M., Schwab, U., & Lakka, T. A. (2025). Childhood lifestyle behaviors and mental health symptoms in adolescence. JAMA Network Open, 8(2), e2460012. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.60012

Jacka, F. N., Kremer, P. J., Berk, M., Patton, G. C., Crawford, D., & Dwyer, T. (2010). A prospective study of diet quality and mental health in adolescents. Pediatrics, 127(5), e1113–e1120. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2010-0740

Owens, J. A., Drobnich, D., Baylor, A., & Lewin, D. (2014). Insufficient sleep in adolescents: A modifiable risk factor. Pediatrics, 134(3), e921–e932. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2014-1696

Paruthi, S., Brooks, L. J., D’Ambrosio, C., Hall, W. A., Kotagal, S., Lloyd, R. M., & Wise, M. S. (2016). Consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine on the recommended amount of sleep for healthy children: Methodology and discussion. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 12(11), 1549–1561. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.6288

National Foster Care Month: How to Show Your Support This May (and Beyond)

National Foster Care Month can be a time to raise awareness about the children and families who are affected by foster care and highlight ways individuals can offer support. Throughout the month of May, many organizations recognize the vital role professionals, caregivers, and community members across the child welfare system play in supporting children, youth, and families. With more than 365,000 children and youth in foster care in the United States (Child Welfare Information Gateway, n.d.), National Foster Care Month serves as an opportunity to uplift the voices of those with lived experiences, promote permanency and well-being for youth and families, and strengthen the support systems that help young people thrive and transition successfully into adulthood.

What is Foster Care?

Foster care is a temporary living arrangement for children whose parents are unable to care for them and whose situation has come to the attention of child welfare agencies. During their time in foster care, children may live with relatives, with foster families, or in group facilities. The primary goal of foster care is to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home environment for children until they can be safely reunited with their parent or primary caregiver. When reunification with biological or primary parents and caregivers is not possible, the focus for foster care shifts to securing a permanent home for children through adoption or another long-term solution. Nearly half of the children who enter the foster care system return to their parent or a primary caregiver; however, despite ongoing efforts to achieve permanency, approximately 20,000 young people who are 18 to 21 years old, depending on their state’s laws, age out of the foster care system each year without being connected to a permanent family (The Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2024).

Three Ways You Can Support National Foster Care Month

Connect with a national foster care support organization or a local agency.

Most communities throughout the United States have state-run or community-based agencies that support children and families in the foster care system. These organizations often host informational meetings, fundraisers, clothing or supply drives, and special events to support and celebrate foster care families and children. Use the websites, listed below, to help you find an agency or organization to get involved with.

Volunteer your time.

Volunteers are needed to support children and families who are involved in the foster care system. Volunteer opportunities may include providing mentorship to children through programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, providing respite care for foster parents who need short-term care for a foster child, or advocating on a child’s behalf through organizations such as the National Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian ad Litem Association for Children (CASA/GAL). Volunteers may be required to participate in training and obtain background checks prior to interacting with children. Contact a local child welfare agency to learn about volunteer needs, and search for volunteer opportunities within national organizations at the websites listed below.

Become a foster parent.

Foster parents are individuals or families who have been approved by the state in which they reside to provide temporary care for children who cannot safely remain with their biological families. Each state sets its own licensing requirements, which can include background checks, home inspections, and training. Typically, foster parents receive a stipend or reimbursement to help cover the costs of caring for the child. In addition to meeting daily, physical, and safety needs, foster parents offer emotional support, guidance, and stability. They often partner with child welfare professionals and biological families to support reunification when possible. Foster parents usually receive ongoing training and support to help them through the process.

Disclaimer: The inclusion of websites and organizations listed within this blog are for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement.

References

Child Welfare Information Gateway. (n.d.). National foster care month. https://www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth/

The Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2024, April 7). Foster care explained: What it is, how it works and how it can be improved. https://www.aecf.org/blog/what-is-foster-care

Navigating AI as a Parent: How to Support Your Child’s Digital Well-being

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

Finding Credible Information

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?

Did you know!? Different URLs, or the ending of the website address, means the information was derived from different types of web sources (George, 2022).

  • .edu websites are considered educational resources and are largely considered trustworthy. These tend to be universities or educational institutions.
  • .gov websites are government-affiliated websites and are often considered credible and tend to have citations listed with information.
  • .org websites are used by advocacy or non-profit organizations. You may need to determine if the information from these sources is unbiased and cited.
  • .com websites contain some commercial aspect. They can be credible but be sure to check citations and for any potential bias.

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 (3rd 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

Monitoring Children’s Social-Media Use

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.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has created a resource parents and caregivers can use to learn more about common terms used in social media—Definitions of Common Digital Media Terms.

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.

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.

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

Mental Health: Important for Parents and Children

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