Health and science journalist Catherine Price, co-author of The Amazing Generation, is dedicated to helping children experience richer, more vibrant lives, free from constant screens.
She penned the book for young people alongside social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, known for his adult-focused work, The Anxious Generation.
According to Price, their combined goal is to "help kids and adults live meaningful, fulfilling, fun lives."
They propose two primary strategies for guiding children away from screens: assigning them responsibilities and encouraging genuine, hands-on hobbies.
Price advocates for empowering children with tasks they can manage autonomously. Examples include household chores, preparing their own meals, running errands, or walking to school unsupervised.
Price notes that these activities are likely to "boost their confidence and be fun and give them a skill that they'll be able to use going forward."
Such engagements offer reciprocal advantages for both children and their parents, potentially lowering anxiety levels for everyone involved.
Parents should identify and support their children's passions in the real world. For instance, if a child has a fondness for nature, consider organizing hiking trips or enrolling them in an outdoor exploration club.
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Another example shared involves a mother of three teenagers who allowed them to convert their garage into a personal gym.
As Price recounts, "Now she's got this group of teen boys coming and lifting weights in her garage every afternoon."
Price further observed that adolescents possess a "developmentally appropriate desire to spend more time with their friends in private."
Fostering such opportunities away from digital interfaces ultimately benefits all parties involved.
Price elaborated on her book's unique appeal, stating it is “Written specifically for kids and tweens — and relevant whether or not they already have smartphones, tablets, or social media accounts — The Amazing Generation is designed to inspire young readers to join the growing rebellion of young people who are choosing to stand up to Big Tech and fill their lives with REAL friendship, freedom and fun.”
She further clarified its purpose, explaining, “Its goal is to convince your kids to decide for themselves to protect their brains by delaying their own access to smartphones and social media, standing up for their right to a phone-free school day, taking on more real world challenges, and not letting ‘technology wizards’ steal their lives from them, literally from beneath their noses. (Translation: it talks to your kids for you!)”
Haidt emphasized that the book empowers children to confidently make beneficial choices for themselves.
He described it as, “It’s not just a book about what NOT to do — it’s a bold, optimistic, and practical guide that inspires kids to become their most authentic, confident and adventurous self.”
Readers can find The Amazing Generation wherever books are sold.