In Canada, mental health problems is a growing issue, particularly after COVID-19. Approximately one in five Canadians is experiencing mental health issues and this increases to half by age 40. Before the COVID pandemic, about two per cent of Canadians reported moderately severe or severe symptoms of depression. By 2022, that number had skyrocketed to 14 per cent or one in every seven people. Furthermore, the pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on people with pre-existing mental health and substance use conditions, who have low income, the unemployed, youth, and women with younger children. As well, there are higher rates of suicidal ideation among children and youth. (Statistics Canada, 2022).

The inherent related causes to behavioral, mental health and other challenges faced by children and youth are linked to negative impact or influence of social media such as cyberbullying, reduced social skills, addiction etc onto children. Cyberbullying: According to a study by the Cyberbullying Research Center, 34% of students report experiencing cyberbullying, and 16% of students admit to cyberbullying others. Children who are bullied online are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Decreased social skills: Research has shown that excessive use of social media can lead to decreased social skills and less face-to-face interaction. A study by Common Sense Media found that teens who spend more than 3 hours per day on social media are more likely to report feeling lonely and left out. Addiction: The dopamine hit from receiving likes, comments, and notifications on social media can be addictive, leading to children spending excessive amounts of time on their phones. A survey by Pew Research Center found that 45% of teens say they are online almost constantly.

Another important inhibitor to child behavioral challenges is linked to parenting, especially available parents to a child in times of social challenges. (busy parents). A study by the American Psychological Association found that children who do not receive enough attention and support from their parents are more likely to experience emotional and behavioral problems. Another study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that children whose parents are more involved in their education tend to perform better academically. In addition, a study by the National Institutes of Health found that children who spend less time with their parents are more likely to engage in risky behaviors. Also, a study by the University of Maryland found that children who do not have a strong attachment to their parents are more likely to experience anxiety and depression later in life.