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The Anxious Generation

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Jonathan Haidt

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A must-read for all parents, this generation-defining investigation delves into the alarming decline of youth mental health amid the rise of smartphones, social media, and big tech. After years of stability, adolescent mental health plummeted in the early 2010s, with significant increases in depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide rates. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explores the epidemic of teen mental illness affecting many countries, examining the vital role of play and independent exploration in childhood development. He traces the decline of the “play-based childhood” since the 1980s and its replacement by the “phone-based childhood” of the 2010s. Haidt identifies over a dozen ways this shift has disrupted children's social and neurological growth, including sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, addiction, and social comparison. He highlights the unique vulnerabilities of girls to social media and the alarming trend of boys retreating into virtual worlds. Most importantly, Haidt calls for action, outlining four simple rules to combat these issues and proposing steps for parents, educators, tech companies, and governments to help end the mental health crisis and foster a healthier childhood. His insights are vital for safeguarding the well-being of future generations.