Although I’m not always one for non-fiction, something about The Anxious Generation has called out to me for some time. What Haidt sets out to examine in this has been something of great public conversation over the past decade or so: what are the implications of kids growing up with technology in the palm of their hands? Genuinely fascinating, Haidt draws multiple comparisons, such as that between child smoking in the 1970s to the present day - highlighting parallels to internet use and the warped mentality towards parenting today’s youth. Haidt also ventures into the discrepancies and how both young boys and girls are impacted differently - which is genuinely fascinating. Offering insightful advice along the way, and stressing the importance of lost ‘free play’ concept, The Anxious Generation is a book I implore everyone to read.

I big call out about what consums most of out time and how that it is shapping us as a society and human beings. Absolutelly essencial to every one.

I think this may be one of the most important books I've read. Like Stolen Focus by Hari, it delves into the ills of social media, but with infinitely more focus and power. It has disabused me of many misconceptions - my prior leaning towards a certain arrogant, knowing critique of the younger generations inability to cope with modern life has been replaced with the realisation that it's not their fault after all, that the problems are real, not imagined and that we really do need to do something about this. Essential reading for employers, teachers and, most of all, parents, this is (hopefully) a game-changer. If only the powers that be will sit up and take note.

Easily one of the best non fiction books I've ever read. Haidt makes us realise we have created a generation of people who have grown up with social media in their back pockets, while shielding them too much from the real world. The end result? A crippling mental health epidemic.As someone who is part of generation Z (those born after 1995) I could really relate to all the case studies and experience of a phone based childhood in this book. It immediately made me want to put my phone down and spend more time in the real world but also offered an explanation for why I struggle so much with anxiety in my adult life.Whether you are part of gen Z, or an older generation, this book is essential reading to understand the long term impacts social media is having on young people. Accessible, thought provoking and convincing, The Anxious Generation is essential reading for teachers, parents and everyone wanting to live a better life where screens take a backseat. But it also offers a genuine explanation for the surge in mental health conditions in young people and offers practical advice to how to reclaim childhood.

As someone concerned, and confused, by the ever increasing reporting of ‘mental health’ issues in the young of today, I was intrigued when I spotted this book. I am so glad I purchased it. What I loved about it is that it not only focuses on the impact of allowing children access to smartphones and social media, but gives equal focus to the impact of depriving children of the type of childhood they should be, and need to be, having. This is essential reading for any parent or grandparent and should be compulsory reading for teachers and policymakers.