Sheltered and Stressed: The Anxious Generation

How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness

I grew up in a small village where everyone knew everyone else. Like almost everyone else my teenage years were fraught with difficult feelings and situations. I constantly felt suffocated and trapped, often under intense stress and I wasn’t the only one. My adolescence was full of anxiety and fear, guilt and shame, much like that of my peers.

Growing up in an environment where girls and boys must conform to the roles defined by family and society can cause enormous pressure and significant psychological pain. We now call this trauma. I remember going through all of this with a sense of horror. I was confused, often terrified that something would go wrong and I would get into trouble - and often I did. Rejection, humiliation or being ignored by other teenagers leads to distress and misery because the one thing the young person longs for – is to be accepted by their peers.

In my effort to fit in, I did stupid things, wild things, searching for answers to different places. To say that my behaviour was so typically teenage is almost a cliché. Did I experience depression? Undoubtedly, there were periods that I did. I suppose many of us did.

I have been reflecting on all these while reading Jonathan Haidt's  interesting book "The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness." This well-researched and thought-provoking work explores the alarming rise in mental health issues among adolescents. Haidt's central argument is that the proliferation of smartphones and social media, coupled with the decline of unstructured outdoor play and overprotective parenting has profoundly disrupted the natural course of childhood development, leading to an epidemic of anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

While I recognise that the use of smartphones and especially social media has indeed caused an increased level of distress among children and young people today, I often found myself being cautious about Haidt’s overemphasis on their effects on children.  I’m not suggesting that social media is not a factor in young people’s mental health - they certainly are  -but being panicked about social media can distract us from other significant factors that impact children’s and young people’s mental health. And that is said by someone who has stopped using social media a long time ago, being conscious of their impacts on mental health, and focusing on high-quality content rather than consuming large quantities of superficial or distracting information.

This is not the first time something has caught our attention and caused concern about its impacts on children’s and teenager’s physical and mental health. Eating disorders, for example, such as anorexia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, have been recognised as significant mental health issues since the mid-20th century. Risen from a complex interplay of biological and sociocultural issues, such as trauma and Western culture emphasis on thinness and beauty standards, these disorders, have caused depression, anxiety, and health problems to many girls.

Believe it or not, I grew up in a society where there was a belief that too much extracurricular reading is harmful to girls and young women. Apart from being denied the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and broaden their knowledge base, these girls often ended up having low -esteem and a lack of confidence in their intellectual abilities.  The lack of mental stimulation resulted in boredom, frustration and restlessness, impacting the rest of their lives.

Each era reflects societal anxieties on its children. Attributing the rise of mental health to these platforms is overly simplistic.  While the mediums and specific impacts differ, the social norms and self-perception are strikingly similar. Underlying socioeconomic issues, like inequality, poverty, and domestic violence, as well as educational pressures, including parental expectations, excessive homework, and bullying, can significantly impact children’s mental health, leading to a range of emotional and psychological issues.

I agree with Haidt’s views on the overprotection of children, or what he calls “helicopter parenting.”  Overprotected children experience higher levels of anxiety due to a lack of confidence in their ability to handle situations independently. Constant supervision prevents children from following their own preferences and acting spontaneously, making them feel judged and worried about making mistakes or some minor damage, disappointing their parents.

Play, especially with other children, is a crucial aspect of childhood. It helps children grow into well-rounded individuals capable of thinking critically, interacting socially, and maintaining emotional and physical health.

These views are based on my experiences as a parent and a person who pays close attention to the world. I belong to the category of people who believe that young people (Generation Z) are better than us.  They are highly tech-savvy and comfortable with digital communication. They are the most ethnically and racially diverse in history. They value inclusion and are more accepting of differences in race, gender, and sexual orientation. With a strong sense of social justice, they are active in movements related to climate change, gun control, and equality. They try to navigate a complex world filled with numerous challenges, many of which stem from decisions and actions taken by us, the previous generations. I admire their resilience and their efforts in shaping a better future.  With their unique digital skills, and perspectives on work, education, and societal issues, they can drive change and innovation.

As for the children today (Generation A), they were born into a world deeply interconnected through technology and facing global challenges from a very young age. They will bring fresh perspectives to society, and they will shape the world in ways that reflect their unique upbringing in a highly digital and dynamic environment. Trust them.