Rescuing the Anxious Generation

“What makes The Anxious Generation different from other books on similar topics is Haidt’s insight that we’re actually facing two distinct crises: digital under-parenting … and real-world over-parenting … The result is young people who are suffering from addiction-like behaviors – and suffering, period – while struggling to handle challenges and setbacks that are part of everyday life.” – Bill Gates

Before Governor Hochul’s push for a “Bell-to-Bell” ban on cellphone use in schools, education leaders have been discussing with their school communities what Bill Gates, arguably one of the fathers of modern technology, has concluded in his review of The Anxious Generation – basically, we have created the perfect storm for our kids, and now we have to rescue them.

As Gates also points out in his review of the book, it’s up to everyone to aid in this rescue. Parents can’t do it alone, and schools and policymakers play a critical role.

This issue of Vanguard asks school leaders to share the work happening in their schools, districts, and communities in the areas of cell phone use and policies; student communication and social skills; focus and coping skills; play, joy, and balance; and other factors that are affecting the mental health and development of our students.

Please submit articles to mhebert@saanys.org by May 20. Please keep any submissions to 1,500 words or less.