This book explores the increasingly important intersection of the digital world and mental health in the lives of pediatric and young adult populations. Young people are spending a considerable amount of time on digital screen activities such as social media, texting, and online gaming. The vast majority of teens and pre-teens have access to computers and smartphones shifting social interaction away from face-to-face contact toward online communication.
A practical resource, Teens, Screens, and Social Connection provides the reader with a targeted yet comprehensive understanding of a wide variety of internet and media-related topics facing youth today. Chapters include discussions on the developmental view from early childhood to young adulthood as well as the unique racial and cultural issues pertaining to technology and media. The book provides both the challenges of the internet and media to be identified as well as solutions and clinical pearls that can be immediately applied to clinical practice and real-world scenarios.
This book is a practical reference that functions as a concise yet comprehensive summary of the most important aspects of this very timely and important topic. It is an invaluable, practical resource for mental health clinicians, as well as students and those professionals who work with youth in other domains.
Author(s): Alma Spaniardi, Janki Modi Avari
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 185
City: Cham
Introduction
Contents
Editors and Contributors
About the Editors
Contributors
1: Diapers and Devices: The Effect of Screen Time on Early Childhood Psychological Development and Behavior
Introduction
Epidemiological Review: Trends in Prevalence and Extent of Media Use Among Young Children
Research on Cognitive and Psychological Development in Young Children
Research on Screen-Time Effect on Language Development
Screen-time Effect on Sleep
Limitations on Studies
Clinical Considerations
Impact of Parental Screen Time
Benefits of Screen Time and Technology
Recommendations
References
2: Social Media and Screen Time in the Clinical Interview: What to Ask and What It Means?
Introduction
Screening Strategies
Screen Time: The Overarching Areas of Emphasis and Interests are When, Where, and How Much?
Social Media Applications
Reasons for Teenage Use of Social Media
Gender Differences and Social Media
Detrimental Effects of Social Media
Signs of Youth at Risk
Screening
Confidentiality and Specific Considerations
Conclusion
References
3: Introduction to the Virtual World: Pros and Cons of Social Media
Introduction
Benefits of Social Media
Communication and Social Connection
Seeking, Receiving, and Providing Social Support
Exploring Identity, Creativity, and Interests
Educational Applications
Access to Health Resources
Risks of Social Media
Cyberbullying and Harassment
Encountering Triggering Content
Encouraging High Risk Behaviors
Negative Effects of Social Media Communication
Sexting
Privacy Concerns and The Digital Footprint
Social Media and Comparison
Social Comparison Theory and Social Comparisons on Social Media
Attribution Theory
Opportunities for Therapy
Education
Identifying Risks and Encouraging Positive Use of Social Media
Conclusion
References
4: Social Media’s Influence on Identity Formation and Self Expression
Introduction
Theories of Identity
Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development
Marcia’s Identity Statuses
The Digital World and Identity
Anonymity Versus Exposure
Online Versus Real World Identity in Minority Youth
Social Media, Self-Presentation, and Self Esteem
LGBTQ Identity Online
Cultural Viewpoint: Sex Education and Growing Up LGBTQ+ in Latin America
Clinical Application
References
5: Fear of Missing Out: Depression and the Internet
Introduction
Adolescent Depression
Internet Use Linked to Depression
Differences in Internet Use
Passive Versus Active Internet Use
Feedback on Social Media
Friends Versus Strangers on the Internet
The Effect of Personal Characteristics
Gender Differences
Age Differences
Personality Differences
Associated Factors
Sleep
Mutlitasking
Exercise
Related Cultural Phenomenons in Social Media
Facebook Depression
FOMO: Fear of Missing Out
Social Media Models in Therapy
Conclusion
References
6: Social Media and Cyberbullying
Introduction and Definitions
Differentiating Cyberbullying from Traditional Bullying
Unique Features of Cyberbullying via Social Media
Prevalence of Cyberbullying, and its Challenges
Cyberbullying Victimization and Perpetration Risk Factors
Cyberbullying Victimization Risk
Cyberbullying Perpetration Risk
Cyberbullying Demographics and Its Challenges
Age
Gender
Minority Youth
Mental Health Impact of Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying Protective Factors
Tips for Parents
Before Children Start Using Internet
Once They Start Using the Internet
What to Do When Cyberbullying Happens?
What to Do When a Child is a Witness of Cyberbullying
References
7: Sexuality on the Internet: Identity Exploration, Cybersex and Sexting
Introduction
Prevalence
The Experience of Sexting
Sexting in Younger Adolescents
Gender Differences
Sexual Minority Adolescents
Mental Health Concerns
Sexting and the Link to Risky Behavior
Legal Risks
Conclusion and Tips for Clinicians
References
8: Internet Gaming Disorder and Addictive Behaviors Online
Introduction
Symptomatology and Controversy
Screening
Risk and Protective Factors
Treatment and Prevention
Recommendations for Parents
Associated Syndromes and Behaviors
Social Media
Pornography
Video Streaming
Case
Case Discussion
Conclusion
Recommendations for Clinicians
References
9: Peer-to-Peer Support and the Strength of Online Communities
Introduction
The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health on Neurotypical Kids
Benefits of Social Media During Challenging Universal Experiences
How Social Media Can Help Kids with Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Social Media and Kids with Developmental Disabilities and Movement Disorders
Social Media Benefits for Underrepresentative Populations
Advantages of Online Gaming Communities
The Influence of Social Media on Online Political Activism
Recommendations to Parents
Case Study
Conclusion
References
10: Internet Safety: Family and Clinician Protection of Kids Online
Introduction
The Role of Parents
The Role of Clinicians
Conclusion
References
11: Virtual Mental Health and Telepsychiatry: Opportunities and Challenges with Pediatric Patients
Introduction
Definition
Setting
History of Virtual Mental Health and Telepsychiatry
Background
Telepsychiatry and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Current State of Virtual Mental Health and Telepsychiatry
Coverage for Telepsychiatry Services
Benefits of Virtual Mental Health and Telepsychiatry
Cost
Benefit for Youth and Families
Improved Access and More Equitable Access
Evidence for Effectiveness
Challenges with Virtual Mental Health and Telepsychiatry
Establishing a Therapeutic Space
Relative Contraindications
Community and Cultural Factors
Safety Considerations
Telepsychiatry and the Digital Divide
Considerations for the Psychiatrist
Conclusion
References
12: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Global Pandemic
Introduction
Impacts on Mental Illness and Mental HealthCare During COVID-19 Pandemic
Direct Impact of COVID Infection and Death
School Closure
Impact of Economic Loss and Loss of Access to Essential Resources
Racial Disparities Magnified by the Pandemic
Telehealth and the New Health-Care Landscape Facilitated by COVID
Conclusion
References
Index
