The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt might have an alarmist title but there is plenty in the book that Christian parents can agree with

Parenting is and has always been a challenge. Teenagers find ways to push boundaries. That’s been the story forever. But in the digital age, the world of smartphones, selfies, nudes, social media and AI, today’s teenagers face challenges that most of us didn’t have when we were growing up. 

This is an issue we’re working through in my family. Our daughter (17) recently got an Instagram account (she first asked for one three years ago). Our son (14) recently asked if we could turn off restricted mode on YouTube. The answer was no, but we had a good conversation about it. 

Many parents have felt out of their depth in dealing with these issues, and have devoured Jonathan Haidt’s recent book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Wiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. It’s an alarmist title for sure, but there is plenty in the book that resonates and Christians can agree with.