# 3 Things Parents Need to Know Now About Kids and Tech

1 Opinion May 10, 2021 Stern in the News ![Jonathan Haidt](/sites/default/files/styles/246w/public/assets/images/Jonathan%20Haidt%20Article.jpg?itok=SDdY1pZY) By Jonathan Haidt and Nir Eyal >

Recent social science research has parents concerned about whether deep immersion in digital technologies is bad for their children.

A variety of studies find that rates of teen anxiety, depression, and self-harm have risen since 2012, in the USA, the UK, and Canada, although the evidence that this rise was caused by smartphones and social media is hotly debated.

It may take another decade for researchers to reach agreement, but parents need guidance now if their kids are to develop a healthy relationship with technology.

Read the full [*Medium* article](https://nireyal.medium.com/3-things-parents-need-to-know-now-about-kids-and-tech-da20913fe8d5)

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*Jonathan Haidt is the Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership.*###  More Opinions from Jonathan Haidt

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