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Thank you so much to everyone who joined in the mufti day and the VE Day afternoon tea, particularly to those who contributed cakes or helped. Together they raised just over £100 for Ukraine Christian Partnership and £100 for FOSS. 

Watch out for more FOSS events coming soon!

Chapter 6 & 7 of the Anxious Generation

Re-evaluating parent practices

Chapter 6: Why Social Media Harms Girls More Than Boys

Haidt examines the disproportionate impact of social media on adolescent girls, attributing it to several factors:

• Visual Social Comparison: Platforms like Instagram emphasize appearance, leading girls to compare themselves to idealized images, fostering perfectionism and anxiety.

• Relational Aggression: Girls often engage in indirect forms of bullying, such as exclusion and rumour-spreading, which are amplified online.

• Emotional Contagion: Girls are more likely to share their emotional struggles online, which can influence peers and contribute to a collective sense of distress.

• Harassment and Predation: Girls are more susceptible to online harassment and exploitation, exacerbating feelings of vulnerability.

Haidt supports these points with data showing that girls who spend over five hours daily on social media are three times more likely to experience depression compared to those who don't use social media .

Chapter 7: What Is Happening to Boys?

This chapter focuses on the challenges faced by adolescent boys, particularly their increasing disengagement from the real world:

• Digital Isolation: Many boys retreat into video games and pornography, leading to social withdrawal and a lack of real-world skills.

• Delayed Development: The absence of real-life challenges and responsibilities hinders emotional and social development, contributing to feelings of anxiety and depression.

• Educational Disadvantages: Boys are falling behind academically, with lower graduation rates and less engagement in school activities.

Haidt emphasizes that this trend is not solely due to technology but is also influenced by societal changes that have reduced opportunities for boys to engage in meaningful real-world experiences.

In summary, Chapters 6 and 7 of The Anxious Generation highlight the distinct ways in which social media affects adolescent girls and boys, leading to increased mental health challenges. Haidt calls for a re-evaluation of parenting practices and societal structures to address these issues and promote healthier development for all children.

Robins : Mabel

Kingfishers : Evelyn M & Bryon

Herons : Isabelle

Kestrels : George E, James & all of Year 6