Let’s Put Our Phones Down and Talk About It

Remember when you and your parents talked to each other? Even with eye rolling and heavy sighs, at least they got to see your face and hear more than one-word answers to their questions. In many households today, young people are glued to their cell phones and other electronic devices for more than four hours a day and that’s outside of time spent on schoolwork.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes that there is no universal “safe” number of screentime hours for teens. Instead, AAP advises families to focus on the type of screen activities—educational, social, creative, or recreational—and how they impact well-being, sleep, and physical activity. We agree.

Along with providing mental health care inside and outside the classroom, Seven Counties Services is passionate about providing education that helps families stay connected.

Today, we’d like to share these screen time guidelines that can help you and your child:

• Balance and routines: Encourage teens to maintain a healthy daily routine that includes adequate sleep, physical activity, and offline social interactions. Screen use should not replace essential activities like exercise, homework, or family time.
• Screen-free zones and times: Establish “screen-free periods,” such as during meals or at least one hour before bedtime, to promote better sleep and family engagement.
• Parental guidance and co-use: Watch together or discuss online content with teens can help them navigate social media safely and develop critical thinking about digital content.

If you’re doing all this and more to support your child and they are still struggling with mental health challenges that persist over time. You may notice irregular eating and sleeping habits, withdrawal from activities they usually enjoy, irritability, and maybe you’ve never heard of their new friends. School’s been in session for a few weeks now and maybe they’re not adjusting well – things may seem even more serious than that.

The Seven Counties Services School-Based Services Team can help. We partner with educators and family resource coordinators to care for children in the classroom. Our services include:

• Individual counseling
• Family therapy
• Group counseling
• Behavioral health assessments
• Crisis intervention and support
• Collaboration with school staff and families
• Connections to additional community resources
• Referrals to Psychiatric assessments when needed

Early intervention can make a meaningful difference. Our professionals can provide assessments, coping strategies, therapy, and family support tailored to your child’s specific needs.

Call us at 502-589-1100 or schedule an appointment.

If your child or a child in your care is in immediate crisis, call or text 988, the 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 

Reviewed by Courtney Potts, LPCC, division director, Child & Family East Administration