The TRUTH About Social Media & Childhood | Jonathan Haidt X Rich Roll Podcast

Rich sits down with Jonathan Haidt, an NYU professor and best-selling author, to talk about the negative impact of technology and social media on young people’s mental health and well-being, the harmful effects of hyperconnectivity, proposing potential solutions, and more. To read more about Jonathan and peruse the full show notes, go here👉🏾 bit.ly/richroll827
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:06 Inflection Points In Technology And Mental Health
00:04:39 Impact Of Social Media On Mental Health
00:07:48 Effects Of Smartphone And Social Media On Child Development
00:11:55 Loss Of Childhood Independence And Trust
00:14:58 Techno Optimism In The 90s And Early 2000s
00:15:39 Reflections On The Early Days Of The Internet
00:15:57 The Impact Of Hyper Connectivity
00:16:22 Foundational Harms Of Technology
00:17:57 Decline In Social Interaction
00:19:10 Impact Of Technology On Teenage Socialization
00:20:46 Attention Fragmentation And Multitasking
00:23:54 Addiction And Brain Development
00:30:41 Sponsor Break
00:31:47 Gender Differences In Technology Impact
00:32:31 The Increase In Suicide Rates
00:33:25 The Impact Of Technology On Mental Health
00:34:05 The Effects Of Social Media On Girls
00:35:37 The Psychological Differences Between Boys And Girls
00:38:44 Negative Effects Of Snapchat
00:42:11 The Value Of Social Media To Society
00:46:23 Proposed Solutions To Counteract The Negative Impact Of Technology
00:47:13 Smartphone And Social Media Norms
00:47:52 Challenges Of Implementing Norms
00:48:41 Impact Of Florida Law
00:48:53 Tech Companies' Responsibility
00:49:26 Phone-Free Schools
00:51:25 Restoring Childhood Independence
00:52:15 Addressing Skepticism On Social Media's Impact
00:52:43 Debunking Moral Panic Argument
00:57:07 Consideration Of Other Factors
00:58:52 TikTok And Mental Health
01:01:42 Fragmentation And Misinformation
01:02:37 The Impact Of Social Media
01:04:22 Silencing Of Moderates
01:06:47 Challenges For Democracy And Younger Generation
01:11:04 Erosion Of Trust In Institutions
01:16:19 Hope For Change And Spiritual Degradation
01:19:17 Spiritual Wisdom And Loss Of Guidance
01:20:00 Ego Vs. Self-Transcendence
01:20:20 Impact Of Technology On Mental Health
01:21:07 Self-Improvement And Mental Health
01:22:19 Vertical Dimension Of Life
01:24:31 Morality And Community
01:26:21 Cohesion In American Democracy
01:30:28 Parenting And Technology
01:34:10 Tech Companies And Reform
01:35:14 The Legal Battle Against Social Media Platforms
01:36:12 The Need For Regulation And Bipartisan Support
01:36:33 Social Media As A Common Enemy
01:37:21 Impact Of Different Social Media Platforms
01:39:48 Age Restrictions And Lack Of Enforcement
01:41:51 International Efforts And Leadership
01:43:58 Art Project As A Tool For Change
01:50:13 Hope For Change
01:53:09 Credits
* * * * *
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Hi I'm Rich Roll. I'm a vegan ultra-endurance athlete, author, podcaster, public speaker & wellness evangelist. But mainly I'm a dad of four. If you want to know more, visit my website or check out these two the NY Times articles:
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[@richroll]

Thanks for watching! Don't miss out on these exclusive offers: CAMELBAK: Use code RICHROLL for 20% OFF 👉bit.ly/camelbak2024

[@GuidetteExpert]

There are not only snapchat streaks there are quick adds of people that you dont even know or have your phone number. Also now there are open story's of other strangers that aren't even public figures to make you stay on the platform.

[@hassnainkhan608]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@AmbientClassical]

It’s time for change. As a 26 yr old, I recognize that digital addiction is destroying my friends, my brother, my parents, my community, and myself. I’m sick of it. It’s time we do something and start reforming this.

[@minhcao1838]

I agree. I’m starting with myself. Like some people who count calories (macros). I do something a little easier. I write down the title of every video I watch whether it’s a 10 second clip, reel, KZbin clip, tv show, Netflix, etc. It really makes me think twice about watching something. I’m at #314 as of today. The majority are podcast I watch on KZbin. I don’t think any of us know exactly how many reels we scroll through when we are addicted to our phones. I’m actually perfectly okay with this number. Im not the best reader, but I love listening and experimenting

[@LOYAL2aT]

So true. My teen son visits my mother (grandma) and she plays games on her phone … she’s accustomed to living alone and that has become her distraction and dopamine fix. Sadly, we’re all guilty of it and I notice and intentionally observe this while around family friends and out in public. It’s screens in front on their face in place of the human whose life is limited in that space 😢 We can’t let them use us or our children as pawns …

[@khemestre]

What are you reading on social media?? Its community events, grassroot groups, etc etc that are also on social media. Not saying your not seeing the other stuff you mentioned! But I'm reality its not going anywhere anytime soon!! 🤦🏾‍♂️ I e made my peace with it by making sure Im picking ane choosy about looking at causes and needs versus what jus appeals to me aesthetically!

[@claudiacorral4559]

I am Gen X and don´t use IG, FB, TT just watch very few content creators on youtube and I can say I am very happy, my activities: gardening, hiking, mountain bike, pet sitting, cooking and yoga :)

[@m5073]

I’m an ER physician. I can’t get my adolescent or teen patients to look at me when I speak to them. Parents seem timid even asking their children to get off their phone while the doctor is speaking to them. It’s such an issue.

[@user-bb8tz2kq7y]

The United States is now called Toddler Nation Teens and young Adults acting like little Toddlers 🤔

[@susanjohnson1428]

Why would a parent be timid about asking their child anything? It’s this kind of behavior from parents that has let this problem get out of hand. Who’s in charge? Sounds like the kids are. Unreal

[@London60797]

We need blame parents not children

[@susanjohnson1428]

@@London60797exactly

[@ashleyannephd]

It truly is sad to see the family disregulation around social media.

[@joec8942]

Quitting Instagram made my panic and anxiety attacks go away completely. I also have exponentially less violent random thoughts in response stressors. Best thing I’ve ever done for my mental well being.

[@admez2680]

Same here. Left Twitter in about 2020, FB in 2013. Limited YT now. Mental health improved drastically just by unplugging. The whole ecosphere of social media is poison for the mind.

[@HigherThinkersClub]

It is effectively impacting Adults also

[@MB-hz7wm]

We're the last generation who has a frame of reference for what life was like before/after cell phones and internet and I feel it's our duty to at least make an effort to show the value of both not relying on technology as well as the beauty and power it can offer us (personally and professionally). When younger generations are growing up valuing these things, they'll soon be parents raising their own kids instilling and/or condoning the same values.

[@rebeccacheinemann]

This parent is on board. Thanks Jonathan! No social media for my child.

[@KristinEatsPlants]

Same here

[@bfmchalfdead9804]

As a father, I lead by example and show them life outside or off the phones. I try my hardest as a parent to introduce them to everything but the digital world. In an age that kids can’t be kids it’s very disheartening

[@OttoLinked]

Being a a parent is challenging enough without social media. Now it’s a true battle.

[@johanalong2910]

Alright, this video was all ot took. No more social media. Even if its just for "editing" purposes. No more! A phone is a tool, not for lesure. Thank you guys for getting this out here. It matters for our future. ❤

[@a.wilcox5690]

I see parents out with their kid and the parent is on their phone ignoring the kid. The kid looks bored and disconnected.

[@susannamacari3476]

You guys are like guardian angels. Especially for the younger generation! Thank you so much Rich and Jonathan.

[@carmenbailey1560]

All this social media has made us all addict in one way or another. At 71 I’m connected to KZbin in place of TV. I’ve learnt quilting, cooking techniques, gardening styles. My husband watches anything about photography, birding segments, and Unfortunately, also the arrest going through security at airports. My grandsons do gaming all the time and my daughter says that’s the only way that her son can interact with his friends. my granddaughter on the other hand I don’t know what she watches, but I know her phone is always in her hand and so she is actually very socially disconnected to her grandparents, I don’t know if that’s abnormal but anyways that’s the way it is. Great podcast and yes this is another addicted connection.

[@adunzoroq33]

Hands down my biggest addiction is KZbin and especially long form podcasts like this one 🥲

[@thepetersfamily6323]

There are worse ways you could spend your time than listening to RRP. LOL

[@AvsFan32]

Same and it’s replaced reading for me 😔

[@potterylady44]

Omg yes

[@lisaleonard244]

I listen to long form podcasts while working out at the gym and hiking. I read at night. I quit social media 2 yrs ago. Life is way better and so is my mental health and self esteem.

[@joleh6077]

58:10 I'm from East Asia and I assure you, the social media problem is huge. As a collectivist society, feelings of isolation is a great fear even if people don't express openly. Almost all teens here are addicted to phones, obsessed with body image, status, and trending information. Mental health and suicide rates are going up like never before and we've hit OECD number 1 on the charts for suicide, especially among children. Hate crimes, bullying, suicide and mental health - all of these are on the rise and particularly among children and young adults and I believe apps and content ARE the direct source. Let our kids BE kids! They ARE the future.

[@spocksdaughter9641]

Thank you. I really appreciate imputei really have opportunity to know about....Best wishes to continue to Speak Up. Reguards American in the UK (on line since 1993)

[@michaeldean2053]

The genie never goes back in the bottle.

[@jithenin]

Thank you “ Rich “ for this PODCAST with “ Professor Jonathan “ ❤😊🙏

[@lotusfire7478]

The rule in my house, can’t get a phone until get a job. My oldest is 26 and my youngest is 10. My children are very independent and creative! I allowed them to have iPads but my husband and I place parental controls and limitations. It’s a privilege to have an electronic device. I teach families in the practice I work to place boundaries! Kids need this!

[@Alexanderyayaya]

Thanks for a great interview and thank you Jonathan for your work! This is how change begins 🤞🏻

[@courtneylarsen7674]

Such an incredibly important conversation. Thank you both!!!

[@chocolatemint9225]

Be the Mean Mom and Dad. It’s ok to set limits and say NO. My kids are college age now. They weren’t allowed to have a social media or smartphone until high school, and we always extremely limited their TV and computer time. They got a budget of a couple hours on Saturday/Sunday for media not related to homework, they could do gaming etc. They are thanking me now for not encouraging the addiction and they can see how devastating it is for their peers.

[@SirtsRohutirts]

My mother is PE teacher (the kind who at 50+ still shows and does everything). About 15 years ago she wrote a paper about Posture flaws in Basic school. At that time the school she works had a ratio about 3 posture flaws for 10 healthy children in class. By now it has flipped around. Basketball, volleyball, squats, skip rope etc are a struggle to teach cause the coordination has dropped significantly, and continues dropping. The national plan for PE subject has been made easier constantly to accommodate yet can't keep up with the drop and demands some creative thinking to even come close to achieving. By definition children aren't children anymore.. but more like young looking old people.

[@user-qc2qg1iz9w]

My neighbor has a 10-year-old boy.He has 2 phones and is constantly on both at the same time.Looking at different things. When I say something to her about it she looks at me and says he'll be okay. Very sad.

[@fixitfelix3207]

That was very good. Every parent should watch this episode.

[@leylaherr2395]

I’m so grateful I listened to my gut all those years ago. I have a 14 year old, 12 year old and 7 year old. I decided years ago no phone or social media until 18 and so far I’m doing great, and gaining confidence every day. My children are starting to notice the negative effects it is having on their friends, even making different friend choices bc of phone and media addictions. My older two have an Apple Watch that allows them to text and call family members only. This message needs to get out. I wish more parents had the guts to at least put some restrictions on their children. Even parents of children having bad problems feel like they can’t pull back. It’s so sad 😢

[@adriansanchez4875]

I wasn't really much of a social media person in high school and I remember one time I went to a party and like a week later even the friends that I literally drove to the party with(my car) didn't remember me being there because I didn't post anything because I didn't have IG or snap. These people aren't my friends anymore and I'm glad.

[@sandybeaches4248]

It's not just kids and teens !!! My 72 yr old retired husband ( I'm now positive he has undiagnosed ambergris) lives on his phone tablet and TV. One would think from his actions that he was a teenaged boy ! It's a mind numbing garbage trap !!!

[@thepetersfamily6323]

Agree 100% I am addicted and so is my husband. We're all sitting here like zombies on our own separate devices. And it's so hard to stop!

[@user-xp5id1kh4r]

what's "undiagnosed ambergris"?

[@sandybeaches4248]

A high functioning form of autism.

[@alex8480]

​@@user-xp5id1kh4rassuming she means aspergers?

[@JackKinross]

Thanks for this Rich, voices like Jonathan's are much needed right now, this is a crucial point in time re regulation.

[@ivanak7149]

this is such an eye opener

[@lisablanchard8915]

Another great conversation given by Rich ,who I believe to be one of the best interviewers of our time...giving answers to the pointed questions allowing the topics to elaborate so we can fully understand...very insightful and informative...your podcast always leaves me inspired Thank You

[@contechdownunder]

My sons high school just banned phones during school hours. That is a win for us in New Zealand!

[@carolinetheherbalist]

Our school board in the Toronto here is actually proceeding to sue the main social media platforms. Hopefully it sets a precedent like there was with litigation for 2nd hand smoke.

[@camnovak]

this was an incredible podcast. thank you for continuing to put out amazing conversations about so many importand issues

[@renatapaschoal7605]

Thx once more for bringing such a great guest, RR. The Anxious Generation book is my next read. 🔥🥰

[@gk_coach_mario3843]

This is some horrifying shit… scary proposition for us as parents, specially since we didn’t grow up with this type of technology at our fingertips… we’re in uncharted waters

[@ashleyannephd]

Thank you for this insightful conversation, Rich and Jonathan Haidt! Addressing the adverse effects of technology and social media on youth mental health is crucial. Your discussion on hyperconnectivity and proposed solutions opens the door to much-needed awareness and action. Looking forward to exploring more ways to support well-being in today's digital age as I continue my work.

[@Golgibaby]

Timestamp: 25:14 appreciative of the conversation about chemical addiction versus behavioral addiction. Mahalo for this conversation and the legacy of your work, both of you!

[@CarolGasses]

I’ve named it “popcorn brain”.

[@ChronicRachel643]

I'm so happy I found your youtube ! Topnotch! 🎉🎉

[@sheriready1830]

Thank you for another very important conversation.

[@mountainbuttons]

This is such an important conversation. Fantastic listen, if not an easy one.

[@joshram312-el2sm]

thank you for this Jonathan and Rich

[@thepetersfamily6323]

Thanks for this, Rich. Super important for moms, dads, educators and goverment decision makers. I hope this does bring people together to help stop all that is happening to our children. It's absolutely terrible and I honestly wish I'd never allowed my young child onto the internet. Very hard to put the poop back into the horse as they say....cheers

[@KolbyKay]

Great episode as always Rich! Jonathan’s new book has been an invaluable tool, that I hope will prompt us all to reevaluate the pressures and routines our children face daily. The analogy you discussed about how we grew up in the 90’s is a distant memory in a new day of technology and social media. The street lights illuminating warning after a day of childhood debauchery no longer serves as the curfew reminder it once represented. A few things I would add into the equation of where we find ourselves today... I've spent the past 5 years researching childhood suicide and patterns for a documentary project. There is a disturbing connection between adolescent mental health and family dynamics, particularly in single-parent or divorced households. These settings often lack crucial emotional and logistical support, exacerbating mental health issues and highlighting the need for stable, nurturing environments for our kids. Think of it this way - divorce rates in the USA are 35-50% for first marriages and 60-70% for second ones-adding complexity to family dynamics. Coupled with the rise of a "phone-based childhood," these factors create a challenging landscape not only for our children but also for their digitally-native parents. Many young parents, having never known a world without the internet, unknowingly perpetuate a cycle of sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, and social isolation, all of which Jonathan discusses in his book. These factors are pivotal in the deterioration of mental health among youths and, arguably, adults as well. Our brains are simply not equipped to handle the relentless barrage of information, stimulation, and interruptions that characterize modern adult life. However, I remain cautiously optimistic that through collective efforts from parents, educators, and policymakers, we can address this crisis and protect our children’s mental health. Thank you both for your vital contributions to this conversation. Cheers, Kolby

[@Jack_all]

Quitting facebook and social media was harder than quitting cigarettes for me an it took me 10 years and about 21 attempts to quit smoking.

[@professorkorezi]

I'll be getting the book right away

[@pkonneker]

It makes me super frustrated that the school has given my kids Chromebooks to bring home. I do not want that. Why are we pushing this? It does not make their education better in any substantive way, it's just a way for them to try and sneak screen time after bed and the like.

[@chocolatemint9225]

I’m a parent and teacher at a Chromebook district. Have them do their homework at the kitchen table or where you can see them and then turn it off. Set a time and they turn the machine on to you for the night.

[@LP-dc7fh]

@@chocolatemint9225all these school districts were “gifted” computers by the very companies that want to build a brand with the next generation. What data is being collected by the variety of programs that schools require children to use for testing and mind numbing exercises? Books are better, especially for young children.

[@courtneylarsen7674]

ok right?! My first grader was given a Chromebook with a game called Prodigy on it. Granted it’s “educational” but my son was 100% addicted to it. Irritable when it was taken away, asked for it all the time, etc. We have a tv with limited screen time but my kids have never been on a tablet or iPad or anything else. I assumed because the school sent it home it must be “ok.” Now I’m deep in research and it compulsory government run schooling and the benefits of homeschooling.

[@marianasalles242]

Precious conversation💚🙏🏻🌍✨

[@dawn7220]

I'm sending this to all of my contacts

[@saskhiker3935]

I have a son who is the Iphone generation. Born 2000. In his teens he would have his friends over and they would sit in their room on their phones and not speak to eachother. What was the point of being together is they weren't connecting

[@justaliz1887]

I quite social media entirely, aside from KZbin (because I like to learn from tutorials and what not). It took me a few tries to leave for good, but I haven’t been back for 6 months now and don’t plan on going back. My mental health has improved IMMENSELY in this time. I also feel like I escaped the Matrix. When I watch others scroll on FB or Instagram, it feels bizarre to me now.

[@larryberman3837]

Fascinating discussion. It occurred to me that perhaps a way out of this is to remove the child’s unlimited data plan to a limited data plan that will get used up quickly by these apps. The children will get a little exposure but will also learn the lesson of rationing.

[@lilporkchop321]

I halfway agree on the videogame topic, mostly because of the way game design has changed. Back before online play was wide spread and games were more compartmentalized to one console, one location and local split screen multiplayer. Back then games were designed to be ENGAGING over moment to moment gameplay, now they're designed to be ADDICTING over a much longer timeframe. That's a fundamentally different approach to how games are designed and played which is incredibly predatory and unhealthy.

[@BrigitteLeroux-eq5wf]

In France and Belgium, the phone is not allowed at school! Have a nice day. Brigitte

[@bellelacroix5938]

Ugh. No social media is one thing but they can still Google and get on sites that will ruin the innocence of a child in 5 minutes and there's no going back from that.

[@TheAnaglyph]

I have 4 children who all attend a Waldorf school. I know that not everyone has that privilege, but the schools have a no social media policy through middle school, no phone policy at school and they spend time outside every day, rain or shine. It’s one of the few school pedagogies that applies Dr Haidt’s plan.

[@patmuller4461]

I thought that when the internet first came out that we would have world peace and the end of suffering, if we just knew about what was happening, we would do something.

[@JOEBOWERY]

great stuff !

[@Thorny1974]

I agree 100% with how the phone/media is negatively impacting our children. I am hesitant to agree with the no cell phone at school rule for very selfish reasons. We have had a couple cases where there was gun fire reported near our school and it was very comforting to get a text that everything was okay. I know those cases are very few and far between, but given all of the school violence, there's always a sense of fear looming over parents; and having a way to communicate with a child quickly does help to assuage some of those fears. I would love to hear how Mr. Haidt would respond to those fears.

[@coyotepeyote]

My 60 year old mom is more addicted to her phone than i am as a 30 year old millennial, it's not just kids who've been sucked in, i agree though it's much worse for kids, i'm proud that my sister and her husband haven't let my nephews have phones yet, their oldest who's in 7th grade just has one of those watches that only lets him contact a handful of people and doesn't have social apps.

[@Diana-dl2ft]

I'm 29, didn't have a phone until 16, and I don't use social media but tiktok was the hardest thing to quit even though I didn't post anything. Now I only use YT and it's made a huge difference in my anxiety levels and attention span

[@conorpaulpurcell3403]

The corporations behind all this will be judged by history and need to be brought to justice

[@carolinetheherbalist]

At 14:00 talking about in the 90s people let their kids out on their own, the reason actually was that there were still predominantly 1-parent working households!! I have a vivid memory of moms all being home and parks were full with moms and kids, so even though we roamed free on our bikes and skateboards we knew each house was not empty, there were trusted people home everywhere in the neighborhoods! When did it become necessary for both parents to work to barely survive financially? Why are salaries no longer allowing households to rarely have single income earner??

[@WillMoon]

I have some next door neighbors who have an 11 year old boy. Our yards are super small, it’s suburbia after all, but when I was a kid, part of my chores would have been to go and cut the grass once every two weeks. I do that now, just how I maintain my yard. Instead of having their 11 year old do it, these people hired a lawn care service at $45 a month to cut approx 800 square feet of rectangular grass. Kids need to learn how to do work, not just play. And learn about rewards for doing it… being able to go play games was always a reward when I was a kid, not the default.

[@chrisjeanneret5091]

There was a radio ad years ago about a summer camp. The tagline was "Give us your kid, we'll send you back a new one." Unfortunately, they later felt the need to add a disclaimer that it was not literally true. People are too literal minded, or perhaps some parents hoped it was literally true!

[@figgettit]

empathy is an interest in the details of the social system. It is literally systematising. one thing is for sure, men don't understand how women think or how to explain it.

[@ShaneHarveyMusic]

I raised 2 boys and video games were the biggest and hardest part of all parenting aspects. You should say ‘don’t let your boys play video games !!!’. It destroys so much of the right verses wrong brain development. Running over pregnant women, pushing strollers and police officers in GTA with no price paid teaches a terrible terrible lesson. Its an awful creation.

[@Gypsisoul1111]

maybe I didn't understand his stance on Social Security, I hope he didn't mean that I am not entitled to every cent I PAID into social security? It is all I have to live on now.

[@leslieaustin4147]

Not to mention that they are now TAXING our social security! What a NASTY surprise for us who have worked hard and now count on this money. SHAME on our government for stealing from us

[@PippiBarbieri]

I wonder what his view is about what is non political journalism - is all the major media outlets non political when it gets money from many addictive consumer products! Drug and food companies are the same companies!

[@rickjaime100]

I thought there was a clip where they were discussing online dating apps and how destructive they are for adult men and women...but I can't find that section. Any help would be appreciated!

[@michellem1700]

I didn’t want my kids to have phones but my husband a techie 🧑‍💻 caved and gave them phones way before I would have wanted and and I always had to be telling him to monitor or control their use I kind of gave up 😢

[@MarionMM]

Defending the NTY after their intentional inaccurate make-believe unprofessional reporting on Oct 7th is psychotic.

[@wertcon]

Excellent interview as usua and guest as usual. BUT, I found a bit of propaganda when talking about "trolls" and "conspiracy theories" and "not sharing my opinions". Where else am I gonna share what I think?

[@sedohrj87]

Lol I'm 36 now. But even back when I was 23 I remember having the awareness that little children growing up on social media are test rats. And it's sad because no one was even paying attention.

[@a.wilcox5690]

What about giving our kids only flip phones until they are 16? But the reality is that kids share social media so the kid with the SmartPhone will share material with your kid.

[@joelharvey]

It would be amazing if we suspended use of social media for 6 months, just so everyone could experience life without it and realise what we're missing.

[@GypsyIrishNewfieNomad]

Some parents love a built in babysitter and don't give a s$%t ....such a shame. S.M is toxic

[@Jorgerauhltorres]

The phone is the new babysitter. I see parents often hand over their phone to their kiddos cause it’s the only way they’re able to keep them calm.

[@sew1what]

How about taking porn off and out of "social" media....uuumm...ya when did it become legal to potentially expose minors to this from emotional sexual assault to a young developing mind. It's the media companies that market our children and ourselves as well.

[@sew1what]

We allow it. Thank U sirs for your awesome work. Truly thank you for your service ❤🤍🙏

[@TechOutAdam]

This dude trying to be too safe. There’s very much conspiracies around Nine Eleven to this day. Stronger even.

[@PureSparkles22]

They should ban Ipads from school too

[@natbarmore]

1:11:03 citation needed for the accusation that librarians are pushing agendas [in any meaningful numbers-I’m sure there’s a librarian or three somewhere that are doing this on some level]. From what I’ve seen in news and in the profession and from the ALA is staunch resistance to parents and governments _wanting_ librarians to do that. I’ve also seen far too many instances of librarians being pushed out of the equation due to refusing to push an agenda, and then non-librarians running the libraries. Am I completely missing something, or did you just throw librarians on the list because they’re public-interfacing knowledge workers?

[@michisaitama]

all notifications off. only time my phone makes noise is when my wife calls me.

[@marissaproulx3516]

I'm not saying that age limits and locking a kids phone up during school aren't helpful. But, we need to assist children and adolescents in setting healthy boundaries with their phones. It's like our drinking culture. Kids go hard at 21 or earlier when they head off to college, military, and adulthood. Restriction isnt enough. Parents need to model better behaviors as well when it comes to social media. It's entire cultural shift around phone/social media culture that needs attention

[@courtneylarsen7674]

Totally agree with this, and we also wouldn’t say “let’s show this 15 year old how to drink responsibly.” Once a parent introduces social media (16? 18?) there needs to be a level of healthy modeling and lots of conversation. In the meantime, a parent probably should restrict their access if they’re simultaneously on social ALL the time.

[@benjammin105123]

The kids can have limited data plans. Block social media through the router so they cant get it on wifi. Self limiting system.

[@thepetersfamily6323]

It's rather difficult to make blanket statements like this. My teenager has no "social media". However, all of her friends do at school. So she sees all the things on their phones. Also, the schools use KZbin as a learning tool, however, KZbin is also social media, with the newer "YT shorts" and the algorithms to keep us watching/addicted. I use distraction free KZbin and adblock plus on Chrome browser - it does help somewhat because of the less clutter. If the schools are using apps and YT as a learning tool with no way to block out unwanted content, esp for middle and highschool-aged kids, then it's next to impossible to block things like YT for our kids! I am aware of YT KIDS but for teens that doesn't work. One example I have is that my child had to be 18 or older to watch an open heart surgery on YT, but she could easily look up very graphic violence or inappropriate/pornographic content from various videos with no issue. And there is no real age verification in place most of the time for most apps. Super easy to bypass. That's a tech company issue, as parents we can't control all of this! It's impossible because new apps and sites are coming up all the time literally by the hour! Snapchat is on many kids phones and I know of 14 year old girls who are being sextorted IN SCHOOL during class time. Smart phones need to be banned for all schools. Flip phones fine. Smart phones = lock them up! We adults have no idea what is going on. Luckily my teenager tells me some things but I'm sure I'm also in the dark on a lot and I'm a hypervigilant parent. So god help the other kids whose parents are not even this involved. The kids are screwed!

[@benjammin105123]

You make some great points. Especially with KZbin. I wish they would have never come up with Shorts. They say you can turn it off but I cant figure out how.

[@CoachMak]

Huge Haidt fan but for the LOVE OF GOD, SOMEONE GET HIM TO STOP WHISPERING

[@PureSparkles22]

Instagram is way worse than snapchat imo

[@mattsmith259]

As a boy, you told me play was bad! As a young adult, you told me play was bad! As an adult man, you tell me sex and play are bad! .... me.... im out! We need to give more Adderall!!!! 😂

[@mattsmith259]

Kids are way more innovative and trustworthy than adults! An adult will look you in the eye and lie to you most times! Kids mostly tell the truth.

[@sacric1de]

As time went on, the mission to give information to the user, was reversed. Ive never seen so much useless, nonsense vids, articles in my life. They all come off as about the same quality of popup ads from unsavory websites

[@popatatina]

Thank you for this podcast, it's surely an interesting topic to every concerned parent. Sadly I disagree with Jonathan Haidt's diminishing attitude towards the harmful influence that video games have on boys. Also, there is no word about po£n which, same as video games, also affects boys more than girls. This is the second podcast where the expert directly or indirectly favours girls, much disappointing.

[@theIdlecrane]

When I was a kid in the 90s the girls bought girlie magazines and cut out pictures to put them in their school diaries. Fast forward to today, the girls stare at their phone and suddenly decide they want to be a dude … Progress, right ? 😅

[@madisonsnellings8501]

Why do we have to make everything about trans people?

[@Vitestrategy]

Are kids afraid of social death because parents did not ensile their kids to value them selves and create their own path in life.

[@karlaloero-gordon1388]

The reason I got my kid a phone was for all the shootings going on in school. I would like for them to be able to call me. It’s a big price to pay with all the other consequences.

[@London60797]

How does it help ?

[@thepetersfamily6323]

@@London60797 I keep thinking this as well. This young woman was just killed in the US and dismembered after going on a date with a guy. The family had 360 life or something on her phone and did it stop her from being murdered? NOPE! I think we fool ourselves into thinking that we NEED these phones. What about the girl that got murdered on campus while running alone? Did it stop her from getting murdered? No it didn't. It might help in criminal cases though such as Kohberger, etc. But overall I think the negative outweighs the good for these devices. A flip phone could also call 911!!!

[@bpg201]

It's horrific we have to think about that so much in this country......

[@DebbiDePalma]

So thankful for Rich and the team🙏🏽🙌🙏🏽🫶

[@spojce9]

whatever luddites

[@KingLouisII]

Barring kids from being able to have phones at school is a terrible reactive response. But I get it, and the problem is not phones... the problem is smart phones. Kids should get a flip phone to take to school. Plus, it should be a law that teachers can confiscate phones at any time, to be mandatorily relinquished at the end of the school day. Libertarians are idiots, most of the time. (Speaking as a former Libertarian) I was not allowed to have a phone or pager in school, but then the school shootings started to rise. Kid's calling 911 have been instrumental for authorities learning about incidents, then being relayed shooter location by those on the inside. Plus, I had to use a pay phone to contact my folks after all the adults went home. Thise do not exist. We live in a different world. Don't try to roll back the clock, but rather learn to deal with the world as it is.

[@Seinfeldfour]

So shitty parenting has caused this problem.

[@BeHo-ci8zw]

Grow up and start to learn. School has made you to view the world in one way. People that give a crap see it in many ways. Every generation has issues with the younger generation. You aged into an older person and you just don’t know how to interact with people. You are in charge of your life. Grow and learn. Kids need parents.

[@nancyroberts9776]

Don’t have kids. Problem solved.