Good Inside with Dr. Becky The Anxious Generation with Jonathan Haidt
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Mar 26, 2024 
Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist from NYU and best-selling author of The Anxious Generation, dives into the alarming effects of technology on kids' mental health. He explores how smartphones and social media have replaced play, contributing to rising anxiety, especially in girls. Haidt discusses the importance of unstructured play for development and offers hope with practical solutions for parents. The conversation balances the need for independence in childhood with mindfulness around digital dangers, aiming to foster healthier, happier youth.
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The Great Rewiring of Childhood
- Teen mental health declined drastically between 2010 and 2015.
- This shift correlates with the rise of smartphones and social media, impacting childhood development.
An Unprecedented Crisis
- While every generation worries about new technologies, the current mental health crisis is unprecedented.
- The speed and severity of the decline distinguish it from previous moral panics.
The Importance of Play
- Play, especially unsupervised, mixed-age play with some risk involved, is crucial for child development.
- It allows children to learn social skills, navigate conflict, and build competence.
