Episode 87 | Apr 11, 2024
Jonathan Haidt On How to Solve the Teen Mental Health Crisis
Suicides. Self-harm. Depression and anxiety. The toll of a social media-addicted, phone-based childhood has never been more stark. It can be easy for teens, parents, and schools to feel like they’re trapped by it all. But in this conversation with Tristan Harris, author and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt makes the case that the conditions that led to today’s teenage mental health crisis can be turned around – with specific, achievable actions we all can take starting today.
This episode was recorded live at the San Francisco Commonwealth Club.
Correction: Tristan mentions that 40 Attorneys General have filed a lawsuit against Meta for allegedly fostering addiction among children and teens through their products. However, the actual number is 42 Attorneys General who are taking legal action against Meta.
Clarification: Jonathan refers to the Wait Until 8th pledge. By signing the pledge, a parent promises not to give their child a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade. The pledge becomes active once at least ten other families from their child’s grade pledge the same.
Other recommended reading
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Haidt’s essential investigation into the collapse of youth mental health - and a plan for a healthier, freer childhood
Of Boys and Men by Richard Reeves
A positive vision for masculinity in a more equal world
It Sure Looks Like Phones Are Making Students Dumber by Derek Thompson
In The Atlantic, Thompson lays out how test scores have been falling for years, even before the pandemic
AI Is About to Make Social Media (Much) More Toxic by Jonathan Haidt and Eric Schmidt
Haidt and Schmidt’s warning published in The Atlantic
letgrow.org
Haidt is a founding member of this non-profit that is focused on leading a movement for childhood independence
Youth Toolkit from the Center for Humane Technology
A resource to help fix our broken social media environment
