Children have fragile and impressionable minds. As such, childhood mental health issues need to be dealt with in a sensitive and patient manner. Read on to know about some doctor-recommended tips.
VERIFIED By: Dr Kedar Tilwe, consultant psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital Mulund and Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi
Written by Prerna Mittra |Updated : February 14, 2025 5:26 PM IST
Children’s mental health and well-being: While there have been great strides made in understanding children’s growth patterns — including personal, social and academic growth — children’s mental health and well-being is an area that needs attention, too, especially considering the burden children bear in schools and sometimes at home. It needs to be considered that an increase in the digital interface in a child’s regular life — from academics and social platforms to recreation — has, perhaps, made them vulnerable to concerns of cyberbullying and safety, besides academic difficulties and online addictions. Experts warn that the increased pressure on children to meet increasing standards and skill-sets in an intensely competitive environment adds to their growing burden.
Mental Health Symptoms In Children That Need To Be Addressed Immediately
According to Dr Kedar Tilwe, consultant psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital Mulund and Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, here are five mental health symptoms that need to be addressed in kids:
- Sudden social isolation or withdrawn behaviour: Children are extremely emotionally vulnerable and impressionable. Often, they may misinterpret what seems to be a harmless gesture. So, any sudden withdrawal from interaction, if seen at home or reported from school, playground or classes should be addressed and discussed immediately.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms: It is a condition marked by impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention that should be reported in at least two different settings such as home, school, tuitions or playgrounds. If present, a thorough evaluation and proper treatment will benefit the child.
- Excessive online activity: For a child, their total amount of screen-time needs to be monitored carefully. This includes total time spent on academics, online surfing, social media platforms and gaming. In addition, the quality of the content viewed should also be supervised. If the child starts throwing tantrums or has meltdowns when a gadget is taken away from their control, it should serve as a red flag.
- Substance use: It could be because of impulsivity, or due to peer pressure, but children may be exposed to illicit drugs like alcohol, tobacco or cannabis. It needs to be dealt with immediately and effectively, involving a mental health practitioner.
- Panic attacks and anxiety: From exam fear and social anxiety to specific phobias, a non-judgmental conversation needs to be had to try and find deeper concerns and appropriate solutions. Besides, any reported sadness, withdrawal, or hallucinations should also warrant an immediate meeting with a mental health professional.
What Is The Role Of Parents And Educators?
Dr Tilwe says this is how parents and educators can support kids in dealing with mental health issues:
- It is crucial to sensitise all stakeholders, such as parents, educators, coaches and also children themselves. It needs to be done in an age-appropriate manner and in consideration of the whole spectrum of mental health concerns.
- Limiting a child’s screen-time and taking part in digital detox activities together as a family would also be helpful. It would be ideal to educate your kid regarding safety practices while surfing online, and helping them understand how to avoid ‘doom-scrolling’.
- Children must also be taught real-life skills to develop resilience, and to help them cope with adversities in a better manner.
- Provide a safe space where the child can have a non-judgmental conversation about their fears, expectations and apprehensions.
- Ensure that you communicate regularly with the child’s teachers, coaches and even their friends or counsellors to get better feedback on how they are doing, and if there is a potential red flag that needs to be addressed.
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