Hey PPN Family,

A few weeks ago, I finished reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, and I highly recommend it to all parents and anyone who works with children and youth.

In the book, Haidt explores a dramatic shift that took place between 2010 and 2015—when childhood transitioned from being “play-based” to “phone-based.” He explains how this shift has negatively impacted children in four key areas: social deprivation, sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, and addiction.

As I reflect on Haidt’s research, I’m reminded that God created us for deep and meaningful relationships—both with Him and with those around us. This truth is at the heart of Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV):

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’”

For our children to thrive, they need ample opportunities to connect and build loving relationships with parents, family members, friends, and others. It’s our responsibility to ensure that excessive screen time doesn’t deprive them of this essential connection.

Justin Whitmel Earley captures this idea perfectly when he writes:

“The fight is not about ‘Are screens okay?’ or ‘How much screen time is too much?’ The fight is about whether you are forming your children or you are defaulting to letting screens form them.”

It reminds me of the old saying: “When it comes to children, the word ‘love’ is spelt T-I-M-E.” In other words, the more time children spend connecting with us—and the less time they spend connecting with their screens—the more loved and secure they will feel.

God bless,

Roland Talamaivao-Amituanai