What's Happening?
Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and professor at NYU's Stern School of Business, has highlighted the negative impact of excessive screen time on children's mental health. In his book 'The Anxious Generation,' Haidt links the rise in youth depression and anxiety to increased screen usage. He emphasizes the importance of reducing screen time, suggesting that devices should not be allowed in children's bedrooms and should be stored in a designated area. Haidt's recommendations come amid reports that show a significant percentage of children and teens own personal devices, with screen time averaging eight to ten hours daily, excluding school-related use.
Why It's Important?
The issue of screen time is critical as it affects the mental health and development of children and teenagers. With a large portion of young people owning personal devices, the potential for negative impacts on their wellbeing is significant. Haidt's call to action is aimed at parents and educators to reconsider how technology is integrated into children's lives. By implementing stricter controls on screen time, there is potential to mitigate the rise in mental health issues among youth, which could lead to healthier development and improved academic and social outcomes.
