Why Kids Can’t Focus: The Rise of Attention Fragmentation
In today’s digital world, attention is constantly under attack, especially for kids. With endless notifications, app-switching, and algorithm-driven content, staying focused has become harder than ever. This growing issue, known as attention fragmentation, is reshaping how young people think, learn, and feel. What Is Attention Fragmentation? Attention fragmentation happens when focus is repeatedly broken, by […]
What To Do If Your Child Is a Victim of Sextortion
Understanding Sextortion Sextortion is a form of online abuse where a person threatens to share sexual images or information unless demands are met. Most victims are tricked or manipulated into sending content. The abuser then uses fear and shame to maintain control. This guide is here to help you respond, calmly, clearly, and with care. […]
After Watching Adolescence, We’re All Wondering the Same Thing: Are Our Kids Really Safe Online?
If you’ve watched the new series Adolescence, you probably had a moment where you paused, maybe even felt a pit in your stomach. The messages. The screenshots. The things kids typed in a moment of hurt or pressure or loneliness. What hit hardest wasn’t the drama. It was the realism. Because so much of what happens […]
Social Media, Dopamine, and the January Blues
January often feels heavy—short days, post-holiday stress, and financial worries can dampen spirits. Even in warmer climates, the reset after the holiday rush can be challenging. During this time, many people lean on social media for quick hits of connection and validation. Yet excessive screen time can mirror addictive patterns. Social Media: A Universal Habit […]
Navigating Social Media During the Holidays as a Neurodivergent Individual
Social media can feel overwhelming at the best of times. For those with ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, or other cognitive differences, the holiday season amplifies that stress. Perfect posts, gift guides, and endless notifications collide with bright visuals and nonstop holiday jingles. This bombardment can leave you exhausted before you realize what’s happening. Why the […]
Australia’s Social Media Ban for Kids Under 16: A Step Forward or a Step Too Far?
Australia’s decision to ban children under 16 from accessing social media has ignited a global debate about the balance between protection and personal freedom. This law, one of the strictest of its kind, aims to address growing concerns about the harmful effects of social media on young people. But is it the right move? Will […]
Screen Time, Mental Health, and the Importance of Family Connections This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving, Screens, and Mental Health: Finding Balance This Holiday Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and reflection. Yet screens can quietly overshadow these moments in our digital world. This concern grows when we look at rising rates of screen time among children and teenagers. Rising Screen Time and Mental Health Concerns Recent data shows […]
Cyberbullying: The Power of Bystanders and Upstanders in Shaping Outcomes
Cyberbullying is a unique form of harassment. It isn’t tied to a single place or moment. Instead, it follows children wherever they go—even in their own homes. This constant threat leaves many feeling anxious or unsafe at all hours. How Cyberbullying Affects Mental Health As a psychiatrist, I see the real impact on young patients. […]
TikTok’s Troubling Link to Mental Health: What Parents Need to Know
In recent months, worries about TikTok have soared worldwide. A new lawsuit in France blames the platform for children’s suicides. This tragic case shows how deeply social media can affect young people. It also highlights the urgent need for parents, communities, and tech companies to act. TikTok’s Impact on Mental Health TikTok isn’t just a […]
How Social Media Platforms Are Being Held Accountable for Teen Well-Being
In the past few months, some major legal battles have been brewing against social media giants like TikTok and Meta. You’ve probably seen the headlines, states across the U.S. are suing these companies for the way their platforms seem to be hurting young people’s mental health. The scary part? These lawsuits are coming at the […]