drkoyroberts.com
I’m fascinated by the continued string of well-controlled, scientific studies on the benefits of exercise. It just keeps getting better. We now know that vigorous exercise has proven just as effective as antidepressant medication in the treatment of anxiety, stress and depression. It improves self-esteem and controls weight not to mention the plethora of physiological and other health benefits. Now it is linked to better academic grades. Get your kids and teens moving!
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 social networking sites.
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 skills but weak face-to-face human relationship skills. However, some parents interviewed believed it allowed their teen to strengthen relationships, broaden their social network and facilitate an active social life.
Today, May 6th is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. Visit www.samhsa.gov/children/ for details.
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. Nothing could be further from the truth. Until a school, a community and a school district stops applying band aids to a serious, infectious problem do not be surprised to keep reading terribly sad stories such as this. CNN offers a few simple tips.
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 and listening to relaxing music. Try it. Your child or teen in the midst of social struggles, anxious exams, TAKS, or stressful worries could also use it to melt away their tension.
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 lost their lives. I want to make some money to buy food, water and tents for everyone in Haiti.” Now everyone from the Prime Minister to Simon Cowell have recognized him for his efforts. What started out as a simple bike ride to raise a little money has turned into almost $300,000 for UNICEF through his fundraising page. This inspires me to do much, much more for others and instill this same spirit of love in my own young children. 
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.
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 carrying member of WebSafety.
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 all the other reasons. Instant gratification, 24/7 access to social media, technology, reality tv, and celebrity saturation…