We are the first generation of parents raising kids in the age of smartphones. As such, there is very little guidance around finding a healthy balance of screen time and non screen time activities.
At the same time, we’re seeing a concerning rise in mental health issues in our teenagers. Coincidence? Research is saying no.
In this episode, I discuss the connection between increased anxiety in teens and the rise of smartphones using the book “The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt.
Key Points Discussed:
- The correlation between the introduction of smartphones and a rise in teen anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide.
- Play-based childhood (active, social interaction) being replaced by phone-based childhoods (disembodied, asynchronous communication).
- How Phones hinder the development of social and emotional skills.
- The opportunity cost of a phone-based childhood (social deprivation, sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation).
- Jonathan Haidt's proposed solution: "Building a ladder from childhood to adulthood" - a gradual introduction of responsibilities and independence.
This is the first of two episodes on the topic, so stay tuned for Part 2!
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