A recent study published in the journal JMIR Mental Health (2022) suggests that a mobile app targeting mild to moderate anxiety problems in children aged 7-12 years using exposure therapy delivered via an immersive game benefits children experiencing mild to moderate anxiety.
The app, known as “Lumi Nova,” is designed to help children build effective coping skills and gradually expose them to feared situations within a controlled environment. It does this by employing a progressive approach that encourages short-term goals that are achievable for the child. This allows them to gain mastery of the tasks and be able to move on to more challenging ones.
The activities offered by the app include relaxation exercises such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation sequences, as well as questionnaires designed to measure anxiety levels and get an accurate picture of a child’s anxiety symptom severity. Additionally, the app provides tools for both parents and kids so they can keep track of progress and set new goals when needed.
Overall, this mobile app provides children with an effective way of managing their anxiety while also offering parents meaningful ways to interact with their child in order to help them reduce their symptoms in the long run.
The study found that the app was both safe and well tolerated by children, with no adverse events reported. In addition, anxiety symptoms were reduced in the majority of participants following treatment with Lumi Nova.
The results of this study are encouraging for parents who are concerned about their child’s anxiety levels but may not want or be able to pursue traditional therapy and medications. The mobile app provides a convenient solution that can be implemented into the family routine without disrupting daily life.
How Mobile Apps are being used to Help Children struggling with Mental Health Issues
In addition to apps such as Lumi Nova, there are several other available to help kids build healthy coping skills and practice mindfulness techniques. They usually offer guided activities such as inhale/exhale exercises, deep breathing and muscle relaxation sequences and provide parents with an easy way to monitor their child’s progress and provide feedback when needed.
Some of the apps also facilitate meaningful interaction between parent and child. In addition to providing guidance through guided activities, they enable parents to send notifications such as positive affirmations or reminders of relaxation strategies directly to their child’s device.
Overall, this latest research is a good reminder that technology can play an important role in helping children manage their anxiety symptoms.
Final Thoughts
As with any mental health intervention, it’s important to consult with a mental health professional when selecting a mobile app or other tool to help manage anxiety in children. These apps and other tools are powerful resources for both parents and children when trying to manage their anxiety symptoms and should be used alongside more traditional forms of therapy and treatment options.
With thoughtful use, these technologies can improve the lives of many children who struggle with anxiety disorders by providing them with convenient access to helpful coping skills that they may not have had access to before.