Teen mental distress
Tel-jeunes reports about 20% more contacts from Québec teens in a year, and a Léger survey it commissioned found a third of 12 to 17 year-olds feel anxious every week, so this is a real, widespread pattern that parents can help with, not a passing online fad.
Should I worry?
Anxiety and low mood are common among teens right now, and girls and LGBTQ+ teens report more distress. Signs worth noticing include pulling away from friends, changes in sleep or appetite, irritability, dropping interests, or a lot of time alone with a phone. None of these proves something is wrong, but a change that lasts a few weeks deserves a calm, private check-in. Start with curiosity rather than screen rules: ask what they enjoy online and what weighs on them. Listen more than you advise, and let them know that help exists and that asking for it is normal. If the distress seems heavy or lasting, talk to your family doctor, the school's psychosocial staff or a service like Tel-jeunes. If you ever worry about your teen's safety, ask directly about self-harm or suicide. Asking does not plant the idea.
How to join in
This is not a trend kids chose, but it is something many of them are living with, and they often cope with it through friends, music, games and group chats. A pediatrician writing in The Guardian argues that the bigger risk is losing open conversation about technology, not the technology itself. A good way in is to ask what they do online and what they like about it, without asking for hours or confessions. Sharing a game, a playlist or a show with them gives you time together where talking can happen naturally.
Try saying
“I've been thinking about how much pressure teens are under these days, and I'd like to hear how things are going for you, the good parts and the hard ones. You don't have to have it all figured out, and I won't jump in with fixes unless you want them. I'm on your side, whatever you tell me.”
If you’re worried
If your teen is in immediate danger, call 911. For thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 any time. Teens can reach Tel-jeunes (1-800-263-2266, or text 20121) or Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868, or text 686868) by phone, text or chat, day or night. For ongoing distress, your family doctor or the school's psychosocial team is a good next step.
Sources
From Mistlift, mistlift.app. Plain talk about what kids are into online.