The kids are not alright

It is mostly correct to say that today’s youth are much less tolerant of prejudice than earlier generations (“The young and the relentless”, March 23rd). And it is true that “fighting, juvenile crime, drug use and teenage pregnancy are all retreating in America.” But your book review missed the mark in important ways.

In “The Anxious Generation”, Jonathan Haidt says that “the environment in which kids grow up today is hostile to human development.” His main point is that the use of smartphones among teenagers is rewiring and harming them. Their social skills, literacy, mental health and ability to focus are all being eroded. He submits that since most of the instant entertainment that teens consume is generated by other teens, they are often cut off from the sum of human wisdom, the influence of their elders and ideas about how to live a good life of meaning and purpose.

After more than 20 years of working with teenagers, I fully agree with Mr Haidt that something fundamental has shifted on adolescence. We underestimate the consequences of this social experiment at our peril. You concluded that “the generation that is now young will eventually grow up, get jobs, form relationships and have children.” Mr Haidt’s data suggest that an unprecedented number of young people are looking for ways to prolong adolescence and opt out of independence and responsibility. Today’s adults owe them a better preparation for the future. This is not a case of the old “fretting” about the young.

COLIN MCLEAN

Vancouver

I enjoyed your review. I am reminded of this quote: “Children today are tyrants… they contradict their parents, gobble their food and tyrannise their teachers.” Socrates.

MICHAEL CRICK

Bellevue, Washington