“Mental Health, Video Games and the Internet”…

An interview with NPR reveals President Trump’s commentary about the recent mass shootings in El Paso, Texas. https://www.npr.org/2019/08/05/748247918/president-trump-blames-recent-mass-shootings-on-mental-health-video-games-intern The president specifically called out “Mental Health, Video Games and the Internet” as the leading factors affecting the shooters. So, let’s discuss these factors.

Firstly, we know the importance of mental health awareness and education. However, how can we ensure that it;s not “in one ear and out the other” for our kids? Take the time to check in with your child. New friends, new projects, new feelings…it’s all there, connect with them! It’s important for youth to have strong relationships with their family and friends. Help your child develop resilience by supporting them to solve problems that arise and let them know they can turn to you for help! Be aware of their internet, social media, gaming and television use. Most importantly, not only the duration but the content. Be a role model by practicing what you preach, ensure you take care of your own mental health and have time for things you enjoy.

Unfortunately, all too often kids don’t get help soon enough. Mental health problems may go unnoticed or ignored. Parents may not know the warning signs or who to contact. Mental health issues can manifest in many different ways including a decline in grades, problems with friends and sneaky behavior. Mental Health problems can have serious effects on your child’s development and quality of life. Getting help early is so important. If you believe your child could be struggling, please call Therapy SRQ at (941) 202-3432.

What Should Parents Actually Do?

Look, the research is clear that screen time itself isn’t inherently evil. The AAP and most child psychologists agree that what kids consume and how it affects their behavior matters more than raw hours. A kid playing Minecraft creatively is in a very different situation than one watching violent content unsupervised for hours.

That said, there are real red flags. If your child gets unusually angry or aggressive after gaming, has trouble transitioning away from screens, is losing interest in friends or activities they used to enjoy, or their grades are slipping — those are signs the screen time is becoming a problem, not just a pastime.

Start with the content. Sit down and watch or play with your kid. Know what games they’re playing and who they’re talking to online. Then look at the patterns — is the screen replacing real-world connection, or supplementing it? That distinction matters.

Getting Support

If you’ve tried setting boundaries at home and it’s not sticking — or if the behavioral issues seem bigger than just screen time — that’s a good time to bring in help. A therapist can dig into what’s driving the excessive use. Sometimes it’s boredom, sometimes it’s anxiety, sometimes it’s a way to avoid something uncomfortable at school or with friends.

For younger kids, play therapy gives them a way to process what’s going on without needing to articulate it perfectly. For older kids and teens, behavioral therapy can help them build better habits and self-regulation around technology.

We see these issues a lot at our Sarasota and Venice offices. If your gut is telling you something’s off with your child’s screen habits, trust it. Parents often second-guess themselves — “maybe all kids do this” — but you know your child. If they’re not themselves, that matters.

We work with families from throughout the Sarasota area, including Bradenton, Palmer Ranch, and Englewood. Call or text (941) 202-3432 to talk about what’s going on.