In his latest book “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness,” Jonathan Haidt explores the rise of anxiety in children and teens. Haidt details many factors contributing to increased anxiety and a decline in youth mental health, and points to two key issues: 1. a lack of unstructured play and appropriate risk-taking, and 2. the rise of technology and widespread use of smart phones. As parents, we know his observations are true. Kids are on their phones too much and missing out on real connections with their peers. As a result, we are raising more anxious, lonely, and depressed kids. Despite these disturbing trends, Haidt is hopeful and prescribes four key solutions we can implement as a community:
- No smart phones before high school
- No social media until age 16
- Phone-free schools
- More independence, more free play
We know that a tech-free, overnight summer camp or program can help kids make friends, take appropriate risks, gain independence and, maybe most importantly, let them just be kids again.
Haidt was recently interviewed for his book on “The Daily Show,” and he ended the segment by saying, “If we love our children, the best thing we can give them is a real, human childhood.” The Tips on Trips and Camps team of advisors could not agree more, and we are here to help kids rediscover childhood through an overnight camp, trip or other unique summer experience. Ask us how!
