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100 Why Anxiety in Kids is at an All-Time High
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Welcome to the Kids with Big Emotions Podcast! This is our 100th episode—a huge milestone! Thank you for being part of this journey. Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic: Why anxiety in kids is skyrocketing like never before.
If you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, you’ve probably noticed that children today seem more anxious than ever. Even compared to past generations who lived through wars and economic crises, today’s kids are struggling at an unprecedented level.
But why is this happening? In this episode, Andi explores the hidden drivers of anxiety, how they impact brain development, and practical strategies to help kids navigate this complex digital age.
Key Takeaways
- Anxiety is not just a mindset issue—it has deep physiological and neurological roots.
- Social media and screens are rewiring kids’ brains, making it harder for them to self-regulate and focus.
- The gut and nervous system play a critical role in anxiety—imbalances in gut health can directly impact mood.
- Environmental toxins in everyday products are disrupting kids’ hormones, further exacerbating stress and anxiety.
- It’s not about banning screens altogether, but about teaching kids healthy tech habits.
- Supporting kids with anxiety requires a holistic approach, not just telling them to “calm down.”
Episode Highlights & Timestamps
[00:00] - Celebrating 100 episodes! The importance of understanding childhood anxiety today.
[02:00] - Addressing common myths: It’s not just about “kids being soft” or “social media being the problem.”
[04:00] - The science behind anxiety: How screens, stress, and environment impact the nervous system.
[05:00] - Insights from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt—how smartphones are rewiring kids’ brains.
[07:00] - A personal story: How unchecked screen time led to depression and anxiety in my own child.
[10:00] - Screens and addiction: Why kids struggle to stop gaming or scrolling.
[15:00] - The “whiteboard effect” in the brain: How screen overload reduces focus and executive function.
[20:00] - Executive functioning and screens: Why kids struggle with transitioning between tasks.
[27:00] - The nervous system in overdrive: How constant stress rewires kids’ ability to self-regulate.
[32:00] - Gut health and anxiety: Why digestion and serotonin production matter.
[35:00] - Environmental toxins: How synthetic fragrances, plastics, and household products affect anxiety.
[42:00] - Comparing today’s anxiety crisis to past generations—why modern stressors are different.
[44:00] - How to help kids develop digital resilience instead of banning screens completely.
[47:00] - Introducing the Support Circle—a community to help parents navigate anxiety, screens, and stress management.
Resources Mentioned
📖 The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt – Explores the impact of screens on brain development - https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book
📖 Peak Mind by Amishi Jha – A neuroscientist’s perspective on attention and focus - https://amishi.com/books/peak-mind
🎥 Stink! (Documentary on Netflix) – Investigates the effects of synthetic fragrances and environmental toxins - https://www.netflixreleases.com/stink-2015/
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