Aspen Ideas to Go What is Missing in the Lives of America’s Young People?
Nov 21, 2024
Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General focused on youth mental health, teams up with Kaya Henderson, a leader at the Center for Rising Generations, to tackle the issues plaguing America's young people. They discuss alarming trends in loneliness and anxiety, highlighting the detrimental role of social media. The conversation also emphasizes the need for educational reforms that nurture holistic development and community belonging. Finally, they advocate for empowering youth leadership to redefine success and promote a kinder, more connected environment.
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Youth Loneliness Epidemic
- Loneliness and lack of social connection are widespread among young people in America.
- This isolation deeply harms mental health and sense of belonging in critical development years.
Holistic Education Benefits Kids
- Education must nurture whole child identity including individual, community, and societal roles.
- Engaging purpose and belonging improves academic outcomes more than focusing only on reading and math.
Social Media Warning Labels Needed
- Implement warning labels on social media to inform parents and youth of mental health risks.
- Advocate for legislative reform requiring social platforms to introduce safety guardrails protecting young users.