The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt examines how smartphones and social media may have reshaped childhood and adolescent mental health. It connects research on play, independent exploration and phone-based childhood with practical proposals for parents, schools, technology companies and governments.
At a glance
- Discusses the decline of play-based childhood and the rise of phone-based childhood.
- Covers proposed links to sleep, attention, loneliness, social comparison and other aspects of youth development.
- Offers suggested actions for parents, teachers, schools, technology companies and governments.
Reference price: $39.99
Price checked: Nov 13, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines discussion of research with recommendations aimed at several groups involved in children’s lives.
- The subject and proposed actions are directly relevant to parents of pre-teens and teenagers.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Penguin USA Incorporated |
|---|---|
| Publication date | March 26 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 400 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0593655036 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0593655030 |
| Weight listed | 544 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.6 x 2.5 x 23.5 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Parents and caregivers looking for a research-oriented discussion of smartphones, social media and adolescent mental health.
- Teachers and school communities considering the role of technology and independent play in childhood.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a clinical guide to diagnosing or treating an individual’s mental health condition.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
77% 77% - 4 stars
16% 16% - 3 stars
6% 6% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback describes the book as informative and research-rich, with parents finding it especially relevant to pre-teens and teenagers. The rating distribution is strongly weighted toward five-star reviews, though a smaller share is lower-rated. This feedback may help readers gauge reception, but it does not establish the claims in the book or make it a substitute for individualized mental-health advice.
Positive themes
- Readers describe it as informative and comprehensive.
- Parents report that its subject is particularly relevant to families with pre-teens and teenagers.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Anxious Generation about?
Jonathan Haidt discusses youth mental health, the shift from play-based to phone-based childhood and proposed responses for families, schools and other groups.
Does the book include practical recommendations?
Yes. The listing describes proposed steps for parents, teachers, schools, technology companies and governments.
Is this a clinical treatment guide?
The supplied description presents it as an investigation of youth mental health and childhood, not as a guide to diagnosing or treating an individual.
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