Letter: Depression in children due to isolation
Our children have been slowly lured into emotional and physical isolation over the past decade with video games, social media and screen time on cell phones. If we believe that each of us is born for the purpose of being in relationship with God and and loved ones, isolation is devastating. Especially in the young tender heart. We all need deep connections with humans. Pop culture steals our time from human contact.
It is so much easier to text than to talk, to check out someone on social media than arrange a lunch. We know our children spend way too much time on screens but we say nothing. Cell phones and i-pads are always at the dinner table with children wherever they are. Covid came and made all the isolation worse. Our kids are living in a toxic culture. 50% of families are divorced which is terrible trauma for children.
We as adults have no excuse for not doing what is right for our children. Gradually decrease screen time and increase face time. Encourage children to play with other children and protect them from emotional isolation. Teach your children that they need family, friends and God for emotional maturity. Start playing board games and chess to encourage face time. Get your children to a good Sunday school class to learn and meet God. Have the guts to do what you know is right for your kids. Listen, talk and most of all spend time with your children. Drugs, anti-depressants cannot replace human contact.
Alan Abdulla
Ogden
