On March 18th, NYU Stern's Business and Society Program hosted its annual Haitkin Lecture. The event featured Jonathan Haidt, Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership and author of the New York Times Bestseller, The Anxious Generation. Haidt presented the case made from The Anxious Generation, on how the transition from a play based childhood to a phone based childhood affected human development worldwide. He gave insight into how the Gen-Z generation has been affect by rapid technology advancements, leading them to become the most anxious generation yet. 

Discussion Highlights:

Female vs Male Development:
Haidt explains how a phone-based childhood affects girls and boys differently—girls face rising anxiety and depression linked to social media, while boys show increasing disengagement through gaming and online isolation.

Technology as a Default:
Parents increasingly used technology as a substitute for real-world experiences, causing kids to miss key milestones in emotional regulation, problem-solving, and social skills.

Importance of Independence:
Haidt stresses the need for kids to have more freedom and real-world experiences early on, arguing that independence—not screen time—builds resilience, confidence, and maturity.

Call to Action for Parents:
Haidt urges parents to work together to end the norm of phone-based childhoods, delaying smartphones and prioritizing offline experiences to reverse the current mental health crisis.

To get involved, click the 'Take Action' button on The Anxious Generation website for resources, and be sure to also check out Let Grow for additional support and ideas.

Jonathan Haidt 

Jonathan Haidt addressing questions from the audience