Jonathan Haidt’s upcoming conversation with Emma Lembke and other Gen Z members will build on themes from his book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. The gathering will focus on the debate over whether phones should be allowed in schools, with young voices weighing in on the impact of unrestricted smartphone access on student well-being, social interactions, and learning environments. Haidt, a psychologist studying social media’s effects on youth, and Lembke, a digital well-being activist, will engage with student leaders advocating for various policies, from outright bans to controlled access. The discussion will highlight the growing movement of young people pushing for changes in school phone policies to foster healthier and more focused educational spaces.
