The Anxious Generation
How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
Jonathan Haidt argues that childhood shifted from play-based to phone-based at a pace that may have contributed to worsening adolescent mental health.
He emphasizes social media, sleep, attention, independence, and in-person play. The PDF pairs the book with Daily Show and World Economic Forum interviews.
Restore experience
Increase independence, responsibility, outdoor play, and face-to-face time.
Coordinate norms
Work with families and schools so one child does not have to resist alone.
Read evidence
Separate correlation, mechanisms, experiments, trends, and debate.
It frames technology as a shared developmental environment rather than only an individual discipline problem.
Parents, educators, school leaders, counselors, and older students examining evidence and technology norms.
Explore the resource
By Jonathan Haidt · Penguin Press, 2024
Mental-health trends have multiple causes. Pair this resource with peer-reviewed research and clinical guidance.