Dear Dorchester Families,
It has been wonderful to welcome the children back to school this week - we hope you had an enjoyable half-term break.
Over the break, I spent some time reading 'The Anxious Generation' by Jonathan Haidt, which contains some fascinating (and sometimes scary!) research findings about the impact of screen time on children and young people. The book claims not to be 'anti-technology' but to be 'pro-childhood'. It encourages families to make intentional choices that protect children's mental health and give them the best chance to grow into resilient, confident, and happy adults.
Key messages in the book are:
1. The Rise of “Phone-Based Childhood”
- Haidt observes that many children today are growing up in a "phone-based" world rather than one rooted in free play, face-to-face interaction, and independence.
- Social media, online games, and constant screen exposure have replaced many of the experiences that help children build confidence and resilience.
2. Mental Health Trends Are Worrying
- Since around 2010, rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide have increased sharply amongst children and teens—especially girls.
- These changes align with the mass adoption of smartphones and social media platforms.
3. Less Play, More Screens
- Unstructured play and real-world adventures are essential for developing social skills, emotional regulation, and risk assessment.
- Today’s children spend far less time outdoors and far more time indoors, sedentary, and on screens, which may stunt emotional development.
4. Overprotection and Loss of Independence
- Many children have fewer opportunities for independence, such as walking to school, running errands, or playing outside unsupervised.
- Haidt argues that well-meaning overprotection may inadvertently make children more anxious and less resilient.
5. Girls Are Especially Affected
- Girls are more vulnerable to the effects of social media because of:
- Greater focus on appearance and comparison
- Higher use of platforms like Instagram and TikTok
- Cyberbullying and social exclusion
- These dynamics contribute to rising rates of anxiety and depression amongst girls from a young age.
6. What Can Parents Do?
Haidt recommends four key things—many of which start at home:
- Delay smartphones and social media as long as possible—ideally until age 14 or later.
- Encourage independence and real-world experiences, like walking to school, outdoor play, or bike riding with friends.
- Prioritise sleep by keeping screens out of bedrooms and sticking to age-appropriate bedtimes.
- Build community norms—work with other parents and schools to set shared expectations around tech use.
He also offers these tips for primary-aged children:
- Delay giving your child a smartphone or access to social media.
- Create tech-free times and zones at home (e.g., dinner, bedtime).
- Set up regular outdoor play and face-to-face social time with other children.
- Encourage responsibility and independence (like letting them walk short distances alone when ready).
We are aware that many of our parents already have stringent measures in place to protect their children – but if you do struggle with limiting screen time (and plenty of parents do!) and finding alternative activities for children, please do speak to Julie, our Home School Link Worker, who can work with you and your child to find the right balance.
Enjoy the weekend.
Cathy Bell
Headteacher
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