Ethel Walker head of school Meera Viswanathan joins Exploring Prosperity to explain what’s really happening to today’s students — from the rise of social media, smartphones, and anxiety to the decline of confidence, resilience, and curiosity.Drawing on insights aligned with Jonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation, and current research on teen mental health, Meera breaks down:- How phones and social media are reshaping childhood- The real drivers behind rising anxiety and self-doubt- Why schools are struggling — and how to fix them- What great teachers and parents can do right now- Why education is still a fundamentally hopeful institution

This conversation is for parents, educators, policymakers, and anyone who cares about the future of young people.Timestamps:00:00 The Evolution of Education02:58 The Core Mission of Ethel Walker School04:22 The Benefits of Single-Sex Education06:53 Addressing Busy Work in Education10:56 Preparing Students for a Rapidly Changing World12:16 The Role of Autodidacticism in Learning13:15 The Importance of Engaging Teachers13:48 The Capabilities Approach to Education15:26 Bridging the Confidence Gap for Girls17:04 Developing Essential Skills for Life19:27 Financial Literacy and Community Engagement22:47 Engaging Students in Investment Education25:15 Expanding Financial Literacy Programs27:39 Real-World Impact of Financial Education30:33 The Role of Education in Building Confidence32:28 Scalability of Educational Innovations34:50 Adapting Successful Programs to Other Schools36:32 Challenges Facing Public Education39:16 The Importance of a Liberal Arts Education43:11 Fostering Freedom of Inquiry in Education46:02 Navigating Modern Challenges in Education46:58 The Limits of Algorithms and Imagination49:25 The Importance of Daydreaming in Education52:48 The Role of Public Libraries and Financial Aid56:41 The State of Higher Education in the U.S.01:00:38 The Politics of Education and Academic Freedom

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