Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health This Summer

Jun 14

What Parents Need to Know About Social Media, Self-Harm Trends, and Emotional Well-Being

At Attuned Families, we've seen a recent increase in concerns from parents about self-harm behaviours in children and youth. Out of concern and a commitment to prevention and early intervention, we want to inform you of what we’re seeing, what our research tells us, and what you can do about it for your child(ren).

What’s Going On? Self-Harm & Social Media Trends in 2025

While there’s no single viral “self-harm challenge” circulating in Toronto right now, recent global social media trends are creating new risks for children and teens:

“Chroming” or “Dusting” Challenges:

This involves inhaling household chemicals to get high—an extremely dangerous trend that has surfaced in the U.S. and could spread locally through TikTok and Instagram. It's important to talk with kids about the risks, even if they haven’t heard of it.

Diet Culture and “SkinnyTok”

A recent resurgence of toxic diet content—sometimes masked as “wellness” or “discipline”—is promoting extreme calorie restriction and weight loss among tweens and teens, especially girls. This can contribute to disordered eating, body image issues, and self-harming behaviours rooted in self-punishment or anxiety.

Algorithmic Exposure to Self-Harm Content

Even without following harmful accounts, youth may be passively exposed to disturbing content through social media algorithms that reinforce what they linger on. This can lead to the normalization of self-harm or emotional dysregulation without parents realizing it.

Summer Can Be a Vulnerable Time

As summer approaches and children enjoy a break from school routines, many families look forward to a more relaxed pace, time outdoors, and a chance to reconnect. However, unstructured time, fewer adult eyes on screen time, and the natural dip in school-based mental health support can increase vulnerability for children and youth. For some, the lack of routine, structure and social interaction can feel freeing; for others, it’s disorienting and can lead to the onset or resurgence of mental health problems.

Even happy summer milestones—like trips, sleepovers, or family changes—can create stress. And with more time online, children may absorb messages that impact their self-worth, identity, and emotional regulation.

What Can Parents Do? Practical Tips for a Mentally Healthy Summer

Here’s how you can help your child—and your whole family—stay grounded, connected, and emotionally well this summer.

1. Talk About What They’re Seeing Online

Ask open-ended questions like: “Have you seen anything online lately that made you feel uncomfortable or confused?”
Let them know it’s okay to come to you with anything, no matter how strange or scary it seems.
Be curious, not judgmental, about their digital world.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries Around Screen Time

Balance tech time with outdoor activities, family time, chores, and creativity.
Use tools like app limits or device-free hours to reduce passive scrolling.
Know and limit which apps your child uses and explore them together occasionally.

3. Watch for Warning Signs

Mood changes, withdrawal, unexplained injuries, wearing long sleeves or pants in hot weather, or changes in sleep or appetite can be signs of self-harm or emotional distress.
Trust your gut—if something feels “off,” it’s worth a gentle check-in.

4. Promote Emotional Expression

Create time and space for your child to talk about feelings, or express themselves through drawing, movement, or play.
Use language that helps kids name their emotions (“You seem frustrated. Want to tell me more?”)

5. Build Predictable Routines

While summer invites flexibility, routines help children feel safe and regulated.
Anchor the day with consistent mealtimes, bedtime routines, and expectations for screen time and behavior.

6. Plan for Connection and Rest

Schedule downtime just as intentionally as camps or vacations.
Prioritize moments of calm, joy, and togetherness—whether it’s stargazing, cooking together, or quiet walks.

7. Support the Whole Family’s Mental Health

Your well-being matters too. Take time to check in with yourself and your partner, and reach out if you need support.
Normalize conversations about mental health as a family topic—not something secret or shameful.

You’re Not Alone. Support Is Here.

At Attuned Families, we understand the complex emotional world children live in—online and offline, as well as the very real challenges parents are up against. If you’re concerned about your child’s emotional well-being or want to proactively support their mental health this summer, we’re here to help.

We offer:

In home CYW support for kids who don’t fit the mold for programming but still need support with structure and routine
Child and Family Therapy
Support for parents navigating digital safety and emotional challenges

Wishing you a summer full of healing, play, and growth.

Charlie Hoskins