Children's Mental Health Week | Action Mental Health

A teenage girl wearing headphones and scrolling on her phone.

Switch off to tune in this February as we mark Children’s Mental Health Week with a Digital Detox challenge.

Children’s Mental Health Week takes place from 9-15 February this year. Throughout the month, we’re encouraging schools and families to give up non-essential screen time. Not as a punishment, but as a way to recharge and reconnect.

What is a digital detox?

Think of it as a mini-holiday from your devices. A digital detox just means intentionally reducing or pausing screen use to give your mind a breather. That might include smartphones, tablets, computers, consoles, and social media.

Why reducing screen time matters

Phones and social media can be fun, helpful and are part of everyday life. But now more than ever, it’s important to pay attention to our digital habits and how that affects our wellbeing.

A 2023 survey showed that 45.2% of 16-year-olds in NI have probable mental ill-health. It also found that the wellbeing of 11-year-olds was at its lowest level since 2016. Getting positive comments on social media and safety online were among the causes of stress and worry noted by young people¹.

Reducing screen time helps break cycles of comparison, overstimulation, and constant alerts that can contribute to stress and low mood. In their place, you create space for healthier habits which nurture your wellbeing.

A group of 4 children laughing and smiling while sitting in a park.

The feel-good benefits of a digital detox

1. Lower stress & anxiety

Stepping away from constant alerts and social feeds gives your mind a well-deserved rest, easing overload and helping restore balance.

2. Better, deeper sleep

Your brain encourages the production of a chemical called melatonin when it’s tired. The bright light behind your mobile phone screen keeps the brain alert, decreasing levels of this chemical and making it harder for you to fall asleep. So no screens means better sleep!

3. More time for the things you love

Learning new things, getting active, or connecting with others are all ways you can practise the 5 steps to wellbeing. So whether it’s relaxing with a book, playing sport, or going for coffee with a friend – less scrolling means more time for things that truly nourish wellbeing.

4. Make a real difference in your community

Being sponsored for your Digital Detox efforts is a fantastic way to raise vital funds for Action Mental Health. You’ll be helping us to support children, young people and adults with our mental health services across Northern Ireland.

4 secondary school students sitting in a classroom. They are happy and smiling together.

Ready to take on the challenge?

Make the challenge work for you this February. It could mean a detox day, no social media for a week or more! Our free fundraising pack is full of ideas to help you get started – all you need to do is register.

Get creative, get sponsored, and get ready to notice the difference. Even tiny changes can make a big impact.

For more information on Children’s Mental Health Week 2026, check out our resource library.

References

1 Mental Health Champion. ‘Factors Affecting Mental Health and Wellbeing in Children and Young People in Northern Ireland’. 25 August 2023.

A mother and young daughter reading a children's book in a library.

Mental health in childhood is simply about how children feel, think, and cope day to day.

Just as children grow physically, their mental health develops too. With the right support and safe environments, most children learn to feel positive in themselves, build confidence, and handle life’s challenges.

Here are 10 things you can do as a parent or guardian to support your child’s wellbeing:

1. Talk about your feelings

The more we talk about how we feel, the easier and more normalised it is for children to do the same.

2. Follow a daily routine

Consistency and daily habits help children feel secure because they know what to expect from their day-to-day lives.

A father helping his son ride a bike while the rest of the family walks behind.

3. Keep them active

Getting outdoors and burning off energy will do wonders for their mood – and yours! Try a family walk, a trip to the park or even an online exercise video on the rainy days.

4. Support their interests

Your enthusiasm motivates them to explore and expand their interests. This helps children to keep learning, which is one of the 5 ways to wellbeing.

5. Encourage them to join in

Things like joining a sports club or trying something creative are great ways for children to make friends and express themselves.

6. Help to build their confidence

Every time you praise them or show you trust them, you are helping them feel valued and worthy of respect.

7. Let them know you’re there for them

Your child may not want to talk yet or feel they have the language to express their feelings. Just knowing you care and are on their side is important.

8. Use other ways of communicating

If your child struggles to express emotions verbally, you could try texting, voice notes, drawing or even emojis.

A woman looking through a school book with a young teenage girl.

9. Avoid dismissing a child’s worries

It might not seem important, but to them, it means a lot. Try to listen carefully and reassure them that it’s ok to feel that way.

10. Reassure them it’s ok to talk to others

Your child may find it easier to speak to someone else, like another family member or a school counsellor. This can sometimes be difficult for parents but the important thing is that your child feels comfortable talking to someone they trust.

Where can I get support?

If you or your child are struggling with your mental health, reaching out for help is a really positive step.

Here are some places you can find support:

Your GP: A doctor can give advice and connect you with the right support for your child’s needs.
Action Mental Health: We offer counselling for children and young people, as well as resilience-building programmes in schools and community settings.
Childline: Children can get support 24/7 online at childline.org.uk or by calling 0800 1111.
Barnardo’s: Find advice and self-help tools for a range of issues at barnardos.org.uk
School staff: Speak to your child’s teacher, school counsellor, or pastoral care team.

For more information, activities and tools on supporting children’s wellbeing, check out our resource library for Children’s Mental Health Week 2026.

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Switch off, tune in: Take on our Digital Detox for Children’s Mental Health Week 2026