Elizabeth Reichert, PhD, talks media exposure and mental health

As news headlines and social media clips reach children and adolescents at a near-constant pace, primary care providers are in a pivotal position to recognize signs that a young patient may be struggling emotionally.

“You really do not have to be a mental health specialist to help identify early signs and support a child’s emotional well-being,” said Elizabeth Reichert, PhD, pediatric and adolescent psychologist at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health and codirector of the Stanford Parenting Center.

Reichert advised providers to focus on observable behavioral changes—particularly those that reflect shifts in daily functioning.

“Things like changes in a child’s sleep, appetite, energy level, school performance, increased irritability, or withdrawal,” she said. “Withdrawal, in particular, can be a key sign, especially if a child loses interest in activities they previously enjoyed. We can also see increased worry or reassurance-seeking behaviors, such as frequent checking in or asking parents numerous questions. These behavioral indicators can be telltale signs that something emotional might be going on.”

When assessing the impact of media exposure, Reichert encouraged providers to discuss screen habits with parents and caregivers. One of the most effective tools for monitoring content, she said, is to engage in co-viewing or co-scrolling.

“Periodically watching what their child is watching, sitting with them, scrolling alongside them, and checking in can be effective ways to keep tabs on what they are seeing. Encourage them to pause and reflect: What is this media source? Where did it come from? How does this content make me feel right now?”

These questions, Reichert said, can help children build healthier relationships with the media they encounter.

To promote emotional regulation and family connection, Reichert recommends setting boundaries. “Simple modifications, such as turning off autoplay on platforms like YouTube or Netflix, can help limit screen time,” she said. “My favorite strategy is creating device-free zones or times during the day when the entire family is off devices. Ideal times for this include dinner or just before bedtime.”