The teen mental health crisis and the impact of social media have become major concerns in today’s society. Oprah has even labeled it as one of the most pressing issues of our time, comparing smartphone addiction to the smoking epidemic of previous generations. To address these concerns, Oprah invited social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt, who wrote the bestselling book Anxious Generation, along with Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist and parenting expert who wrote Good Inside, to share their insights on this important topic.
During the discussion titled “The Life You Want” Class: Teen Mental Health crisis, the panelists delved into ways in which technology and social media are affecting young people’s well-being. They provided guidance for parents, educators, and teenagers themselves on how to navigate these challenges.
Larissa May, founder of Half the Story, shared her perspectives on what can be done to address the challenges posed by social media and teen mental health. Julie Scelfo, founder of Mothers Against Media Addiction also provided her insights.
As the conversation unfolded, viewers were encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas in the comments. This fostered a dialogue around this critical topic.
By shedding light on the challenges facing today’s youth, Oprah hoped to inspire action and change in addressing the teen mental health crisis and the dangers of social media.