October Book Club: The Anxious Generation

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 28, 6-7 PM. It’s the much anticipated Words of Wellness Book Club! The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. If you have read the book, currently reading it, or haven’t read it but want to be part of the discussion--we hope you join us!

The book argues that the rise in youth mental illness, such as anxiety and depression, since the 2010s is caused by a fundamental shift from a "play-based childhood" to a "phone-based childhood" dominated by smartphones and social media. The book explains that this "great rewiring" of childhood, combined with overprotective parenting, has led to social deprivation, sleep problems, attention fragmentation, and increased social comparison. Haidt offers solutions, advocating for delaying smartphone access, fostering real-world play, and implementing rules to help children develop resilience and emotional stability.

Although not required, for planning purposes we suggest that you register at https://bit.ly/WordsOfWellnessOctober.

Book Club will be held at Northborough Library in the large meeting room. Copies of the book are available at the library’s circulation desk.