Technology’s Impact on Children and Teens

by Lori Cunningham

In his groundbreaking book The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt dives into the growing concern surrounding technology’s impact on children and teens.

Haidt identifies what he calls “The Great Rewiring of Childhood,” emphasizing how smartphones, social media, and gaming are transforming childhood experiences, leading to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and social disconnection.

Technology’s Impact on Children and Teens: A Growing Concern

Haidt describes the modern digital era as a time of “rewiring” kids’ brains, behavior, and relationships. Instead of free play and in-person interactions, children now spend countless hours on devices.

Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, along with addictive online games, fuel comparison, dependency, and overstimulation.

This shift has significantly contributed to rising rates of anxiety and depression, particularly among teens.

As Haidt explains, understanding technology’s impact on children and teens is essential for helping parents and schools address these growing challenges.

Parental Strategies for a Balanced Tech Life

WellConnectedMom along with Jonathan Haidt share practical steps for parents to regain control and reduce the negative effects of technology:

• Elevated Responsibility:
  • Start with a flip phone to limit distractions.
  • If using an app phone, ensure limited apps are installed. Be cautious, as kids can create additional accounts without your knowledge.
  • Delay Instagram and TikTok access until age 16. If allowed, connect as “friends” to stay aware of the activity.
  • Use a location tracker for safety—both ways for the entire family.
• Build Connection:
  • Encourage lots of playdates and face-to-face activities (without devices).
  • Explore AI tools together to guide curiosity and learning.

These strategies help parents mitigate technology’s impact on children and teens by fostering healthier habits and connections.

The Role of Schools

Haidt highlights how schools can work alongside families to address these issues:

• Implementing tech-free zones or phone policies.
• Encouraging real-world interactions over screens.
• Integrating physical activities and group collaboration.

By creating balance, schools play a vital role in reducing reliance on devices during critical development years.

Why It Matters: Mental Health at Stake

The overuse of technology affects kids beyond just screen time—it impacts mental health, relationships, and identity. Jonathan Haidt explains that early access to smartphones and social media shortens attention spans, increases comparison, and weakens resilience.

Haidt’s research reveals that technology’s impact on children and teens is particularly harmful to adolescent girls, as social media often magnifies insecurities.

By limiting screen time and encouraging real-world activities, parents and schools can help kids thrive.

A Mom’s Perspective

Reading Haidt’s The Anxious Generation hit home for me. I’ve witnessed how technology can isolate kids, replacing laughter and exploration with endless scrolling.  

I have written many times about teens and cell phones as my children were growing up.  I strongly advise that a child’s first cellphone is a flip phone, one that makes texting difficult and tedious.

Setting up clear app boundaries and prioritizing playdates over idle alone time are two other good pieces of advice Haidt advocates.

Technology is not going away.  It’s not about banning technology but building responsibility, trust, and stronger family connections. As parents, we can lead the way.

P.S.  Cyberbullying happens frequently.  Read How to Handle Cyberbullying to learn more.

Source:

Jonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation
NYT Bestseller, Released March 25, 2024