Navigating the Digital Age

Nurturing Resilient Children at WHPS

At WHPS, we are committed to the holistic development of each child, understanding that education extends beyond academics. As a progressive school, we focus on nurturing the whole person—equipping students with the critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. In today’s digital landscape, where technology shapes childhood in unprecedented ways, our role in guiding this transition is crucial.

The Digital Age: A Shift in Childhood

Over the past decade, technology has transformed how children grow and learn. Screen time often replaces the in-person play and hands-on exploration that are vital for early development. While technology has its benefits, it also poses challenges, particularly for younger children. According to social psychologist Jonathan Haidt in The Anxious Generation, increased screen time correlates with rising anxiety, reduced independence, and a loss of real-world experiences.

Haidt refers to this as a “collective action problem,” indicating that addressing technology's impact on children requires collaboration among parents, educators, and communities. We must all work together to limit screen time while preparing children for a tech-driven future.

Key Concerns

  • Excessive Screen Time: Limits attention spans and social skill development.

  • Reduced Free Play: Busy schedules often diminish essential imaginative play.

  • Fragmented Focus: Fast-paced digital content hinders concentration.

  • Sleep Disruption: Screens before bed interfere with sleep, affecting mood and health.

What Children Really Need

Haidt suggests there are four things that children need but receive less of than previous generations: free play, attunement, social learning, and agency.

During the preschool and elementary years—a critical time for brain development—children benefit immensely from free play, attunement, social learning, and agency. These elements are essential for developing the skills we all want our children to possess as they grow older. The graphic below illustrates how these foundational experiences shape key abilities in later life.

Fostering Independence and Free Play

Research shows that promoting independence and encouraging free play enhances cognitive skills and contributes to happier, more resilient children. As Haidt suggests, providing children with real-life experiences and the opportunity to face manageable risks fosters resilience and confidence.

How You Can Help

As parents and educators, there are several ways to support our children:

  • Set Screen Time Boundaries: Create clear limits and model healthy habits as a family to counteract the overuse of devices.

  • Encourage Unstructured Play: Prioritize outdoor playtime to foster cognitive and emotional growth, allowing children the freedom to explore and engage with their environment.

  • Establish Consistent Routines: Stability in daily schedules helps children develop healthy habits and reduces anxiety.

  • Promote Social Interaction: Organize playdates and group activities to help children build social skills and develop meaningful relationships.

Join Us for More Insights

At WHPS, we are committed to fostering independent exploration. This fall, our preschool staff will participate in professional development with Lindsay Astor Grant, an expert in movement and exploratory play. We invite all parents to join our Zoom MasterClass on November 13, titled "Nurturing Resilience and Independence in Today’s Kids," where you'll gain practical strategies to support your child's development.

Adapted From: 
* Haidt, J. (2024). The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. Penguin.
* Anxious Generation Movement: A Workshop for K-12 School Leaders, Los Angeles, CA, September 2024