“The iGen” generation is more risk averse and less independent than any generation in history”
The Atlantic’s recent article Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation has sparked a lot of conversation regarding phones and connectivity. There is no doubt that at camp we see what Jean Twenge describes in the article, kids being more comfortable on their phones than with each other and kids who struggle with anxiety and depression. We also spend time with amazing campers who are involved in sports, community groups and youth groups. Young people who understand how to get along in the world and are growing in their skills of good judgement, resiliency and interpersonal relationships. We know that camp has a place in the world as we focus on walking through adolescence with kids providing the environment to teach kindness, build community and coping skills.
Melinda Gates commented in a Washington Post article , “Phones and apps aren’t good or bad by themselves, but for adolescents who don’t yet have the emotional tools to navigate life’s complications and confusions, they can exacerbate the difficulties of growing up: learning how to be kind, coping with feelings of exclusion, taking advantage of freedom while exercising self-control. It’s more important than ever to teach empathy from the very beginning, because our kids are going to need it.”
It’s always interesting to see the evidence of research describe generational changes that we’ve seen, and have the confirmation that our work is important to youth.
For more reading by Dr. Twenge: iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy–and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood.