Summary: Embark Behavioral Health is raising awareness about the “bed rotting” trend, where teens spend excessive time in bed, potentially leading to loneliness, screen addiction, and negative impacts on mental health. The trend, popularized on social media as a way to recharge, can result in sleep issues, social isolation, and mood changes. The organization emphasizes the importance of establishing healthy routines, setting technology boundaries, and encouraging offline activities to support teens. With increased vulnerability during the summer, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to create supportive environments and engage in empathetic communication.
Key Takeaways:
- Negative Impact on Mental Health: The “bed rotting” trend can exacerbate loneliness, screen addiction, and sleep issues in teens, leading to significant behavioral and mental health challenges, according to Embark Behavioral Health.
- Importance of Healthy Routines: Embark says establishing routines for sleep, setting technology boundaries, and encouraging offline activities are vital in mitigating the adverse effects of excessive bed rest.
- Supportive Communication: During the summer, creating a supportive environment and engaging in empathetic communication are crucial for helping teens navigate changes and maintain their mental well-being, according to Embark.
Embark Behavioral Health, a network of clinics and programs offering evidence-based mental health treatments for adolescents and young adults, is bringing attention to “bed rotting,” a seemingly harmless habit that can lead to loneliness and screen addiction, impacting adolescent mental health this summer.
Teenagers who choose not to pursue meaningful activities or may be unable to afford these opportunities and social interactions can fall into these practices and exacerbate existing conditions like anxiety and depression.
“‘Bed rotting’ has gone viral on social media as a way to mentally and emotionally recharge,” says Sharnell Myles, chief clinical officer of Embark, in a release. “However, spending extended periods of time in bed is a habit that can have significant impact on adolescent behavioral and mental health by leading to increased loneliness or an unhealthy relationship with technology.”
Negative Effects of ‘Bed Rotting’
Negative effects of bed rotting include staying in bed all day, sleep issues, social isolation, or changes in mood and behavior. Warning signs include:
- Loneliness includes withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleeping or eating patterns, irritability, or expressions of sadness or isolation.
- Screen addiction includes spending excessive time on screens, neglecting responsibilities, or experiencing sleep issues.
Left unaddressed, the effects of bed rotting can contribute to a decline in academic performance, changes in behavior, and even physical health issues. Additionally, increased feelings of loneliness in teens have been linked to excessive screen time according to a study published in the Journal of Adolescence.
How to Offer Support
There are several ways to support teens engaging in these activities as a parent or caregiver:
- Establish healthy routines for sleep.
- Provide a supportive home environment and spend quality time laughing, playing, and sharing emotions together.
- Implement boundaries and guidelines around technology use, including screen time.
- Encourage offline pursuits such as promoting physical activities and participation in volunteer opportunities, jobs, or groups.
Young adults are particularly vulnerable during the summer due to a variety of psychological, developmental, and environmental factors. “Summertime usually means a change in routines and ample free time, so it’s important to create a safe space for your child to express themselves without fear or judgment,” says Myles in a release. “Approach communication with empathy, understanding and active listening to help them navigate this summer. Allow your child to bring their voice and what is important to them to the conversation.”
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