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Join Delaney Ruston, MD, a leading authority on parenting in the digital age and the filmmaker of the award-winning Screenagers movies, as she explores strategies for raising screen-wise and tech-balanced youth. Through interviews with researchers, thought leaders, and young people themselves, the Screenagers Podcast delivers the latest in science along with practical tips and important insights that parents will want to share with their kids and teens.

Jun 10, 2024

Is social media, smartphones, and the sheer amount of time that young people are on screens really the main reason for the rise in mental health problems of today’s youth? On today’s episode, we delve into this pressing issue with Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, and author of the current New York Times bestselling book, "The Anxious Generation". His insights provide a clear and compelling explanation of why this indeed is likely the case. Beyond just correlational studies, what do actual experiments show us about the link between teen mental health and screen time? Why is the time of puberty particularly concerning when it comes to handing over smartphones and social media? Why does social media seem to impact girls more negatively than boys? These are just some of the questions that today’s episode addresses. In addition, Haidt offers two solutions for improving teen mental health. This episode is not just for adults but also for teens who are directly affected by these issues. Of note, suicidal ideation is mentioned briefly in the episode. 

Featured Expert

Jonathan Haidt, PhD

Research References

Links to research discussed in the episode

Additional Links 

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Time Code

00:00 Introduction to The Screenagers Podcast
00:23 Meet Jonathan Haidt, Author and Social Psychologist
01:29 The Anxious Generation: Key Insights
02:06 Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
03:52 Gender Differences in Mental Health Trends
05:57 Correlational and Experimental Studies on Screen Time
09:04 The Natural Experiment of Facebook's Rollout
12:31 The Hidden Dangers of Social Media
16:59 Aggression and Social Cruelty Online
19:25 Proposed Solutions and Parental Involvement
21:21 Conclusion and Resources