Depression is on the rise in kids—but the signs are hard to recognize

Be strict about screen time. Kathleen Pajer, chief of psychiatry at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, recommends setting aside device-free periods. She also suggests shutting off all devices two hours before bed to prevent the blue light from affecting sleep. “Not getting adequate sleep is a major risk for depression, and it certainly will make depression worse,” says Ashley Miller, a psychiatrist with the Mood and Anxiety Disorder Clinic at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

Get active as a family. Physical activity is known to protect against depression. Pajer suggests going for walks after dinner or finding other activities in which you get fresh air and exercise as a family.

Make time for family dinner. Research shows having dinner together contributes to better emotional well-being in kids.

Play outside. Nature can have a protective effect on mental health. Some studies have found outdoor physical activity improves mental health for both kids and adults.