What are we READING?

 

As a learning community, many teachers and administrators are reading this new book in order to better understand the influence of digital devices and social media on our children and young adults:

The Anxious Generation – 

How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness 

by Jonathan Haidt

Social Psychologist, Jonathan Haidt examines the rising levels of anxiety and depression among young people and proposes a roadmap for a healthier childhood. 

Through an analysis of the major cultural, societal, and technological changes over the last two decades, Haidt claims we are seeing the disappearance of childhood due to the number of hours our children spend on digital devices and unrestricted social media. 

How has childhood changed? What is the impact of less play time, more screen time?

The 4 Foundational Harms:

1. Social deprivation
2. Sleep deprivation
3. Attention Fragmentation
4. Addiction

What can families and schools do?

• Value unstructured play
• Set limits on screen time
• Encourage face to face interaction
• Help children develop a sense of direction and meaning in life

If you would like to join a Community Conversation about this book, make your interest known to your school’s principal.