As a children’s book author and storyteller, my passion lies in helping children navigate the emotions and experiences of growing up. Through my books, I aim to provide kids with tools to better understand themselves and the world around them. One topic that has been increasingly concerning to me as both a writer and an advocate for children’s mental well-being is the growing impact of screen time on children’s mental health.
The Rise of Screen Time
With the prevalence of smartphones, tablets, and computers, children today are growing up in a world where screen time is almost impossible to avoid. According to a 2023 study by Common Sense Media, children between the ages of 8 and 12 spend an average of 5.5 hours a day in front of screens. For teens, that number jumps to nearly 8.5 hours. While technology has its benefits—offering educational content and social connection—many experts are increasingly worried about the negative impact of excessive screen exposure, particularly on young, developing minds.
How Screen Time Affects Mental Health
Research has linked excessive screen time to a variety of mental health issues in children, including increased levels of anxiety, depression, and attention difficulties. One major concern is the effect of social media on self-esteem. Children and teenagers who are exposed to the often curated, idealized lives of others may start to feel inadequate or pressured to conform. The constant need for validation in the form of likes, comments, and follows can lead to feelings of rejection or low self-worth if they do not receive the expected online attention.
Beyond social media, the passive nature of much screen time—whether watching videos, playing video games, or scrolling through apps—can also have cognitive effects. Studies have shown that excessive screen use can interfere with sleep patterns, reduce attention span, and impact a child’s ability to process emotions effectively(
Digital Watch Observatory)(Virginia Tech News).
Finding Balance: What Can Parents Do?
As parents, teachers, and caregivers, it is essential to be mindful of how much screen time children are getting and to find ways to create balance. Encouraging outdoor play, reading, and engaging in creative activities are just a few ways to help children reconnect with the physical world. For more information on how to manage screen time for children, visit trusted resources like Common Sense Media or the American Academy of Pediatrics.
In my own home, we’ve created “Tech-Free Zones,” where family time, meals, and bedtime are free from screens. This helps our kids unwind, relax, and enjoy non-digital experiences like reading, art, or simply talking about their day.
“Sadness is My Monster” and the Power of Emotional Understanding
As an author, I’m also exploring these complex emotions in my upcoming book, “Sadness is My Monster,” part of the My Inner Monster series. This book helps children identify and cope with feelings of sadness in a world filled with overwhelming stimuli, including technology. Sadness, when not addressed, can grow just like a monster in the mind, but with the right tools, children can learn to overcome it. This book, like others in the series, empowers young readers to confront their feelings head-on and reminds them that it’s okay to feel sad, but that they have the strength to manage those feelings.
To learn more about my books and how they can help your child, check out my website: www.claraharperbooks.com.
Introducing: A new book series called I Can Overcome
I’m excited to announce that alongside the My Inner Monster series, I’ll be launching a second book series called I Can Overcome. This series will address challenging topics that children often face, such as grief, bullying, and self-doubt. Each book in the series will provide actionable ways for children to navigate tough situations, equipping them with the emotional resilience they need to thrive.
The first book in this series will focus on grief, a subject many children are unsure how to express or talk about. Whether they’ve lost a pet, a grandparent, or even experienced a difficult change like moving schools, this book will help kids understand that it’s okay to grieve—and that they don’t have to go through it alone.
Encouraging Emotional Intelligence
Through storytelling, I aim to help parents start important conversations with their kids, whether about screen time, sadness, or more difficult emotions like grief and anger. As we face new challenges in the digital age, it’s more important than ever to teach children emotional intelligence. My books offer a safe space for kids to explore their feelings, find comfort in the characters they meet, and learn that it’s okay to ask for help.
While screen time isn’t inherently bad, it’s crucial for families to regulate its use to ensure children’s mental health remains a priority. Balancing screen activities with engaging alternatives, like reading, can provide children with enriching experiences that promote cognitive and emotional development. Research indicates that reading can significantly enhance mental health by fostering empathy, reducing stress, and improving focus. Resources like the American Academy of Pediatrics provide valuable insights on the benefits of reading for children, emphasizing its positive impact on overall well-being.
As a children’s book author, I encourage families to incorporate reading into their daily routines. My books, including Sadness is My Monster and the upcoming series I Can Overcome, are designed to support social-emotional learning (SEL) and help children navigate complex feelings. Through these stories, children can explore their emotions, gain resilience, and develop essential skills to manage challenges in a screen-filled world. For more on how my books can enrich your child’s life, visit www.claraharperbooks.com.
Let’s continue to guide our children not only in navigating the digital world but in understanding their emotions—one story at a time.
— Clara Harper
Leave a Reply