"We can reclaim childhood and return a healthy human childhood to our children."

In this landmark episode of One Young Mind, Professor Jonathan Haidt - whose work sparked the global movement to protect kids online - sits down with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for an honest and urgent conversation about growing up in the digital age.

They discuss why today’s teens are more anxious than ever, what constant connection is doing to young brains, and why the next year is critical as New Zealand moves toward introducing an age limit for social media.

Haidt shares practical strategies for parents and carers, while the Prime Minister reflects on his own parenting and the lessons from the school phone ban. Together, they explore how families, schools and government can act now to prevent another generation from being lost to online harms – including rising challenges posed by AI.

This is an important, eye-opening conversation about the very real risks of social media, and the changes we can all make to support one young mind at a time.

New Zealand Helplines:
• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: [phone]
• What’s Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)
• Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
• Aoake te Rā – Free, brief therapeutic support service for those bereaved by suicide. Call 0800 000 053.
• Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737
• The Lowdown: Free text 5626 or visit thelowdown.co.nz
• EDANZ (Eating Disorders Association NZ): Visit ed.org.nz for resources and support
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111

For more information about Jonathan Haidt click here

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