Many people think of mental health disorders as arising later in childhood or adolescence. However, there is increasing evidence that even young children can experience mental health problems like anxiety and depression. On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry is joined by Joan Luby, a Professor of Child Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine and an expert in early childhood mental health. Dr. Luby discusses how to identify mental health problems in preschool-aged children, and the role of screens in exacerbating these issues. Drawing on her clinical experiences and research, she provides suggestions for parents on how to promote the best socio-emotional outcomes for their young children. 

In this episode, you will learn:

• How improved diagnostics tools are helping to identify psychiatric and mood disorders in children as young as three years old.
• What unique signs and symptoms to look for in young children that may indicate they are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other concerns. 
• Why considering environmental factors is important when evaluating child mental health.
• How high amounts of screen use by young children can impact their mental health and social/emotional regulation.
• The five essential ingredients young children need to thrive.

For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org)

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Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au