Experts urge a holistic approach to understanding the challenges faced by young people
The state of youth mental health has become a cause for concern, with social media often taking the blame for its decline. While research does show that social media platforms can harm the wellbeing of school-age children, experts argue that fixating on this one variable oversimplifies the issue. Sharon Hoover, a professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, emphasizes the need to consider multiple factors that contribute to mental health problems in young people. In a conversation with Education Week, Hoover sheds light on why adults tend to focus on social media-related causes and highlights other factors that educators should be attuned to.
Differing Perspectives on Youth Mental Health
Adults and students have divergent opinions on what is affecting youth mental health. This discrepancy does not mean that one perspective is right and the other is wrong. Adults may be more inclined to identify stressors that they did not experience during their own upbringing, leading to the assumption that the increase in mental health concerns is related to something new to this generation. However, data suggests that exposure to social media, particularly passive utilization, can have harmful effects. On the other hand, students may be more attuned to the stressors related to grades and academic pressures.
The Problem with Singular Emphasis
Overemphasizing one reason for students’ mental health problems can lead to a loss of sight regarding the various factors that contribute to youth mental health. This narrow focus may result in overinvestment in solutions within a specific area, neglecting other important factors. It is crucial to recognize the complexity of each issue and avoid all-or-none solutions. While certain types of social media exposure can be harmful, there are also benefits. It is essential to consider the multifaceted nature of youth mental health and address each factor accordingly.
Beyond Social Media: Additional Contributors to Declining Mental Health
While the pandemic has undoubtedly had a detrimental impact on students’ mental health, there are other factors that contribute to its decline. Nutrition plays a significant role in physical health, including hormone regulation, which can affect mental wellbeing. Poor sleep hygiene among adolescents is a known predictor of mental health problems. Living in poverty, experiencing housing and food insecurity, also impacts mental health. These issues should not be overlooked in favor of solely blaming social media. Moreover, the loss and grief experienced by students who have lost a parent or primary caregiver during the pandemic can lead to post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, systemic issues such as political divisiveness and the overall climate of the nation can contribute to a decrease in wellbeing, particularly for minoritized individuals contending with systemic racism.
Conclusion:
Understanding the complex factors influencing youth mental health requires a comprehensive and holistic approach. While social media does play a role in shaping mental health outcomes, it is essential to consider other factors such as academic pressures, nutrition, sleep hygiene, socioeconomic factors, and systemic issues. Blaming a single factor oversimplifies the issue and hinders the development of effective solutions. By acknowledging the multifaceted nature of youth mental health and addressing each contributing factor, educators and policymakers can better support the wellbeing of young people.
Leave a Reply