Adolescent Brain Development in COVID-19

posted in: Parent Blog | 0

In August, ParentIN held a virtual event with Dr. David Rettew, child psychiatrist and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, to share strategies for supporting healthy adolescent brain development during the time of COVID-19.

Dr. Rettew explained the trends of adolescent brain development under normal circumstances and the ways in which COVID-19 may impact brain development. He shared strategies for parents and caregivers to help support healthy brain development in teens during this time. A few include:

  • Supporting avenues for teens to feel like an important part of the family by having chores and responsibilities in the home
  • Encouraging regular reading-either together or on their own
  • Encouraging and providing opportunities for regular physical exercise (at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise a day is recommended for this age)
  • More flexibility on-screen time during this time is to be expected, however, help teens to create limits throughout the day and reduce screens in the evening before bed.