Has your family found their JOMO?!

09 Feb 26

The Trust is encouraging families to help children and young people build healthier relationships with digital technology by helping them turn FOMO – a fear of missing out, into JOMO – the joy of missing out – during this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week.

Graphic promoting Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week, showing the event name and the dates 9–15 February 2026 on a colourful background.

We know that getting children to have less screen time is a battle that many parents are familiar with and it is no easy task. So this week, we are asking families to take a break from the screen and embrace their JOMO!

Whether it’s outdoor play, enjoying hobbies or playing a board game together, spending time with friends and family with no digital technology involved can really help to protect young people’s emotional wellbeing and resilience.

Digital tools are now deeply embedded in daily life, offering young people opportunities to connect, learn and be creative. However, HPFT is raising awareness of the challenges that can arise when screentime begins to replace vital wellbeing activities such as sleep, exercise and face to face social interaction.

Dr Hadi Shakernaeeni, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at HPFT, said:

“This Children’s Mental Health Week we are urging children to embrace their JOMO and are encouraging families to get on board and support!

“Young people often mirror the digital habits they pick up at home so why not put down the digital devices together and reconnect with hobbies, nature and spend time away from screens.

“The content young people are exposed to online often contributes to feelings of anxiety, low self‑esteem, body image issues and feelings of exclusion. We are seeing this repeatedly in our services and something needs to change.

“Of course, there are positive aspects of digital technology, including NHS recommended apps that support sleep and learning. However, for many young people, the balance doesn’t feel right, and we are seeing growing numbers needing support. Encouraging the joy of missing out is one way to try and make a change.”

HPFT recommends five simple ways that families can support healthy digital habits:

Use parental controls where needed to help manage screen time and content
Explore games and apps together to understand themes and encourage open conversations
Create digital‑free family routines such as mealtimes or when hosting visitors
Talk through real‑life scenarios, such as what to do if someone asks for personal information
Encourage children to speak to a trusted adult if they see anything online that worries them

For further support, advice and resources for children, parents and professionals, visit www.hertshub.co.uk

Dr Hadi Shakernaeeni

Watch Dr Hadi talk about embracing your JOMO below:

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Has your family found their JOMO?!