Between 2012 and 2019, the rates for teenage depression, loneliness, suicide and self-harm rose sharply.

Then the isolation of the pandemic with those born after 1996 feeling it the most.

NYU Professor Jonathan Haidt and San Diego State professor Jean Twenge have a tough love answer few will like but apparently everyone will need – this is directed toward kids but easily applies to adults who are feeling the anxiety.

Take long periods each day away from the distraction of digital devices.

Concentrate on not just being present but being fully focused for long periods of time.

Be cautious of social media, the great attention black hole for adults as well.

There are consequences to too much screen time and parents are as reluctant to come down hard on their kids to balance reality with virtual reality as they are to abide by the same steps themselves.

There is a tie-in between smartphones and the anxiety of distraction and fear of missing out.

Switch back to in-person socialization – read The Smartphone Trap here.

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