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The Anxious Generation

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

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The Anxious Generation

By: Jonathan Haidt
Narrated by: Sean Pratt
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

THE NO.1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
A TIMES, FT, ECONOMIST AND INDEPENDENT BOOK OF THE YEAR

Acclaimed psychologist Jonathan Haidt reveals how the decline of free-play in childhood and the rise of smartphone use among adolescents is changing our world

From 2010, as teens traded in their flip phones for smartphones packed with social media apps, unsupervised time online soared while face-to-face conversations with friends and family plummeted, and so did mental health. This profound shift took place against a backdrop of diminishing childhood freedom and over-supervision in the real world, depriving children of the experiences they most need to become strong and self-governing adults.

The Anxious Generation delves into the latest research to show how this shift from free-play to smartphones disrupts development – from sleep deprivation to addiction – and lays the foundations of isolation and fear that define society today. Grounded in ancient wisdom and packed full of cutting-edge science and practical advice, this eye-opening book is a life-raft for anyone who wants to understand how the most rapid rewiring of human relationships and consciousness in human history has made it harder for all of us to think, focus, forget ourselves enough to care about others and build close relationships.

‘Jonathan Haidt is a modern-day prophet, disguised as a psychologist . . . He points the way forward to a brighter, stronger future for us all’ Susan Cain, New York Times best-selling author of Quiet Power

'Urgent and essential' Guardian

'One of the most terrifying books I have read . . . some of the statistics Haidt quotes are truly shocking' Evening Standard

©2024 Jonathan Haidt (P)2024 Penguin Audio

 Best of 2024 Mental Health Parenting & Families Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Social Psychology & Interactions Teenagers Health

Critic Reviews

A very important book (Bessel van der Kolk)
Compelling, readable – and incredibly chilling . . . a terrifying assessment of the digital carnage . . . remarkably persuasive . . . a clarion-call to parents everywhere (Lucy Denyer)
A game-changer for society . . . The statistics that Haidt offers are jaw-dropping . . . although this book is about young people, it will resonate with many of us . . . I can’t recommend this book highly enough; everyone should read it (Stella O’Malley)
A book of devastating observations . . . his data is startling . . . robust scientific evidence for what we've all come to assume is true . . . it's the sheer scale of harm depicted here that should galvanise us (Simon Ings)
Forget horror; this is one of the most terrifying books I have read . . . some of the statistics Haidt quotes are truly shocking . . . a persuasive and rousing argument (Anna Davis)
Urgent and essential . . . it ought to become a foundational text for the growing movement to keep smartphones out of schools, and young children off social media (Sophie McBain)
Lucid, memorable, galvanizing (Meghan Cox Gurdon)
Erudite, engaging, crusading (Tracy Dennis-Tiwary)
All stars
Most relevant
if you're a parent, you can't skip this book. Lays out the risks in modern society posed by the internet, gaming and social media, and the lifelong consequences it can have on kids of all changes. Logical and backed by studies.

A must read/listen

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There are a lot of valuable insights into the effects of the digital world on our children. Even if you don't agree with the author's views, it's important to be aware of the facts.

A great read for parents of young or teen children.

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This book nailed the causes of anxiety in young people. We need to be informed and prepared to start speaking up and ensuring all children have the opportunity to have the childhoods they need in order to grow into happy and functioning members of society. A must read for anyone concerned about children.

Should be compulsory reading for everyone

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Understanding the negative impacts on our children. Eye opening research that I could relate to.

Must have reading for all parents

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All makes perfect sense when written this way, regardless of whether his research results are questionable or not. As a parent of teenagers and a teacher, I found this very helpful. I really do hope that this is going to cause a bit of a backlash to allow children to once again become children and play.

Fascinating and insightful read

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an exceptionally great overview of the social soup our kids are growing up in. Including horrifying statistics AND fantastic solutions.

Every parent please read this!

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This book is for every parent, so much is explained and
makes sense. Be open and objective and you’ll a

Every parents must read!

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I loved how this book outlines clear and practical ways of bringing our children back from the tech web. I have already implanted some strategies with my own children and so far so good! Thank you for this wonderful book.

Excellent and insightful.

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such a great book for parents who worry about the effects of phones on kids

Helpful and educational

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Such a current and important book! A must read for all parents, school workers and government in general! We need to break the great re-wiring and re write a new chapter for the next generations!!

Excellent book

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