Community Read
What: Rockwood School District Community Read of “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt
When: Thursday, Feb. 13, 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Marquette High Theater
Who: Guest speaker Julie Smith, Webster University communications instructor
Why: Our goal for these discussions is not to reach consensus or drive building or district policies, but to reflect, learn from each other and grow.
Rockwood School District Community Read – “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt
The Rockwood School District and the Rockwood Library and Media program invite our parents and guardians, community members and high school students to participate in a “Community Read” this winter of “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness,” by Jonathan Haidt.
Throughout January and February, school librarians will host book discussions for their school or quadrant communities (check with your school librarian for specific information), culminating in a districtwide discussion on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Marquette High theater, led by guest speaker Julie Smith, Webster University communications instructor.
Rockwood educators care deeply about the mental health of all our students, and we feel this book will allow for meaningful conversations among parents, staff, community members and high school students. Our goal for these discussions is not to reach consensus or drive building or district policies, but to reflect, learn from each other and grow.
About the Book
An investigation into the challenges of youth mental health and a plan for a healthier, freer childhood. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explores how the rise of the "phone-based childhood" has coincided with the rise in rates of depression, anxiety and self-harm in children. He explains how the increase in technology use by children interferes with social and neurological development and proposes four simple rules that might help to stop the epidemic of mental illness in children and restore a more humane childhood.
How to Get Involved
Read the book and think about its themes and topics for the discussions at your schools and/or the Feb. 13 event at Marquette.
If you don’t yet have a copy of the book, Novel Neighbor in Webster Groves is offering 20 percent off. Use the code “ONEREAD” when ordering online, or mention it in person.
If you would like to receive reading questions and related materials prior to attending these discussion events, please fill out this form.