Screens and Parenting: Insights From ‘The Anxious Generation’
By: Michelle Nortje
Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation is a interesting exploration of the modern mental health crisis among young people.
Drawing from a wealth of psychological research, Haidt argues that two key societal shifts—well-intended but cautious parenting, and excessive early screen exposure—have fundamentally altered children’s developmental trajectories, contributing to rising levels of anxiety, depression, and social fragility.
In my opinion, this book provides psychologists working with children and families invaluable insights into the risk factors influencing many contemporary mental health challenges. Parenting today is filled with difficult choices, and Haidt acknowledges that many of these shifts stem from a desire to protect children.
However, by understanding the effects of overly cautious parenting and excessive screen time, psychologists can guide parents in fostering resilience, encourage healthier developmental practices, and advocate for policy changes in schools that better support children’s well-being. I hope that by applying the knowledge gained from Haidt’s research, we can help shape more effective therapeutic interventions and parenting strategies that empower children to thrive in an increasingly complex world!
The Impact of Overprotective Parenting on Child Development
One of Haidt’s key arguments is that the well-intentioned yet cautious parenting style that emerged in the late 20th century has left children less prepared to handle life’s many challenges. With increasing fears about safety, many parents have restricted free play, independent problem-solving, and real-world risk-taking. While these precautions come from a place of love and care, they may unintentionally deprive children of crucial opportunities to develop resilience, social negotiation skills, and confidence in their ability to manage adversity and making mistakes.
According to psychological theories on autonomy and competence, children need to face manageable risks and frustrations in order to build problem-solving skills. Without this, they enter adolescence and adulthood lacking the emotional muscle needed to tolerate failure, uncertainty and setbacks, which may help explain the dramatic rise in anxiety-related disorders among young people.
How Screen Time Affects Child Development & Mental Health
In addition to changes in parenting styles, The Anxious Generation examines the role of excessive and premature screen exposure in shaping children’s psychological well-being. Technology is a real and helpful part of our every day lives, however Haidt argues that children’s increasing reliance on digital devices—particularly social media—has displaced vital developmental experiences such as face-to-face interactions, unstructured play, time in nature, and deep focus.
Haidt presents compelling evidence that early social media exposure, especially for pre-adolescent children, disrupts normal identity formation, increases unhelpful social comparison, and increases feelings of loneliness and inadequacy in interpersonal interactions. He also discusses the neurological impact of excessive screen time, including its effects on attention regulation, emotional processing, and impulse control.
Personal Reflection: Encouraging Decision-Making in Young Clients
In my work with young clients, I see first-hand the effects of sometimes overly cautious parenting (and teaching) styles and digital dependence. Children and adolescents may struggle with decision-making and problem-solving because they have rarely been given the space to practice these skills. Rather than simply providing them with solutions, I have found that guiding them through the process of evaluating their choices, weighing potential consequences, and finding their own answers builds self-confidence and resilience.
When children experience small challenges and overcome them independently, they develop a sense of competence that helps them face larger difficulties in the future. This aligns with Haidt’s argument that children must be allowed to navigate manageable risks in order to grow into emotionally strong individuals who can trust themselves to manage life’s struggles.
How Parents Can Foster Resilience & Reduce Screen Time
Haidt’s book also suggests a path forward. He advocates for a return to more autonomy-supportive parenting, encouraging outdoor play, independent problem-solving, and real-world socialisation. Simultaneously, he calls for delaying children’s exposure to smartphones and social media until they are developmentally and emotionally equipped to handle them. Haidt’s work serves as an encouragement to rethink how we support children’s growth in an increasingly digital world.
For parents, these insights can feel overwhelming, but small, gradual changes can make a big difference. There is no need for perfection—just a mindful effort to balance protection with independence, and screen time with real-world engagement.
Five Practical Tips for Parents to Reduce Screen Time & Encourage Independence
- Encourage Outdoor Play – Foster independence by allowing children to explore outdoor spaces, engage in unstructured play, and take age-appropriate risks.
- Limit Screen Time – Set clear boundaries around digital device use, especially before bedtime and during social interactions.
- Promote Real-World Problem-Solving – Encourage children to make decisions, handle minor conflicts, and navigate challenges without immediate parental intervention.
- Delay Social Media – Avoid introducing social media until children are developmentally ready, ideally in late adolescence.
- Model Healthy Digital Habits – Demonstrate balanced technology use by setting aside screen-free time for family interactions and meaningful activities. Talk to the parents of your children’s friends and come together to address these issues from a unified approach.
Parenting in today’s world is complex, but by making intentional shifts, we can help children develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive. If you as a parent, or your child need further support, don’t be shy about reaching to a psychologist or other mental health worker. They are trained to help you take steps towards positive change.
Article supplied with thanks to The Centre for Effective Living.
Feature image: Photo by Karla Rivera on Unsplash
About the Author: Michelle Nortje is a psychologist who works with a range of age groups and mental health issues, using Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Positive Psychology, mindfulness-based approaches, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Attachment theories and psychodynamic theories.
