Tag

Childrens Mental Health

All articles tagged with #childrens mental health

educationtechnology1 year ago

NY Governor Hochul Proposes Smartphone Ban in Schools

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is advocating for a ban on smartphones in schools, allowing only basic phones that can't access the internet. This proposal is part of her broader campaign against harmful social media algorithms targeting children. While some parents support the initiative, students express concerns about its practicality and potential negative impact on their studies. Hochul's efforts also include legislative measures to restrict the sale of minors' data and require parental controls on social media platforms.

health2 years ago

"CBT Rewires Anxious Children's Brains: Study Reveals Impact on Brain Activity"

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that unmedicated children with anxiety disorders showed overactivation in various brain regions, including the frontal and parietal lobes and the amygdala, which improved after receiving cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, revealed that CBT led to significant decreases in anxiety symptoms and improved brain functioning in children with anxiety. However, some brain regions, particularly limbic areas, continued to show higher activity even after treatment, suggesting the need for further research to enhance treatment outcomes for children with anxiety.

technology2 years ago

States Unite in Lawsuit Against Meta for Addictive Features Targeting Kids

More than 30 states have filed a federal lawsuit against Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, alleging that the platforms' apps are designed to be addictive and harm children's mental health. The lawsuits claim that Meta violated federal children's online privacy law and state consumer protection laws by making its products addictive and then lying about how they harm children. The legal action could force Meta to change its design and marketing practices and result in significant fines. The lawsuits are seen as a potential landmark case similar to the lawsuits against the tobacco industry in the 1990s.

technology2 years ago

"Multiple States File Lawsuits Against Meta, Alleging Addictive Features and Harm to Children"

Forty-one states and the District of Columbia are suing Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, alleging that the tech giant has built addictive features into its platforms that harm children's mental health. The lawsuits claim that Meta misled young users about safety features, violated federal laws on children's privacy, and knowingly made changes to keep kids on the site to the detriment of their well-being. The legal actions represent a significant effort by state enforcers to address the impact of social media on children. The attorneys general are seeking civil penalties, changes in business practices, and restitution as potential consequences.

technology2 years ago

New York Takes Action to Safeguard Children from Social Media Addiction

New York State officials have introduced a bill that would require parental consent for anyone under 18 to access algorithm-based social media feeds on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The legislation aims to protect young people from potential mental health risks associated with problematic content and addictive effects of social media algorithms. If passed, the bill would target feeds like TikTok's "For You" feed but not affect access to chronological feeds. The bill would also allow parents to limit their children's screen time and block access to social media apps overnight. Tech industry groups have raised objections, citing concerns about free speech and privacy. The bill is likely to face resistance but has the support of Governor Kathy Hochul, indicating a potential for success in the State Capitol.

mental-health2 years ago

Honorees recognized for advocacy and making a difference.

Actress Goldie Hawn, who is one of USA TODAY's Women of the Year, has been a fierce advocate for children's mental health since 2003 when she launched MindUP for Life, a program that helps schools, teachers, and parents teach kids the science behind their brains and the chemical reactions that drive emotions. With the rise of depression and anxiety among kids in the US, Hawn's program aims to teach children valuable mental health skills to manage stress and understand their emotions.

health2 years ago

COVID-19's Economic and Schooling Disruptions Take Toll on US Children's Mental Health and Sleep

A new study led by researchers from Columbia University and Weill Cornell Medicine suggests that family economic hardship was the biggest driver of "stress, sadness and COVID-related worry" among kids during the lockdowns. The study also suggested that COVID-related school closures did not have an impact on kids’ mental health. To protect kids’ mental health during times of hardship, it’s essential to maintain age-appropriate lines of communication, and to carefully consider how much children hear and know about any financial struggles.