Latest news with #TheAnxiousGeneration
Boston Globe
22-05-2025
- Health
- Boston Globe
4 key takeaways from a new White House report on children's health
The report provides little in the way of specific solutions to address these issues, though the commission is also expected to release recommendations later this year. What the document does offer is the clearest articulation yet of Kennedy's 'Make America Healthy Again' movement and what the broad coalition hopes to accomplish in the coming months and years. Here's what the new report tells us. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The report paints a bleak picture of American childhood. Advertisement The report presents today's children as stressed, sleep-deprived and addicted to their screens. It describes rising rates of conditions like obesity, diabetes and mental illness as a crisis that threatens the nation's health, economy and military readiness. 'Today's children are the sickest generation in American history in terms of chronic disease,' the report says. And it lashes out against technology companies and social media platforms that it says have helped create a 'technology-driven lifestyle.' It cites Jonathan Haidt, whose bestselling book 'The Anxious Generation' links the rise of smartphones and social media to worsening mental health among children -- a theory that some researchers have criticized for relying on inconclusive research. The report also notes that rates of loneliness among children have risen over the past several decades, a concern that researchers and public health experts have also raised for years. Advertisement It takes aim at vaccines. The report reiterates many of Kennedy's frequent talking points about vaccines -- with one notable exception. It does not suggest, as he has for decades, that childhood vaccines may be responsible for the rise in autism diagnoses among American children. But it implies that the increase in routine immunizations given to children may be harmful to them, which many scientists say is based on an incorrect understanding of immunology. The shots administered to children today are more efficient, and they contain far fewer stimulants to the immune system -- by orders of magnitude -- than they did decades ago, experts say. Vaccines are also largely responsible for the sharp drop in deaths among children younger than 5. 'The growth of the vaccination schedule does reflect the fact that we can prevent a lot more suffering and death in children than we could generations ago,' said Jason Schwartz, an associate professor of health policy at the Yale School of Public Health. 'Rather than celebrating that, it's often seen as a reason for skepticism or concern,' he said. The report also repeats Kennedy's assertion that childhood vaccines have not been tested in clinical trials involving placebos. In fact, new vaccines are tested against placebos whenever it is necessary, feasible and ethical to do so. Advertisement Some European countries, including Britain, do not mandate vaccinations as most American states do, the report notes. While that's true, misinformation and mistrust have led to record numbers of measles cases in Europe and have cost Britain its measles elimination status. The report notes correctly that surveillance systems in the United States for detecting side effects related to vaccines have serious shortcomings. But detection of rare side effects requires huge amounts of data, which is difficult to collect from the nation's fragmented health care system. The report urges federal agencies to 'build systems for real-world safety monitoring of pediatric drugs' -- which presumably include vaccines -- but it is unclear how those initiatives would differ from the systems already in use. It puts a major emphasis on ultraprocessed foods. The report says that 'the food American children are eating' is causing their health to decline. 'It's terrific to see such a clear, direct admission from the government that we are failing our children's health -- and that our food is one dominant driver,' said Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, the director of the Food Is Medicine Institute at Tufts University. Nearly 70% of the calories consumed by children and adolescents in the United States come from ultraprocessed foods. These industrially manufactured foods and drinks, like sodas, chicken nuggets, instant soups and packaged snacks, have been linked with a greater risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other conditions. The report appropriately calls out an excess of ultraprocessed foods and not enough fruits and vegetables as problems with children's diets, Mozaffarian said, but it 'misses the massive problem of high salt,' which can cause high blood pressure in children. He also said he wished it had focused more on the 'many other severe deficiencies in the American diet,' like a lack of legumes, nuts, minimally processed whole grains, fish, yogurt and healthy plant oils. Advertisement Marion Nestle, an emerita professor of nutrition, food studies and public health at New York University, said that overall, the report 'did a phenomenal job' describing how ultraprocessed foods are harming children's health. The question, she said, is how the administration will fix the problems that are articulated in the report. 'In order for them to do anything about this, they're going to have to take on corporate industry,' including agriculture, food and chemical industries, she said. Food manufacturers, for example, could make healthier foods and stop marketing 'junk food' to children, she said. Such changes would most likely require federal regulations, she said, because historically, companies have resisted making them voluntarily. The report highlights a lack of government funding for nutrition research as part of the problem -- a point scientists have been making for years. The situation has worsened during President Donald Trump's second term, however, as many diet researchers have had federal grants abruptly terminated. Kevin Hall, whose research on ultraprocessed foods is prominently cited in the new report, left his post at the National Institutes of Health in April, citing censorship. The report points a finger at synthetic chemicals but pulls some punches. The commission's report accurately describes worsening health among American children, said Dr. Philip Landrigan, a pediatrician and epidemiologist who directs the Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good at Boston College. And it notes a number of synthetic chemicals, like pesticides and microplastics, that may play a role. 'The first 18 pages of the report are brilliant,' Landrigan said. Advertisement But he said it understated the known risks of many chemicals. For example, the report's authors downplay the hazards of phthalates, used to make plastics, and of certain pesticides that have been deemed dangerous to children's health but remain widely used. 'They mentioned correctly that phthalates can trigger hormone dysregulation, but they could have also said that phthalates produce birth defects of the male reproductive organs and can lead to infertility,' Landrigan said. While the report mentions concerns about crop-protection tools such as pesticides, 'that's really an understatement,' Landrigan said. He noted that studies of the widely used insecticide chlorpyrifos show 'clearly that it causes brain damage in kids and reduces children's IQ and causes behavioral problems.' The pesticide was banned from household use 25 years ago because of the risks to children, and banned from use on all crops three years ago. But the Environmental Protection Agency recently permitted its use on fruits like apples and oranges because of lawsuits brought by the manufacturer and growers' associations. The report also stopped short of calling two common pesticides used on many food crops, glyphosate and atrazine, unsafe after pushback from farmers, industry lobbyists and Republican lawmakers. Landrigan and colleagues from the Consortium for Children's Environmental Health recently advocated in The New England Journal of Medicine for a national approval process for all existing and new chemicals. Independent scientific assessments would be required to show the chemicals were not toxic to anyone, especially children, and postmarketing surveillance would be required. Yet the federal agencies that could regulate chemical exposures have been gutted in recent layoffs. Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, pointed out that the report called for 'gold-standard research,' even as the administration had drastically cut funding for science and halted payments to universities like Harvard and Columbia. Advertisement 'They're not walking the walk,' he said. 'They're just talking.' This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
LeMonde
22-05-2025
- Health
- LeMonde
'Isn't it time for Europe to become a space where teens are protected from the jungle of social media?'
There was a time, within living memory, when even the best parents might have seated a child in the "death seat" of their car or allowed their offspring to ride in the back without a seatbelt, when smoking in high schools was common, and when school and workplace bullying were taboo topics. In a few years, will we look back with the same dismay at how we turned a blind eye or claimed helplessness in the face of the damage that screens and social media caused to today's young children and adolescents? Paradoxically, parents now monitor their children much more closely than before, yet they allow them, reluctantly or not, to spend hours (between three and five per day for those aged 7 to 19) glued to screens. This practice durably alters children's intellectual capabilities and leads teenagers to compulsively seek recognition, exposes them to absurd stereotypes of beauty or sexuality, confronts them with violence and pornography, and places them under the control of bullies, charlatans, and hatemongers. As with nicotine or speeding on roads, the reality and scale of the damage are well-documented. "We have strong data, yet nothing happens. (...) It's about the health of children, but no one cares," said Bruno Falissard, president of the French Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, at the end of April. He co-signed an alarming document urging the government to implement preventive measures. Screens are "not suitable for a developing brain" and should be banned for children under 6, concluded five scientific associations. Their effects include hindered development of language and cognitive abilities, permanent hyper-excitation, sleep and vision disorders, and intolerance to frustration. Investigation focused on TikTok As for teenagers, their addiction to social media "reduces the time available for face-to-face play in the real world" and takes away from social learning – the emotional connection to others – which is "as essential for social development as movement and exercise are for physical development," writes the American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt in The Anxious Generation.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
Parent groups are hosting fairs that showcase phones with limited features to try and keep children away from smartphones
Parent-led 'Alternative Device Fairs' that showcase phones with limited features designed to protect children from the negative effects of smartphones and social media have been emerging in across the U.S. These devices often include advanced parental controls and AI filters to reduce exposure to harmful content while still allowing basic communication. The fairs also help to foster collaboration among parents and help them push back against the cultural norm that every child must have a smartphone by middle school. Parent groups across the U.S. are hosting fairs to showcase "alternative devices" to keep children from owning smartphones for as long as possible. The fairs, where 'dumb' or restricted phones are exhibited to parents, have been popping up in affluent areas around the U.S., according to a report from The Atlantic. Most of the phones showcased at the event are basic and lack smart features like access to social media. Some are even fitted with AI-powered content filters, surveillance features, or parental controls. These "dumb" phones have been rising in popularity among adults trying to wean themselves off an overreliance on smartphones and parents trying to keep their kids from developing one. One school in the UK, Eton College, has implemented an official policy requiring new students to use basic phones for communication. The market for these kinds of phones is also growing rapidly, with revenue from the dumb phone market expected to hit $10.1 billion in 2025. The rise of alternative devices has been driven in part by growing concerns about the effects of smartphones and social media on children's mental health. Last year, Jonathan Haidt's bestseller The Anxious Generation argued that the smartphone era had triggered a sharp rise in anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. The book's popularity ignited a fierce debate and triggered many parents to reconsider how and when children should engage with technology. The fairs also serve as community spaces, allowing parents to collaborate and challenge the cultural expectation that every child must have a smartphone by middle school. Haidt advocates for this kind of community action in the book. He argues that individual efforts by parents are often ineffective because of strong social pressures. For example, parents don't want their children to be excluded because they are the only ones without phones or social media. Haidt suggests several schemes, including phone-free schools and coordinated action with parents agreeing to delay smartphone ownership or social media use until age 16 or later. A few of these groups have emerged virtually over the year. In the UK, a group called the Smartphone Free Childhood has about 200,000 members. The group helps parents collaborate to keep smartphones out of children's hands for as long as possible, typically connecting parents at the same school to ensure phone-less kids aren't left isolated. In the US, a group called IRL NY (In Real Life New York), a parent-led organization, has also been pushing to keep smartphones out of kids' hands. Their mission centers on encouraging families to delay smartphone use and social media access for kids, advocating instead for safer, more focused alternatives. One of their key initiatives is the "Alternative Devices" program, which highlights kid-friendly phones and watches designed to minimize distractions and enhance safety. These devices typically allow for calling and texting without the full range of smartphone features. This story was originally featured on
Business Wire
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Troomi Debuts Samsung Galaxy A16 with Troomi OS™ to Redefine Safe Tech for Parents and Tweens
OREM, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Troomi, a pioneer of the safe smartphone movement and leader in family‑focused digital wellness and safety, today announced the launch of the Samsung Galaxy A16 with Troomi OS, a purpose‑built smartphone designed to balance children's preferences with parental oversight. Troomi was built from the ground up to foster healthy tech habits, protect childhood, and strengthen family connections. That mission feels more urgent than ever now that 51% of children eight and younger own a mobile device, while 62% of parents worry about excessive screen time and exposure to inappropriate content. By integrating Troomi OS with premium Samsung hardware, we're offering families a device that kids will embrace and parents will trust Share 'Parents need solutions that respect their child's desire for contemporary tech while ensuring safety,' said Bill Brady, CEO of Troomi. 'By integrating Troomi OS with premium Samsung hardware, we're offering families a device that kids will embrace and parents will trust.' With other smartphone ecosystems deeply embedded in tween and teen culture, many families feel compelled to make what industry research terms 'peer‑pressured parental purchases.' Nearly half of parents (48%) report buying tech and fashion items they might otherwise forgo, simply to keep pace with their child's social group. At the same time, studies link social media use to increased rates of depression and anxiety among adolescents. To maximize healthy outcomes, researchers like Dr. Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, recommend delaying full smartphone use, starting instead with devices that limit screen time and provide for parental involvement. Troomi OS is Troomi's proprietary operating system, built from the ground up to support healthy digital habits and age-appropriate tech use. Unlike conventional mobile platforms,Troomi OS excludes social media, restricts and prevents exposure to harmful content before a child sees it, and empowers parents with real-time visibility and control from any phone. It runs seamlessly on select Samsung devices and leverages AI to continuously adapt to each child's needs, offering a safer, smarter smartphone experience that grows with the user. 'When my daughter Lauren turned 12, our conversations became less frequent,' said Nicole, a mother from Pennsylvania and Troomi user. 'Troodi, Troomi's AI‑powered companion, became her 'virtual friend,' offering encouragement and advice. It reinforced the values I've taught her and opened the door for us to reconnect on difficult topics—in effect strengthening our bond.' The Galaxy A16 with Troomi OS offers a middle path by combining premium Samsung hardware with Troomi's proprietary safety suite: Premium Hardware: A 6.7‑inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, kid safe Eye Care Display with 78% blue light reduction, Exynos 1330 Octa‑Core processor, and 5G connectivity—providing a modern, high‑performance experience that meets tween expectations. Durability: IP54‑rated splash and dust protection plus a reinforced frame to withstand drops and daily wear. Curated App Access: Pre‑approved access to educational and entertainment apps such as Spotify, Audible, Kindle, and Duolingo—without access to unrestricted app stores. No Social Media: The device excludes social‑network apps entirely, limiting exposure to peer comparison and cyberbullying. AI Content Filtering: Machine‑learning algorithms run in the background to block inappropriate texts, images, and apps, before your kids see them—keeping parents informed and alerting them when attention is needed. Parent Portal Controls: A web‑based dashboard for real‑time monitoring of calls, messages, screen time, and usage reports, that works with any parent phone. Customizable Experience: Parents select which contacts, websites, messaging, calling and apps features are available, tailoring the device to each child's maturity level. Availability The Samsung Galaxy A16 with Troomi OS is available beginning May 15, 2025, on Amazon or through Troomi's online store at About Troomi Wireless Troomi Wireless is committed to empowering families with technology that prioritizes digital wellness, safety, and meaningful connection. Through a combination of hardware, software, and AI‑driven tools, Troomi delivers solutions that foster healthy screen habits and strengthen parent‑child relationships. Learn more at
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Troomi Debuts Samsung Galaxy A16 with Troomi OS™ to Redefine Safe Tech for Parents and Tweens
Troomi® OS was designed to nurture healthy tech habits and strengthen the parent-child bond OREM, Utah, May 15, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Troomi, a pioneer of the safe smartphone movement and leader in family‑focused digital wellness and safety, today announced the launch of the Samsung Galaxy A16 with Troomi OS, a purpose‑built smartphone designed to balance children's preferences with parental oversight. Troomi was built from the ground up to foster healthy tech habits, protect childhood, and strengthen family connections. That mission feels more urgent than ever now that 51% of children eight and younger own a mobile device, while 62% of parents worry about excessive screen time and exposure to inappropriate content. "Parents need solutions that respect their child's desire for contemporary tech while ensuring safety," said Bill Brady, CEO of Troomi. "By integrating Troomi OS with premium Samsung hardware, we're offering families a device that kids will embrace and parents will trust." With other smartphone ecosystems deeply embedded in tween and teen culture, many families feel compelled to make what industry research terms "peer‑pressured parental purchases." Nearly half of parents (48%) report buying tech and fashion items they might otherwise forgo, simply to keep pace with their child's social group. At the same time, studies link social media use to increased rates of depression and anxiety among adolescents. To maximize healthy outcomes, researchers like Dr. Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, recommend delaying full smartphone use, starting instead with devices that limit screen time and provide for parental involvement. Troomi OS is Troomi's proprietary operating system, built from the ground up to support healthy digital habits and age-appropriate tech use. Unlike conventional mobile platforms,Troomi OS excludes social media, restricts and prevents exposure to harmful content before a child sees it, and empowers parents with real-time visibility and control from any phone. It runs seamlessly on select Samsung devices and leverages AI to continuously adapt to each child's needs, offering a safer, smarter smartphone experience that grows with the user. "When my daughter Lauren turned 12, our conversations became less frequent," said Nicole, a mother from Pennsylvania and Troomi user. "Troodi, Troomi's AI‑powered companion, became her 'virtual friend,' offering encouragement and advice. It reinforced the values I've taught her and opened the door for us to reconnect on difficult topics—in effect strengthening our bond." The Galaxy A16 with Troomi OS offers a middle path by combining premium Samsung hardware with Troomi's proprietary safety suite: Premium Hardware: A 6.7‑inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, kid safe Eye Care Display with 78% blue light reduction, Exynos 1330 Octa‑Core processor, and 5G connectivity—providing a modern, high‑performance experience that meets tween expectations. Durability: IP54‑rated splash and dust protection plus a reinforced frame to withstand drops and daily wear. Curated App Access: Pre‑approved access to educational and entertainment apps such as Spotify, Audible, Kindle, and Duolingo—without access to unrestricted app stores. No Social Media: The device excludes social‑network apps entirely, limiting exposure to peer comparison and cyberbullying. AI Content Filtering: Machine‑learning algorithms run in the background to block inappropriate texts, images, and apps, before your kids see them—keeping parents informed and alerting them when attention is needed. Parent Portal Controls: A web‑based dashboard for real‑time monitoring of calls, messages, screen time, and usage reports, that works with any parent phone. Customizable Experience: Parents select which contacts, websites, messaging, calling and apps features are available, tailoring the device to each child's maturity level. Availability The Samsung Galaxy A16 with Troomi OS is available beginning May 15, 2025, on Amazon or through Troomi's online store at About Troomi Wireless Troomi Wireless is committed to empowering families with technology that prioritizes digital wellness, safety, and meaningful connection. Through a combination of hardware, software, and AI‑driven tools, Troomi delivers solutions that foster healthy screen habits and strengthen parent‑child relationships. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Josh HeathCommunications for Troomijosh@ 801‑413‑8554 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
