Why Kids Need the Real World—Not Just Screens

At Happy Label, we love making childhood easier and more joyful. But did you know that one of the biggest threats to today’s children is growing up too much online?

In his new book The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explores how the rise of smartphones and social media has led to a mental health crisis among kids and teens. He shows how children have been pulled away from real-world play, face-to-face friendships, and independence—key ingredients for a healthy, happy childhood.

Haidt argues that what kids need most isn’t more screen time, but more time offline: outdoors, playing with friends, solving real-life challenges, and learning how to navigate the world on their own.

At Happy Label, we believe in the power of real-life experiences—muddy boots, labeled backpacks, shared snacks, and playground adventures. Because that’s where resilience, confidence, and connection grow.

Inspired by ideas from the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt (2024).