Brew Panel, Sept. 10, 2024
John Mopper - May 13. 2024
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Brew Panel, Sept. 10, 2024
John Mopper - May 13. 2024
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To help parents of high school students understand Jonathan Haidt's research on technology, social media, and its impact on teens, there are several excellent resources available. Haidt's upcoming book *The Anxious Generation* explores how the shift to phone-based childhood is contributing to a mental health crisis. His research points to the significant role smartphones and social media play in rising anxiety and depression, especially among adolescents, starting around 2012. Haidt argues that the reduction of free play, autonomy, and face-to-face interaction has stunted emotional development and resilience (ExcelinEd) (Jonathan Haidt).
For parents interested in actionable solutions, Haidt also recommends reducing screen time and encouraging more unstructured, tech-free play. Some helpful resources include:
1. Haidt's website where you can find his work, including published studies and video talks about social media's effects on teens ([jonathanhaidt.com](https://jonathanhaidt.com)) (Jonathan Haidt)
2. ExcelinEd shares insights on Haidt's research into the "Great Rewiring" and the benefits of schools going "phone-free" (ExcelinEd).
3. For a more critical view, check out *Reason*, which questions the statistical methods in studies on social media's impact, providing a balanced perspective (Reason.com).
These resources offer a blend of understanding the problem and steps parents can take to encourage healthier habits in their teens.