In an era dominated by screens and digital connectivity, Jonathan Haidt’s recent discussion on The Anxious Generation serves as a crucial wake-up call. His research highlights the alarming rise in adolescent mental health issues, driven largely by excessive smartphone and social media use. Since 2010, major depressive episodes among American teens have more than doubled, coinciding with the rise of the smartphone era. The solution? A return to real-world experiences and face-to-face social interaction.
A Generation in Crisis
Haidt’s key message was clear: no smartphones until at least age 14. The dopamine-driven highs of social media scrolling have particularly detrimental effects on 12- to 14-year-olds, exacerbating issues like perfectionism, social comparison, and anxiety. The consequences are dire – self-harm rates among teens have skyrocketed. We overprotect children in the physical world while leaving them dangerously exposed online.
Schools, parents, and educators must take charge. Haidt challenges education systems to move away from their reliance on EdTech, from online test prep and learning platforms to smart whiteboards, arguing that these are simply big tech in disguise. Instead, teachers need to re-engage with students in a more personal, human way, moving beyond screens and fostering real-life learning experiences.
The Power of Play and Risk-Taking
This is precisely why Camp Bonas exists – to provide an antidote to the tech-saturated childhood that is leaving our young people anxious, disconnected, and risk-averse. At our screen-free summer camp, children reconnect with nature, engage in outdoor adventures, and learn resilience through controlled risk-taking. Climbing trees, exploring the outdoors, and forming real-world friendships are more than just nostalgic pastimes; they are crucial developmental experiences.
Free play and independence are not luxuries – they are necessities. When children take calculated risks in a safe environment, they develop confidence, problem-solving skills, and resilience. This is something parents must also embrace: learning to be less anxious and trusting their children to navigate the world without constant digital supervision.
A Call to Action
For families and educators seeking a way forward, resources like Let Grow and Jonathan Haidt’s work provide invaluable guidance. Schools must lead the way in setting new norms that roll back the phone-based childhood, prioritising face-to-face interaction, creative play, and hands-on learning.
It’s time to climb more trees, take more risks, and reclaim childhood from the grip of digital dependency. Camp Bonas is one step in that direction, offering children the chance to rediscover the joys of an unplugged, adventurous summer. Let’s give them the childhood they deserve.