DLGP

Doctor of Leadership in Global Perspectives: Crafting Ministry in an Interconnected World

Screened Lives [Kehidupan Yang Disaring]

Written by: on February 18, 2025

About the book

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haidt. He explores the alarming rise in mental health issues among Generation Z. Haidt emphasizes that the increasing integration of digital technology, particularly smartphones and social media, into children’s lives has fundamentally reshaped their development.[1] Haidt identifies four foundational harms that threaten children’s mental health: social deprivation, emotional dysregulation, cognitive fragmentation, and the erosion of spiritual and existential well-being.[2] He stresses upon the importance of unsupervised play and real-world interactions for healthy development and suggests that overprotective parenting and excessive screen time are major contributors to the mental health crisis.[3] His book offers practical solutions for parents, educators, and policymakers to help mitigate these harms and improve children’s mental health. Haidt advocates for delaying smartphone use until age 16, promoting phone-free schools, and encouraging more unstructured playtime.

About the author

Jonathan Haidt is currently the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University’s Stern School of Business. He has authored several influential books. His latest book, “The Anxious Generation” (2024), probes into the impact of digital technology and overprotective parenting on children’s mental health. Haidt’s research has significantly contributed to the field of moral psychology, particularly through his moral foundation’s theory, which explores the evolutionary origins of human moral reasoning.[4]

Focus

For this assignment I am focusing on the increasing integration of digital technology, particularly smartphones and social media, into children’s lives that has fundamentally reshaped their development. Since I am not a parent, I thought it would be interesting to write about “phone-based childhood” [5] versus adults frequently using their phones. Haidt terms the “phone-based childhood,” where the digital world, particularly through smartphones and social media, has replaced real-world interactions. Haidt highlights that this transformation in the social experiences of children leads to severe consequences, identified as four foundational harms.[6] Haidt notes that digital interactions are often superficial and fleeting, hindering the development of deep relationships and emotional bonds in children. Additionally, constant digital engagement fragments their attention, impairing cognitive development. This chronic distraction, combined with emotional isolation, accelerates mental health problems like anxiety and depression, as children and adolescents fail to learn essential social and emotional coping mechanisms.

The impacts of a phone-based childhood versus adults frequently using their phones are distinct due to differences in developmental stages, social contexts, and the purposes for which phones are used. Based on my further research outside Haidt’s book, here are a few key differences. [7] [8] [9]:

    1. Developmental Impact:
  • Children: Too much screen (phone) time disrupts the brain development, social skills, attention span, and emotional regulation.
  • Adults: While adults may also face issues such as distraction, stress, and poor sleep from excessive phone use, their brains are already fully developed, so the long-term developmental impacts are less severe.

               2. Purpose of Use:

  • Children: Often use phones for entertainment, social media, and games, which can lead to passive consumption and a lack of real-world interactions.
  • Adults: Use phones for a broader range of activities, including work, communication, news, and leisure, making their usage more multifaceted and sometimes productivity driven.
    1. Social Interaction:
  • Children: Increased phone use can reduce face-to-face interactions, leading to social isolation and impacting the development of healthy interpersonal skills.
  • Adults: While excessive phone use can also lead to social isolation in adults, they generally have already developed social skills and can navigate social dynamics more effectively.
    1. Parental Influence:
  • Children: Their phone usage patterns are often shaped by parental decisions and guidelines, which can vary widely.
  • Adults: Have autonomy over their phone usage and are influenced by personal habits and professional demands.
    1. Health Implications:
  • Children: More vulnerable to mental health issues like anxiety and depression due to social media pressures and cyberbullying.
  • Adults: Also susceptible to mental health issues related to phone use but often have more coping mechanisms and access to resources for managing these challenges.

Conclusion

Anything in excess is harmful, even chocolates. Parents lead by example, by demonstrating balanced smartphone use and prioritizing real-world interactions and activities. “Wait Until 8th” initiative, which encourages parents to delay giving their children smartphones until at least the end of eighth grade.[10]

[1] Jonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, (New York, NY: Penguin Press, 2024).

[2] Haidt, 114.

[3] Haidt, 53.

[4] Haidt, 385.

[5] Haidt, 114-115.

[6] Haidt, 114.

[7] Psych Central, “How Do Smartphones Affect Childhood Psychology,” accessed February 18, 2025, https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-do-smartphones-affect-childhood-psychology.

 [8] Los Angeles Outpatient Center, “Cell Phone Addiction: Symptoms, Causes, Impact, Treatment and Prevention,” accessed February 18, 2025, https://laopcenter.com/mental-health/cell-phone-addiction/.

 [9] Common Good Ventures, “How Telephones Affect Child Development: Understanding the Impact and Best Practices,” accessed February 18, 2025, https://commongoodventures.org/posts/how-telephones-affect-child-development-understanding-the-impact-and-best-practices/.

[10] Boston Moms, “Kids and Smartphones: Delaying Technology Use Is Easier When We Do It Together,” accessed February 18, 2025, https://bostonmoms.com/parenting/kids-and-smartphones-delaying-technology-use-is-easier-when-we-do-it-together/.

About the Author

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Shela Sullivan

Born and raised on the vibrant Penang Island in Malaysia, I cherish the Malaysian greeting, “Mari Makan!!” which reflects the warmth of shared meals. Since 1996, I have called Oregon my home enjoying the raindrops and the serenity of its beaches. The ocean connects me to nature and energizes me. I am a Wife - Mentor - Traveling Pastor - Sourcing Manager Construction. Favorite Bible Verse: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." ~ Psalm 37:4~ I reside with my husband, David and our fur-baby Rolo. We share passions for travelling, culture, diverse cuisines, home improvements, classic cars and humor.

9 responses to “Screened Lives [Kehidupan Yang Disaring]”

  1. mm Glyn Barrett says:

    Thanks Shela. Could addressing adult digital behaviour, especially those of parents, educators, and community leaders be just as crucial as regulating children’s phone use? If so, what practical steps might you recommend for adults to model healthier digital engagement, particularly in an era where work and social life are increasingly online?

    • mm Shela Sullivan says:

      Thank you for the question, Glyn.
      Adults can create a positive environment that promotes healthy digital habits and encourages children to follow suit. For example, establish specific times for using digital devices and stick to them. For example, implement “no screen” times during family meals or before bedtime. Teach children and students about the impact of digital technology on mental health and the importance of balanced usage. Equip them with tools to critically assess the content they encounter online.
      Demonstrate self-control and intentionality in your own digital behavior. Show that it’s possible to enjoy the benefits of technology without letting it dominate your life.

  2. mm Kari says:

    Hi Shela, I really liked your comparisons between children and adults. The one that jumped out to me was the “social interaction.” Adults who did not grow up with phones have developed social skills and should be able to navigate social challenges more effectively. What do we do with the Gen Z adults who grew up with phones and now have a (almost) fully developed brain but lack these social skills as adults? Any thoughts on what could help address these issues?

    For context, I had two Gen Z adults stay with me this summer. I was shocked how many “crucial conversations” they have via text message or not at all due to lack of skills!

    • mm Shela Sullivan says:

      Hi Kari, I know, I have experienced Gen-Zs having crucial conversations via text.
      By implementing the following strategies, we can help Gen Z adults develop the social skills needed to navigate personal and professional relationships successfully:
      Promote digital detox initiatives where participants take breaks from digital devices and engage in real-world activities. This can help reduce dependency on screens and improve focus on in-person interactions. Integrate social skills training into educational programs, both in schools and higher education institutions. Teaching these skills early on can have a lasting impact. Encourage participation in group activities, clubs, or sports that promote face-to-face interactions. This provides opportunities for social engagement and building relationships in a supportive environment.
      I think it is easier to write than making it work.

  3. Jeff Styer says:

    Shela,
    I read this book earlier and have since noted at church on Sunday mornings all the youth sitting at the same table before service and each one with their eyes glued to their smartphones.
    I have noticed student’s inability to maintain attention for a prolonged period of time. This semester I brought in an adult coloring book, colored pencils, play doh, pipe cleaners and stress balls to allow their hands to do something in class instead of sitting on their phones while trying to pay attention to me teach.

    Looking at the developmental impacts you mentioned, have you seen any of these negative impacts at your work?

    • mm Shela Sullivan says:

      Hi Jeff,
      It is cool that you have incorporated tools like coloring books and stress balls to help students focus better. This aligns well with Haidt’s discussion on attention fragmentation and the impact of digital distractions.
      In my observations, employees may struggle to focus on tasks for extended periods and find it challenging to complete projects without frequently checking their phones. Bombarded with constant presence of digital notifications contributes to increased stress and anxiety, affecting overall well-being and productivity.

  4. Diane Tuttle says:

    Hi Shela, I like the way you contrasted the way child and adult play into the impact of smartphone use. If you had to project these youth in 10 years from now, what would you suspect their skill levels might be if not interventions were made regarding their usage?

  5. mm Shela Sullivan says:

    Hi Diane,
    I appreciate the question, and while I am not an expert in forecasting future skill levels, I can share some insights based on current observations. If interventions regarding digital usage are not made, we might continue to see trends such as reduced attention spans, decreased social skills, and higher levels of anxiety and depression among youth. However, it is important to recognize that the future is shaped by many factors, and proactive steps taken today can significantly impact outcomes. Encouraging balanced digital habits and fostering real-world interactions can help mitigate some of these challenges.

  6. Daren Jaime says:

    Hey Shela! Thanks for sharing this. Wait until the 8th, which is a long time, if a parent can successfully hold out. We need more Ryan Thorson’s in our world! As you highlight how adults are caught up in this tangled web, what would be an immediate step you would make as a conscious adult in a proactive effort to turn the tide?

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