"The Anxious Generation" written by Jonathan Haidt

In The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness social psychologist Jonathan Haidt lays out the facts about the epidemic of teen mental illness that hit many countries at the same time - a time marked by the advent of the smartphone.  Below is a summary of some of the issues identified by Haidt that affect boys.

1. Smartphones and Social Media:

○ Boys and Gaming: Haidt emphasises that boys are particularly drawn to online gaming. The allure of immersive virtual worlds, competitive challenges, and the camaraderie of online gaming communities can lead to excessive screen time. Boys may spend hours playing games, often at the expense of other activities like physical exercise, face-to-face interactions, or homework.

○ Pornography: While not exclusive to boys, pornography consumption is a significant concern. Access to explicit content has become easier due to smartphones. Boys may stumble upon it accidentally or actively seek it out. The impact of early exposure to sexual content on adolescent development is a topic of debate.

2. Online Risks and Mental Health:

○ Cyberbullying: Boys can be victims of cyberbullying, just like girls. Hurtful messages, exclusion, or ridicule can lead to anxiety and depression. 

○ Violent Content: Boys are more likely to encounter violent or disturbing content online. Whether through video games, social media, or YouTube, exposure to graphic violence can desensitize them and affect their mental well-being.

○ Comparison and Self-Esteem: Social media platforms often showcase curated versions of people's lives. Boys may compare themselves to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression.

3. Delayed Emotional Development:

○ Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction: Boys spending excessive time online may miss out on crucial face-to-face interactions. These interactions help develop empathy, communication skills, and emotional intelligence.

○ Delayed Independence: Overprotective parenting can hinder boys' independence. When they don't have opportunities to explore the world on their own, they may struggle with decision-making, risk assessment, and coping skills.

4. Educational Implications:

○ Classroom Distractions: Smartphones in schools can disrupt learning. Removing phones from schools is a strong recommendation.

○ Sleep Disruption: Boys often use screens late into the night, affecting their sleep quality. Sleep deprivation contributes to anxiety and mood disturbances.

5. Balancing Screen Time:

○ Parental Guidance: Parents should actively monitor screen time, set boundaries, and encourage outdoor activities. They can engage in open conversations about online risks and mental health.

○ Digital Literacy: Teaching boys critical thinking, media literacy, and responsible online behaviour is essential. They need to understand the impact of their digital choices.

"The Anxious Generation" underscores the need for a holistic approach to address the mental health challenges faced by boys. By fostering a healthy balance between online and offline experiences, we can better support their well-being and emotional development. 

The Anxious Generation is available at the Palmerston North City Library.  Click here to read a review published by The Guardian newspaper.