Kids have too much screen time and not enough autonomy, says author Jonathan Haidt. His book 'The Anxious Generation' argues this has caused an epidemic of mental illness and suggests ways to fix it.

How to give kids autonomy? 'Anxious Generation' author says a license to roam helps

Kids have too much screen time and not enough autonomy, says author Jonathan Haidt. His book The Anxious Generation argues this has caused an epidemic of mental illness and suggests ways to fix it.

There were no pay phones in the storm water drain under the abandoned quarry where we used to play. Looking back, I can see that what I thought of as independence was closer to neglect, and if we’d had a choice between freedom and parents being actively involved we’d have chosen the latter.

This dude doesn’t know what he’s talking about

Instead of giving kids a laminated card and a flip phone, l say we consider making the streets safe for bikers and pedestrians and providing these kids with more fun places where they can spend time and feel welcome.

Anyone who thinks that "more autonomy" would lead to "less screentime" was presumably born recently as a fully grown adult...

Is any of this supported by science? No, but the book will sell.

Adults will make it impossible to get anywhere without a car and then act surprised when kids don't go anywhere

Goddammit. Could you once just NOT?

Jonathan Shite

I really enjoyed Haidt's TED Talk on this subject. youtu.be/2fGBA6l2Hlg?...

so the solution to anxiety and depression is "Sweep everything that's causing anxiety/depression en masse?" Also "let kids go off without any way to contact to home" will, nay HAS, led to police being called on "alleged neglectful parents"