“The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt argues that the rise of smartphones and social media since the early 2010s has caused a dramatic decline in youth mental health, creating an “epidemic of mental illness”. The book links this to a “great rewiring of childhood,” where a shift from a play-based to a phone-based childhood has led to increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness, while reducing real-world social skills, independence, and resilience. Haidt proposes solutions for parents, schools, and tech companies, including delaying smartphone access and increasing unstructured play. Eiseley Kotchoubey and Margaret Haske will run the discussion. Registration is requested at cornwalllibrary.org.