A New Jersey middle school principal speaks out about social networking. He garnered national attention for his call to action imploring parents to take their middle school age children off of FaceBook and other social networking sites. I think it’s a good idea. Most middle school age kids are ill equipped psychologically to deal with …
Author Archives: koyrob
Technology. Friend or Foe?
While it may be too early to make any firm conclusions…battle lines are certainly being drawn about the impact of technology on our kids’ relationships and relationship building skills. An interesting article in the New York Times discusses both sides of the debate. There are scores of experts who believe kids’ today have great tech …
Today
Today, May 6th is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. Visit www.samhsa.gov/children/ for details.
Wake Up Call
Wondering if even the immense news coverage of Phoebe Prince’s suicide is enough to rattle parents and school administrators across the country to address this silent epidemic? My experience is that many parents and school administrators routinely minimize bullying as a normal rite of passage, phase, or issue that is largely out of their control. …
Stressed out?
Try listening to soft, soothing music. A new study suggests that a cheaper form of anxiety management was just as effective as massage therapy. Participants participating in ten hour-long massages had decreased their anxiety symptoms by half after three months. However, what they also discovered was that participants received the same benefit from lying down …
Charlie
Seven year old Charlie Simpson from London saw the images from Haiti on television and decided to do something about it. Charlie launched his efforts with a simple message: “My name is Charlie Simpson, I want to do a sponsored bike ride for Haiti because there was a big earthquake and loads of people have …
Even young children can be profoundly depressed
A sad but important reminder to take signs of childhood depression seriously. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Montana Lance in The Colony.
WebSafety
The misuse and abuse of technology is rampant among kids. I see the effects regularly in my office. Cyber bulling, sexting, pornography, sexual solicitations & texting while driving are common. An Irving based company thinks they have found a solution. I agree and when my kids are old enough for mobile phones I’ll be a card …
Why are kids more depressed?
Kids are more depressed, anxious, and possess more antisocial attitudes than they did during The Great Depression. At least 5 to 6 times more likely than kids during the late 1930’s. And it has nothing to do with the economy. For one, kids are more aware and educated about mental health issues but you could possibly guess …
Every waking moment
A new study by the Kaiser Family Foundation finally proves what many parents have been saying to their kids for years. Children ages 8-18 are spending virtually every waking moment on electronic devices when they are not in school. 7.5 hours to be exact. Due to their ability to multitask they actually pack 10 hours and 45 …