Youth Mental Health & Disconnect to Reconnect

Every child deserves a strong start in life, and the early years are absolutely critical in shaping who they will become. Westchester Children’s Association’s remains deeply committed to ensuring that every child in our community has the support they need to thrive, from the moment they’re born until they enter early adulthood. Early childhood is a time of incredible growth, and when children receive the right services, care, and opportunities, they’re set up for success.

At WCA, we understand that early childhood isn’t just about physical growth, it’s also about mental and emotional well-being. That’s why we’re dedicated to promoting mental health support for young children, recognizing that mental and emotional well-being in these formative years is just as essential as physical health. By advocating for accessible mental health services, strengthening early childhood programs, and supporting families with the resources they need, we’re working to create a foundation where children can not only grow but also develop the resilience and emotional intelligence they need to face the challenges ahead.

This focus on mental and emotional well-being in early childhood is closely connected to the broader mental health challenges young people face as they grow. As part of our commitment to youth mental health, this concern was brought to the forefront during WCA’s 2024 Advocacy Breakfast, “Mind Over Media: Youth Mental Health in the Digital Age,” where keynote speaker Max Stossel shared his insights on how social media influences youth mental health and the importance of addressing screen time in a holistic way.

To further address this issue, the Disconnect to Reconnect campaign, launched by the Westchester Children’s Museum, the Westchester Library System, and the Child Care Council of Westchester, has become a key initiative promoting healthier, balanced lifestyles for children. In today’s digital age, screen time is a reality for children, but also a growing concern. The rise of smartphones, tablets, and social media means children are spending more time interacting with screens than ever before.

While technology can offer learning opportunities, excessive screen time, especially for young children, can also lead to cognitive delays, sleep disruption, reduced physical activity, and challenges in developing essential social and emotional skills. National experts also echo these concerns. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has called it “the defining public health challenge of our time,” and NYU psychologist Jonathan Haidt warns of a shift from a “play-based childhood” to a “phone-based childhood,” where traditional, physical, and social play is being replaced with screen-based activities.

As we observe May as Mental Health Awareness Month, we are reminded of the collective role we all play in protecting the mental health of our youngest community members. Join us in supporting the Disconnect to Reconnect campaign and take WCA’s Pledge for Youth Mental Health today. By committing to reduce screen time and foster positive habits, you can help ensure that children grow up with the emotional resilience, social skills, and well-being they need to succeed.

Disconnect to Reconnect Campaign: https://www.discoverwcm.org/d2r

Westchester Children’s Association’s Pledge for Youth Mental Health: https://secure.everyaction.com/1491cs3AQ0KMZ42E5B8PMg2