Powerpoint july 19

Uses of Technology on Young Children’s Mental Health Issues

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Introduction

A comprehensive investigation conducted by the Kaiser Foundation in 2010 brought to light that young children spend an average of approximately 7.5 hours per day engaged in entertainment technology, a concerning finding that highlights the extensive presence of screens in their lives (Zahra & Alanaz, 2019). However, by effectively harnessing the advantages of technology while mitigating potential risks, policymakers and practitioners can formulate impactful strategies that promote children's mental health in the digital era. In order to ensure responsible and ethical use of technology in mental health interventions for young children, policymakers should prioritize the development of frameworks that safeguard privacy, uphold evidence-based practices, and address the potential hazards associated with excessive screen time and digital media consumption (Boydell et al., 2014). Drawing inspiration from the 21st Century Cures Act, policymakers can guide the development and implementation of ethical frameworks that effectively harness the benefits of technology while managing associated risks, thereby fostering the promotion of children's mental health in the ever-evolving digital age (Gabay, 2017).

Literature Review

Introduction to Literature Review

Children are particularly vulnerable to various mental illnesses like affective, substance use, and anxiety disorders. However, although young people frequently experience mental health issues, it is very challenging to engage in mental health treatment as they tend less to seek it than older age groups, regardless of the setting (Xiao & Wang, 2022). It is in this backdrop that without proper professional support, children are exposed to the risk of lacking appropriate mental health attention, which may even last into adulthood. Therefore, there is a need to develop more dynamic and effective ways of promoting ongoing treatment engagement and fostering positive outcomes for younger people. Undoubtedly, technology is a key life aspect that most children and adolescents strongly engage in, whether in school, in public, or at home (Xiao & Wang, 2022). Thus, technology may play a fundamental role in treating and improving mental health issues among children and adolescents. The literature review presented in this paper leveraged information obtained from such databases as Google Scholar and PubMed Central. The search terms used to obtain the relevant literature include digital technologies, mental health services, children, adolescents, digital childhood, digital technology, children’s mental health, technology, and children and youth.

Literature Review

Digital Technologies in Mental Health Services among Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Xiao & Wang (2022) aimed to explore the underlying mental health situation among adolescents and children, especially during the period of the novel COVID-19. The study also emphasized various ways that could be leveraged with regard to the provision of mental health services for the said group and the alternative interventions that may be utilized based on digital technology. Specifically, the application of artificial intelligence in monitoring the mental health of students as well as the use of a model of intelligent valuation within the said group is expounded in the study. Moreover, Xiao & Wang (2022) provided various suggestions regarding improving digital mental health services among young people to prevent and control epidemics. The study found that digital algorithms, artificial intelligence, and network technology have taken center stage in diverse psychological services among children and adolescents. Moreover, the research pointed out the need to combine an online model with an offline model to address the issue of mental health problems facing many children and adolescents around the globe.

The Impact of Digital Technology on Children's Health

In a study conducted by Zahra and Alanaz (2019), the authors highlighted the beneficial aspects of entertainment media for children while acknowledging concerns about its potential negative effects on attitudes, behavior, and development. A significant portion of the population expresses worries that exposure to entertainment media can lead to poor health, obesity, and difficulties with concentration. However, the authors also noted that some parents are aware of the role of technology in their children's lives and do not perceive it as a significant threat to modern childhood.

The study's primary objective was to assess the influence of digital technology usage on children's health. The researchers hypothesized that using digital technology would have a negative impact on children's physical health, emotional well-being, and social interactions. Additionally, they aimed to determine if parents' awareness of these negative effects could be increased. Upon analyzing the data, the study revealed that the use of technology had adverse effects on children's physical and psychological health. These findings emphasize the urgency for parents, educators, and therapists to collaborate and recognize the detrimental consequences of technology. It is crucial for society to acknowledge how technology negatively impacts not only the physical, psychological, and mental well-being of children but also their ability to learn and maintain meaningful personal and familial relationships.

Use of Technology in Mental Health Service Delivery in Children and Youth

Boydell et al. (2014) researched the growing use of technologies in delivering mental health services among children and youth. The study's objective was to understand better various technologies and how they are utilized to deliver mental health services among youth and children. The study performed a scoping review to establish the breadth of existing literature on the topic while describing critical findings and identifying gaps that open opportunities for further research and opportunities for practice. The literature review developed 126 of about 4,387 articles selected for the research (Boydell et al. (2014). The articles included numerous technologies such as mobile phone and telephone applications, videoconferencing, and Internet-based applications like CD-ROMs, websites, and emails. The literature review findings showed that technologies such as the Internet and videoconferencing possess great potential for delivering more effective mental health information, cost-effective and improved mental health services, and better opportunities to prevent mental health disorders that may affect young people. Most importantly, the study revealed that the most youthful people prefer treatments delivered through technology (Boydell et al., 2014).

Analysis of Literature

Today’s world is extremely dynamic, with technology playing a pivotal role in such dynamism. Technological use has witnessed a dramatic expansion in recent decades, influencing diverse aspects of human lives, such as communication and access to information. However, technological advancements have been associated with negative implications among young people, particularly with regard to their physical and psychological health. Notably, increased screen time and social media use among teenagers and children have significantly impacted the prevalence of mental health issues. However, technological innovations, especially with regard to enhanced communication, have expanded alternatives through which mental health issues among youths may be addressed. Xiao & Wang (2022) found that technologies, including digital algorithms, artificial intelligence, and network technology, have taken center stage in diverse aspects of psychological services among children and adolescents. Moreover, the research pointed out the need to combine an online model with an offline model to address the issue of mental health problems facing many children and adolescents around the globe. Similarly, Boydell et al. (2014) revealed that technologies such as the Internet and videoconferencing possess great potential with regard to the delivery of more effective mental health information, cost-effective and improved mental health services, and better opportunities to prevent various mental health disorders that may affect the young people.

According to Xiao & Wang (2022), technologies like digital algorithms, artificial intelligence, and network technology have taken center stage in diverse aspects of psychological services among children and adolescents. Artificial intelligence can recognize emotions, understand human feelings, and replicate the human psyche. This is a great opportunity to show that technological advancements may go a long way in addressing mental health issues that affect many children and young people across the globe. The findings by Xiao & Wang (2022) are consistent with those by Zahra & Alanaz (2019), which revealed that public health practitioners, as well as the community at large, need to embrace measures geared towards improving health education, particularly those focused on the use of electronic Media. According to Zahra & Alanaz (2019), using technology adversely affects children's psychological and physical health. The findings imply that therapists, parents, and educators should collaborate to help society see the catastrophic effects of technology on children’s mental, psychological, and mental health. Moreover, it is critical to note that relevant stakeholders should ensure that children learn their ability to learn and maintain healthy social, family, and private relationships. In summary, Xiao & Wang (2022), Zahra & Alanaz (2019), and Boydell et al. (2014) agree on the important role technology plays in ensuring that various mental health issues faced by many children are effectively addressed, particularly owing to the fact many children cannot avoid interacting with technology in today’s era.

Uses of Technology on Young Children’s Mental Health Issues

Introduction to Discussion

Children are increasingly vulnerable to various mental health issues, which is a testament to the rising adversity associated with the general population's mental health. By focusing on young children, insight shows that young children and adolescents face mental health problems that may not necessarily garner the attention of healthcare providers. This population does not nearly attract the attention of these professionals as mental health among adults does (Xiao & Wang, 2022). The outcome is that more children are exposed to these issues. Without the appropriate treatment in place, they stand to suffer from mental health issues into adulthood, derailing their development. The adverse outcomes include severe behavioural, emotional and physical health problems. Mental health has become more relevant in the medical field for a good reason. There has been an observation of the myriad of mental health disorders that people suffer from and their impact on society. Technology has been a big part of enhancing healthcare in regards to mental health (Xiao & Wang, 2022). The focus on children is an integral factor in further understanding the problem, given how the population has been more or less neglected.

Recommendations from Literature Review

Mental health has become a more significant part of society, given the increase in mental health problems in the recent past. The key recommendation is to apply technology in the provision of mental health services to children. Xiao and Wang (2022) emphasized the Covid-19 crisis in establishing suitable recommendations for mitigating the problem. The utilization of artificial intelligence in monitoring students' mental health status is one way that care providers can assess the problem and work towards alleviating the various disorders that young children are affected with. The application of digital technology combines digital algorithms, artificial intelligence and network technology to gain more perspective on mental health problems in children. Other technological products and services should also improve mental healthcare (Boydell et al., 2014). These products and services include electronics such as mobile phones and computers. These products are essential in using services like video conferencing and sending e-mails. In this case, the essence of using technology is to enhance the accessibility and delivery of mental health services to young children. Utilizing the platform to provide care increases the ease and opportunities for improving children's mental health. While digital technology is vital in exploring mental health issues, it is also essential to examine the role that this technology plays in the development of mental health problems (Zahra & Alanaz, 2019). Technology has become a key part of life, and its detrimental effects should be recognized. There must be a deeper understanding of the psychological, mental and physical issues which have been brought about by digital technology. This forms a key step towards comprehending the magnitude of the problem and devising ways of addressing it.

Policy/Program Recommendation

One particular policy has served mental health needs in recent times. Signed into law in 2016, the 21st Century Cures Act issues revolve around leadership and accountability in regard to behavioural health disorders at the federal level. It covers the essence of evidence-based programs and mental and substance abuse disorder prevention (Gabay, 2017). It also covers the importance of coordinating efforts and services across the government. The policy has been integral in creating positions and introducing initiatives that are vital in addressing mental health concerns. The establishment of the position of Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and the role of the Chief Medical Officer have factored in developing and implementing high-quality and effective mental health services (Gabay, 2017). The Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ) is the premier agency for gathering statistics on behavioral health. It carries out national surveys on and tracks behavioural health issues. The Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee (ISMICC) coordinates the process of addressing needs associated with serious mental health illnesses or emotional disorders affecting individuals and their families (Gabay, 2017). The committee fosters collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers, patients, families and the criminal justice system. The benefits of the policy have mainly been observed in increased attention to the problem and the establishment of avenues through which mental health disorders are addressed. The agency, committee, and positions have all contributed towards making treatment more accessible to people, thereby reducing their impact on individuals. The recommendation can be achieved by ensuring that the services associated with the policy are integrated into practice within a given hospital facility (Gabay, 2017). Working with the provisions of the Century Cures Act should help improve mental healthcare.

Conclusion

Policymakers should prioritize developing and implementing ethical frameworks, drawing inspiration from the 21st Century Cures Act, to harness the benefits of technology while mitigating risks and promoting children's mental health in today's digital age (Gabay, 2017). This widespread use of technology has led to a growing body of research examining its impact on children's mental health. Studies have shown that excessive screen time and social media use can negatively affect children's psychological well-being, including increased anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality (Zehra & Alanaz, 2019). However, technology also holds promise in addressing children's mental health issues, potentially delivering innovative interventions and enhancing access to care. By harnessing the benefits of technology while mitigating its risks, policymakers and practitioners can develop effective strategies to promote children's mental health in the digital era. Policymakers should prioritize the development of frameworks that ensure the ethical and responsible use of technology in mental health interventions for young children. This ethical effort includes safeguarding children's privacy, promoting evidence-based practices, and addressing potential risks associated with excessive screen time and digital media consumption (Boydell et al., 2014). The pervasive prevalence of screens in young children's daily routines, with an average of 7.5 hours spent on entertainment technology, highlights the urgent need to address the potential risks associated with excessive screen time and digital media consumption (Zehra & Alanaz, 2019).

References

Boydell, K. M., Hodgins, M., Pignatiello, A., Teshima, J., Edwards, H., & Willis, D. (2014). Using technology to deliver mental health services to children and youth: a scoping review.  Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,  23(2), 87. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4032077/