The Impact of Social Media on Kids' Mental Health and How to Navigate It

It's DJ Stutz, and today I want to discuss an important topic: screen time and young children. While digital devices and kid-friendly programming might seem harmless (or even helpful in keeping little ones occupied), too much screen time too early can have a real impact on their development.

Here’s what you need to know to help your toddlers to 8-year-olds grow healthy and balanced in today’s screen-filled world.

1. Screen Time and Social-Emotional Growth
Children under 10 are still building crucial social and emotional skills. Too much screen time can get in the way of learning how to connect with others through face-to-face interactions. Watching a screen can’t replace real-world experiences like play, talking, and bonding with family and friends.

Experts recommend no more than one hour of screen time a day for young children. This balance gives them space to learn and grow in ways that screens just can't provide.

2. Attention Span and Hyperactivity
Have you ever noticed that after too much screen time, your child seems more irritable or restless? That’s because fast-paced digital content can overstimulate their developing brains, making it harder to focus and self-regulate.

When kids spend hours with digital media, their brains become used to constant stimulation. As a result, they may struggle with patience, concentration, and creative play. Regular breaks from screens give your child’s mind a chance to relax and reset.

3. The Impact on Sleep
The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt your child’s natural sleep-wake cycle. To help your child sleep better, avoid all screens for at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, try calming activities like reading, puzzles, or quiet play to help their minds wind down.

A good night’s sleep is essential for both their emotional regulation and overall well-being, so developing screen-free bedtime routines can make a big difference.

4. Be Mindful of What They're Watching
While there’s a lot of great educational programming for kids, it’s important to remain vigilant. Unfortunately, some content creators use underlying themes or even subliminal messaging that can affect young viewers.

As parents, we can help by:
*Paying close attention to what they’re watching
*Avoiding online games and platforms
*Choosing high-quality educational shows and apps

Taking an active role in monitoring your child’s digital content ensures that what they consume is safe and supportive of healthy development.

5. When Screens Can Be Helpful
There are times when screens can be used in positive ways. Educational programs can reinforce early learning concepts like letters, numbers, and problem-solving. Interactive video calls can also help your child stay connected to loved ones, especially family members who live far away.
The key is balance and supervision. Make screens an occasional tool, not a daily habit.

The Bottom Line
Children under 10 need to focus on real-world play, learning, and connection. Screen time can disrupt their social-emotional growth, attention span, and sleep if overused. By setting clear boundaries and monitoring their digital experiences, you can support your child’s healthy development.

Have you tried any of these strategies? I’d love to hear what’s working for your family—just hit reply and share your thoughts!

Together, we can raise kids who are curious, creative, and resilient, no matter what’s happening on a screen.

Schedule your session today and start your journey towards a stronger, happier family: Book a Coaching Session

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. I’m here to support you every step of the way!