Course Overview

1. Decline of Play-Based Childhood: Explore how reduced opportunities for unsupervised, real-world play have hindered children's development of resilience and social skills. This shift has been influenced by increased parental supervision and safety concerns, leading to less independent exploration. citeturn0search2

2. Rise of Phone-Based Childhood: Examine the transition to a childhood dominated by smartphones and social media, beginning in the early 2010s. Discuss how this shift has led to increased screen time, reduced face-to-face interactions, and heightened exposure to online pressures. citeturn0search2

3. Impact on Mental Health: Analyze the correlation between increased smartphone use and the rise in adolescent mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide. Highlight statistical trends that emerged in the early 2010s, coinciding with the proliferation of smartphones. citeturn0search2

4. Mechanisms of Harm: Detail specific ways in which technology overuse contributes to mental health challenges, including:

   • Social Deprivation: Reduced in-person interactions leading to feelings of isolation.

   • Sleep Deprivation: Disrupted sleep patterns due to excessive screen time.

   • Attention Fragmentation: Diminished ability to focus caused by constant notifications and multitasking.

   • Addiction: Compulsive use of digital devices interfering with daily life. citeturn0search2

5. Gender-Specific Effects: Discuss how social media impacts adolescent girls and boys differently, with girls experiencing higher rates of anxiety and depression, and boys showing tendencies toward withdrawal into virtual worlds. citeturn0search2

6. Spiritual Degradation: Explore the concept of "spiritual degradation," where excessive screen time diminishes experiences of awe, community, and personal growth, contributing to a sense of emptiness and disconnection. citeturn0search2

7. Recommendations for Change: Present Haidt's proposed solutions to mitigate these issues, such as:

   • Delaying Smartphone and Social Media Use: Encouraging parents to postpone giving children smartphones and access to social media until they are older.

   • Promoting Free Play: Advocating for increased opportunities for unstructured, unsupervised play to foster independence and resilience.

   • Implementing Phone-Free School Policies: Supporting school initiatives to limit or ban smartphone use during school hours to enhance focus and social interaction. citeturn0search2