Children today have a lot on their minds—from the Covid-19 pandemic’s effects on their future to concerns about climate change—and so do their parents.

Digital device use is at an all-time high, expanding upon the proliferation of myopia in children, and there is a growing mental health crisis among youth today. Where does it all lead?

In the short term, it equates to a whole lot of worry for parents today. A recent Pew Research Center survey of U.S. parents of children 17 and under revealed that the top worry for parents revolves around mental health.

In fact, a full 40% of parents were extremely or very worried about their child struggling with anxiety or depression. Another 36% were somewhat worried about their child’s mental health.

Next on the list was worries over their child being bullied—35% of parents were extremely or very worried. Almost 40% were somewhat worried on this front. And the list goes on, from fears about kidnapping and abduction to worries about having problems with drugs or alcohol to fears of gun violence.

All of this certainly adds up to a very vulnerable and volatile time for parents and their children.

What can we do to help?

You, as a practitioner working with kids, have the critical ability to make a positive impact. Working with children in a positive, supportive manner to help serve their vision care needs will do more than increase the success of patient outcomes—it could positively impact their life.

A recent study from the University of Michigan found that children’s coping skills were improved when they had positive involvement from neighbors and other adults. Additionally, research published in JAMA Pediatrics also recently found that having at least two adults outside the family who were attentive and caring resulted in positive outcomes for kids.

This issue is packed with intel to help with your interactions with youth, from our fun fashion feature of on-trend eyewear for adolescents to a look at the expanding role of opticians and staff in myopia management. We also serve up a must-keep primer for fitting kids eyewear and a look at the sometimes surprising results of our Opticians x Myopia survey.

We hope you enjoy the issue!

Erinn Morgan,
Editor-in-Chief + Editorial Director
Director of Social Media, Vision