Catch-Up on Kids Mental Health

Getting the right support for a child starts with understanding what’s causing their difficulties. A thorough mental health assessment looks beyond symptoms to build a fuller picture of the child and their needs.In episode 72, Janet speaks with child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Faisal Ahmed, author of The Heart of the Matter: Navigating Children’s Mental Health with Clarity and Compassion, about the importance of looking at the whole child, including their development, family history, relationships and experiences.They explore how trauma can be mistaken for ADHD, how developmental conditions and learning difficulties can overlap, and why treating symptoms alone can leave important needs unaddressed. Dr. Ahmed shares examples from his clinical work that illustrate how a comprehensive assessment can change the course of a child’s care.The conversation also considers how understanding children’s developmental stages can help parents set appropriate expectations, ask informed questions and advocate for support that reflects their child’s unique strengths and challenges.Learn more about Dr. Faisal Ahmed and his book here.For more information on the work we do at Catch, please visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen. Stay connected with us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

For years, concerns about the impact of social media on children and teens has largely focused on the kinds of content they are exposed to. But a recent landmark settlement with Meta signals an important shift towards making these platforms accountable for how they are designed.In this episode, Janet Morrison speaks with internet and social media lawyer Maanit Zemel about Meta’s $17 billion settlement with several U.S. states over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were deliberately designed to be addictive and harmful to young people.They explore why Meta may have chosen to settle, how lawyers have moved from challenging individual content to challenging the underlying design and algorithms of social media platforms, and what new protections for young users could emerge as a result.The conversation also turns to Canada, including lawsuits brought by Ontario school boards, the proposed Safe Social Media Act, and why meaningful regulation will require both strong legislation and real consequences for platforms that fail to protect users.This timely discussion raises a larger question: If social media platforms have the power to shape children’s attention, relationships and wellbeing, what responsibility should they bear for creating safer digital environments?To learn more about Maanit and her work visit https://www.canadatechlaw.com/maanit-zemelFor more information on the work we do at Catch, please visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our podcast wherever you listen. Stay connected with us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This episode is the final conversation in a special three-part podcast series based on Janet Morrison's upcoming book, Relationships Matter: Building Children's Resilience Within the Family, School and Community.In this conversation, Janet sits down once again with special guest host Sandy Poulson to explore how the larger communities and environments children grow up in can shape their mental health, wellbeing, and resilience.Together, they discuss the growing mental health challenges facing children and teens, the impact of social media and the 24-hour news cycle, climate anxiety, community violence, poverty and stigma, and why young people need relationships and communities that give them a sense of belonging, safety, and hope.Drawing on more than forty years of experience as a child therapist, school psychological associate, and educator, Janet also explores what parents, schools, and communities can do to help young people navigate an increasingly complex world, from building critical thinking skills to creating supportive spaces where children can be accepted and celebrated for who they are.This episode concludes our three-part series exploring the family, school, and community factors that shape children's mental health.To learn more about Janet's upcoming book, Relationships Matter, visit:www.catchpsychotherapy.org/relationshipsmatterBe sure to join the mailing list for book news, launch events, new podcast episodes, and more.

This episode is the second in a special three-part podcast series based on Janet Morrison's upcoming book, Relationships Matter: Building Children's Resilience Within the Family, School and Community.In this conversation, Janet sits down with special guest host Sandy Poulsen to explore the powerful role schools play in shaping children's mental health, resilience, and sense of belonging.Together, they discuss why the elementary school years are such an important period of growth and development, the role friendships play in building confidence and resilience, the complex dynamics of bullying, and why children's social and emotional wellbeing cannot be separated from their ability to learn.Drawing on more than forty years of experience as a child therapist, school psychological associate, and educator, Janet also explores how supportive teachers, mentors, and inclusive school communities can help children develop the skills, confidence, and relationships they need to thrive.This episode is the second in a three-part series exploring the family, school, and community factors that shape children's mental health.To learn more about Janet's upcoming book, Relationships Matter, visit:www.catchpsychotherapy.org/relationshipsmatterBe sure to join the mailing list so you'll be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, book news, launch events, and more.

This episode marks the beginning of a special three-part podcast series based on Janet Morrison's upcoming book, Relationships Matter: Building Children's Resilience Within the Family, School and Community.In this first conversation, Janet sits down with special guest host Sandy Poulson to explore the foundational role family relationships play in children's mental health and resilience.Together, they discuss how our own childhood experiences shape the way we parent, why attachment relationships matter, the importance of repair after conflict, emotional regulation, and the impact of screens on family connection.Drawing on more than forty years of experience as a child therapist, school psychological associate, and educator, Janet shares practical insights for parents navigating the challenges of raising children in today's world.This episode is the first in a three-part series exploring the family, school, and community factors that shape children's mental health.To learn more about Janet's upcoming book, Relationships Matter, visit:www.catchpsychotherapy.org/relationshipsmatterBe sure to join the mailing list so you'll be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, book news, launch events, and more.