Erica Fener Sitkoff Of FullBloom On Raising Children With Healthy Social Media & Digital Media Habits
An Interview With Erica Fener Sitkoff, Ph.D.
Our children face unprecedented challenges, from social media and the pandemic to anxiety and depression. As parents and educators, what can we do to raise mentally healthy children? In this interview series, we spoke with Erica Fener Sitkoff, Ph.D., a clinical child psychologist and senior vice president of mental health strategy at FullBloom.
About Erica Fener Sitkoff
Erica Fener Sitkoff has over 20 years of experience as a clinical child psychologist. She has worked extensively to create policies and programs that improve children’s mental health and access to care. Today, she leads mental health initiatives at FullBloom, serving more than 150,000 children annually.
Lessons for a Younger Self
- Relationships matter—seek out those who support and inspire you.
- It’s okay to not be okay; hardships build resilience.
- You’re not the main character in everyone’s story—people focus less on you than you think.
- You’re stronger than you realize and capable of overcoming challenges.
The Impact of a Teacher
Erica credits her sixth-grade teacher, Mr. C, for inspiring her journey. Through weekly journaling exercises, he provided a safe space for students to express themselves and build resilience. This formative experience influenced her career and parenting approach.
Current Projects
Erica is excited about FullBloom’s initiatives to address gaps in children’s mental health. Programs like EmpowerU offer professional coaching and online lessons to help educators support students’ non-academic challenges and build resilience.
Addressing Today’s Mental Health Challenges
Factors contributing to children’s mental health struggles include academic pressure, societal changes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and social media. Erica emphasizes the need for a universal system to identify at-risk children early and provide support before clinical intervention is required.
Practical Tips for Parents and Educators
- Get outside: Physical activity and outdoor time improve academic and mental health outcomes.
- Moderate technology use: Set limits on screen time and help children choose apps that promote well-being.
- Monitor technology use: Regularly review apps and online behavior, offering positive alternatives when needed.
- Talk as a family: Have open discussions about rules and boundaries, allowing children to share their perspectives.
Early Warning Signs
Changes in behavior, academic performance, or social interactions may indicate a child’s mental health is struggling. Regularly checking in with children and showing consistent support can make a significant difference.
Improving Mental Health Education
Erica advocates for integrating resiliency education into school curricula to help children learn coping strategies and emotional expression. A universal resiliency program could equip students with the tools to manage their mental health proactively.
For more insights, visit EmpowerU.
