By Emily Miller

REXBURG — Years ago, author Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at San Diego University, noticed some concerning trends in adolescent mental health, including an increase in suicide and self harm, starting around 2011-2012. She has been sharing her research ever since.

Author Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and professor at New York University, set out to write a book on ethical systems and moral psychology, but when he discovered the research on kids and social media, he changed course. His book, “The Anxious Generation,” is the result.

Haidt has suggested four new “simple norms” that, collectively, parents can adopt to turn back the tide and promote positive changes that help build emotionally healthy, resilient people:

• No smartphones until 14

• No social media until 16

• Phone-free schools

• More independence, free play, and responsibility in the real world

Sources:

“Why Mental Health is Getting Worse,” Modern Wisdom with Chris Williamson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeShvzwiiRc&t=2090s

“Jonathan Haidt on the Mental-Health Crisis and Smartphones,” WSJ News: