The "Kids These Days!" Effect

Every generation believes “kids these days” are going downhill — ruder, lazier, less capable. But new research says we’ve been wrong for over 2,000 years. In this Doctor’s Desk episode, Justin and Kylie unpack why we keep blaming young people, the psychology behind the “decline” myth, and how it’s hurting our kids more than helping.

This one will make you rethink how you see today’s youth — and maybe even yourself.

KEY POINTS

• Why every generation thinks the next one is “worse” — and why they’re wrong
• The two psychological traps that make adults unfairly judge kids
• How nostalgia and selective memory distort our view of the past
• What the data actually says about modern kids (it’s not what you think)
• Why criticising “kids these days” says more about adults than children
• How negative stereotypes harm young people — and how to stop it

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“The complaints reveal more about us than about the kids.” — Dr Justin Coulson

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Study: Why the youth of today seem lacking — John Protzko & Jonathan Schooler, Science Advances
• The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Catch your nostalgia: When you find yourself saying “back in my day,” pause and question it.
2. Look for strengths: Notice what today’s young people are doing right — and tell them.
3. Model respect: Show the behaviour you want to see, across all generations.
4. Stay curious: Ask your kids what the world looks like from their eyes.

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