04/27/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/26/2022 22:13
COLUMBUS, Ohio (April 27, 2022) - Between the challenges of everyday life and more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, kids face more pressure and distraction than ever before, a combination of factors that has led to a mental health crisis among children in the United States. That crisis means that, more than ever, caregivers need to be equipped to talk daily to their children about thoughts, feelings and emotions, which in turn can help caregivers better support children if they have a mental health concern.
Results of a new national survey conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of On Our Sleeves, the national movement for children's mental health, found that while most parents of kids under 18 know it's important to talk with their children about mental health, many are unsure of where to begin. Furthermore, less than half of respondents say they experienced open conversations about mental health while growing up, likely leaving many unsure of how to start - and continue - the conversation with their kids.
"We know that conversation is one of the simplest, most effective ways to make an impact, break stigma and give kids a voice when it comes to their mental health," said Ariana Hoet, PhD, clinical director of On Our Sleeves and a pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital. "Our research shows that parents know this, too and they've shared that they need additional support in starting and maintaining these important mental health conversations."
The national survey from On Our Sleeves, powered by behavioral health experts at Nationwide Children's, found that:
"After more than two years living through a global pandemic that has been difficult on children's mental health, these conversations are more important than ever," Dr. Hoet added. "On Our Sleeves is here to support adults on how to create an environment where children in their lives feel comfortable coming to them and talking about their day to day or any obstacles that come up."
Operation: Conversation features free conversation starters, tip sheets and educational resources to open the lines of communication between caregivers and children. It also shows caregivers how to react to conversations in a positive way that won't lead children to shut down, feel worse or not be open to talking in the future.
For more information and resources to start conversations with children that promote mental wellbeing, visit OnOurSleeves.org.
Survey Method:
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of On Our Sleeves from April 5-7, 2022 among 2,063 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 686 are parents of kids under 18. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact [email protected].
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About On Our Sleeves®
Children don't wear their thoughts on their sleeves. With 1 in 5 children living with a significant mental health concern and half of all lifetime mental health concerns starting by age 14, we need to give them a voice. On Our Sleeves, powered by behavioral health experts at Nationwide Children's Hospital, aims to provide every community in the United States with free resources necessary for breaking child mental health stigmas and educating families and advocates, because no child or family should struggle alone.
Since the inception of On Our Sleeves in 2018, more than 3 million people in every state across America have interacted with the movement's free pediatric mental health educational resources at OnOurSleeves.org and educator curriculums have reached more than four of five classrooms across the United States.