Smart Phones Have Created an Anxious Generation. Can We Fix It?

Jonathan Haidt’s new book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness lays it out emphatically: kids are being very negatively affected by ubiquitous phone use. The research on what phones and their attendant apps are doing to our kids is devastating, and these spikes in depression, anxiety, and even self-harm correlate pretty exactly with the rise of internet-connected smartphone use.
The good news is that the answer to possibly reversing this trend is simple, if not easy. In this urgent conversation, Haidt lays out exactly what parents need to know to help protect and prepare their kids as they navigate this complex technological era.
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[@chappellroseholt5740]

Good morning from the blustery SF Bay Area. Excellent conversation, I always enjoy hearing either of you. I'm so glad my daughter is 36 and we never had to deal with this stuff. Rough world for parenting.

[@lyndafarley9167]

Excellent discussion on a very important problem.

[@sharonhearne5014]

The advertising industry understands this very well: look at how much our media exposure involves the social aspects of advertising.

[@nycsearch9945]

I agree Katie! School Mode is a great idea!

[@DixieC-vj2sg]

Good discussion and glad the writer took on this topic in the book, but have to disagree with him that adults didn't see this coming, early on. A lot of us saw the potential of technology (phones, internet, social media) but didn't take long to see the downsides, at all. It's affected everything - a lot of great things about it and there's no going back - but most people could see what was happening almost from the start - Relationships busted, living for the approval of virtual strangers, having to document every mundane part of your life, over communication, distraction, predators, scams, etc. etc. There is a ton of benefit that came with it, too - but I am surprised the author couldn't see the risks for kids almost right away. Question is, how to deal with it in the future. Seems kids need more balance.

[@evelynramos445]

We didn't have phones or anyone to call, even

[@e.d.3729]

Jaron Lanier was saying this 7 years ago. But I like how Haidt brings it together with helicopter parenting.

[@CascadeDuSel]

Thank you

[@user-te4ot8dj7z]

1.Emotional Health 2.Spiritual Maturity 3.Discernment 4.Boundaries But I am 65 year Baby Boomer with No Children are grandchildren Save the Children Educate the Parents and Communities….

[@evelynramos445]

The mind children mimic adults

[@nycsearch9945]

All while we watch this video on our smart phone. 😏

[@sharonp6672]

I have an 8 YO. Many parents say ‘no phones’ but have tablets and Alexa at home and available 24x7. I think I’m the only parent I know that didn’t give their kids a tablet at age 2. This “expert” says he doesn’t know about ed tech yet???

[@evelynramos445]

The lonely crowd book in 1970.

[@evelynramos445]

Cloistered otherwise

[@evelynramos445]

We gave other country how do us

[@evelynramos445]

Husband's shopping for more

[@evelynramos445]

Parents acting like keeping their husband immaturity

[@evelynramos445]

We got to do better, teens acting objectivefied

[@evelynramos445]

Leads to disrespect

[@evelynramos445]

Espionage

[@dalepetersen1166]

Birthrates are also going down. Too easy to blame boys for that. I think it is more female being influenced than men

[@gracie1598]

Well, Katie, I have been fortunate enough to ascertain an extensive education producing a lucrative career. After hearing your comment, "antiintellectualism" is contributing to the upcoming election. I was appalled because I come from a long line of blue collar works who built the backbone of this country and made possible my opportunities. Unsubscribed. I would expect someone your age and a New Yorker to know better. What ever happened to responsible journalism?

[@julieb7785]

Oh please. Did she disparage Blue Collar workers? Or was she refering to the Oregon Public Schools who think elementary math is racist. How about goofy Jimmy Fallon who says exactly what ge is told. Or the nitwits who punch flight attendants; frat boys who drink themselves into stupors and puke and screw wasted women at spring break; mums who exploit their toddlers on tictic for profit, the DEI buffoons who have destroyed constructive discourse and protest on campus. Own/ be proud of who and where you come from...I seriously doubt she was wagging her finger at you or your grandparents.