This holiday season, it is inevitable that many young people will be gifted new smartphones, smartwatches, video games and other personal technology.

With this in mind, today we're bringing back this important conversation with Jonathan Haidt, author of one of 2024's most talked about and best selling books The Anxious Generation, who joined Dr. Delaney to discuss the sheer amount of time that young people are on screens and the connection of this to the rise in mental health problems.

What do actual experiments show us about the link between teen mental health and screen time? Why is the time of puberty particularly concerning when it comes to handing over smartphones and social media? Why does social media seem to impact girls more negatively than boys? These are just some of the questions that this episode addresses.

In addition, Haidt offers two solutions for improving teen mental health.

This episode is not just for adults but also for teens who are directly affected by these issues. Please note, suicidal ideation is mentioned briefly in the episode.

Featured Expert

Jonathan Haidt, PhD

Research References

Links to research discussed in the episode

Additional Links

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Time Code

00:00 Introduction to The Screenagers Podcast

00:23 Meet Jonathan Haidt, Author and Social Psychologist

01:29 The Anxious Generation: Key Insights

02:06 Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

03:52 Gender Differences in Mental Health Trends

05:57 Correlational and Experimental Studies on Screen Time

09:04 The Natural Experiment of Facebook's Rollout

12:31 The Hidden Dangers of Social Media

16:59 Aggression and Social Cruelty Online

19:25 Proposed Solutions and Parental Involvement

21:21 Conclusion and Resources