As a parent, you want the best for your child—physically, emotionally, and mentally. However, today’s world presents unique challenges for Black youth, from social media pressures to academic demands and societal expectations. On top of that, the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community can make it harder for young people to open up and seek help. Understanding these challenges and creating a supportive environment at home can help your child build resilience and thrive.

The Pressures of Social Media

Social media can be both a positive and negative force in your child’s life. While it offers connection, self-expression, and access to information, it can also expose them to cyberbullying, unrealistic comparisons, and negative stereotypes. Research shows that Black adolescents frequently experience online racial discrimination, which can lead to increased anxiety and depression. 

Excessive social media use can also contribute to social isolation. A study from the University of Pittsburgh found that teens who use social media heavily are three times more likely to feel isolated. 

How Parents Can Help:

• Set Screen Time Limits – Encourage balance by designating tech-free times, like during meals or before bedtime.
• Monitor Their Social Media Activity – Have open conversations about what they’re seeing and experiencing online.
• Encourage Positive Engagement – Help them follow accounts that inspire and uplift rather than those that fuel negativity.

Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health

Many Black families have historically viewed mental health struggles as a sign of weakness or something to be kept private. This stigma can prevent young people from seeking help when they need it most. Research generally suggests that Black individuals are more likely to experience serious mental health issues than the general population, yet they are significantly less likely to seek treatment.

The roots of this stigma date back to slavery when Black individuals were often denied mental health care and seen as immune to emotional distress. These harmful beliefs have been passed down through generations, leading many to suffer in silence. 

How Parents Can Help:

• Normalize Mental Health Conversations – Talk to your child about emotions the same way you discuss physical health.
• Encourage Open Communication – Let them know it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and ask for help.
• Consider Therapy as an Option – Seeking professional support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Recognizing Signs of Stress in Your Child

Black youth often face additional stressors, including racial discrimination, academic pressure, and cultural expectations. It’s important to recognize early warning signs that may indicate mental health struggles:

• Changes in sleep patterns (trouble sleeping or excessive fatigue)
• Difficulty focusing in school
• Frequent headaches or stomachaches
• Increased irritability, anxiety, or withdrawal from friends and family

Encouraging Healthy Coping Strategies

Teaching your child self-care habits early on can help them develop lifelong coping skills. Among the most effective coping strategies are:

• Encourage Physical Activity – Exercise releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress. Encourage them to play sports, dance, or take daily walks.
• Promote Mindfulness and Deep Breathing – Simple mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help calm their mind. Encourage just five minutes a day of mindful reflection.
• Prioritize Rest and Sleep – Quality sleep is essential for mental health. Create a consistent bedtime routine and limit screen time before bed. There’s some evidence that Black youth often experience lower-quality sleep, impacting emotional and cognitive development. 
• Offer a Safe Space for Discussion – Your child should feel comfortable talking to you about their emotions. Let them know you’re there to listen without judgment.

As a parent, your support plays a crucial role in your child’s mental well-being. By addressing social media pressures, breaking the stigma around mental health, and encouraging open conversations, you can help them navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Prioritize their emotional well-being just as much as their physical health—because mental health matters.

Let’s work together to raise a generation that knows it’s okay to ask for help and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, ACE President and Chief Executive Officer embodies the ACE mission by staying active through regular exercise and sports like pickleball and golf, drawing inspiration from his athletic sons and his experience coaching youth baseball, basketball, and soccer. As the Chief Executive Officer at ACE, he collaborates with esteemed organizations such as the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to advocate for evidence-based physical activity initiatives. With over 35 years in the health and fitness industry, Cedric has authored more than 300 articles and co-authored or edited over 40 books. He holds a doctorate in physiology and a master’s degree in exercise science from Pennsylvania State University, where he was honored with the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Cedric often shares his guiding philosophy on movement: “Some activity is better than none, and more is better than some! Every little bit counts.”

About the American Council on Exercise: Since 1985, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) has been the leading non-profit education and certification provider for health coaches and exercise professionals in the United States and around the world. With more than 90,000 highly respected certified health coaches and exercise professionals, ACE Certified Professionals are on the ground daily helping people move, stay active, and make lasting lifestyle behavior changes to build healthier communities. Headquartered in San Diego, ACE collaborates with public health partners to educate people of all backgrounds about the importance of physical activity and other healthy lifestyle behaviors; advocates for public policies to increase physical activity opportunities; and supports scientific research that investigates the efficacy of behavior-change interventions and the effectiveness of exercise practices and trends. Learn more at acefitness.org.