In his new book "The Anxious Generation," social psychologist Jonathan Haidt discusses the destructive impact of smartphones, screens, and social media platforms on children, contributing to a mental health epidemic.

Speaking to CNN, Haidt commented, "In the past, parents used to let their children play with others in the streets and parks. However, gradually, due to increasing fears of kidnapping and other threats, we moved away from this practice in the 80s and 90s. Then technology emerged, and we believed the internet would be the savior of democracy and make our children smarter. As most of us were optimistic about technology, governments and institutions did not warn against children spending a few hours daily on their phones or other screens.”

"We've overprotected our children in the real world while neglecting to protect them sufficiently online," Haidt added.

The social psychologist emphasized that smartphones and screens negatively affect children's natural growth, both physically and psychologically, and pointed out that social media use significantly increases anxiety rates among children.

"Girls, in particular, share their feelings on social media more than boys, discussing their emotions more openly with each other, which actually raises anxiety levels among girls in childhood and adolescence. This anxiety can lead to self-harm," Haidt explained.

According to Haidt, by 2010, emergency room visits for self-harm among girls aged 10 to 14 had almost tripled, marking one of the most significant increases in mental illness signs he has seen in all the data he reviewed.

"When you look at the wreckage of mental health among children and teenagers, see the increases in self-harm and suicide rates, and notice the decline in academic test scores since 2012 both in the United States and around the world, it becomes clear that smartphones are indeed killing and destroying our children," Haidt stated.

Haidt believes that children should not be allowed to use smartphones and social media until they are 16 years old, highlighting that social media platforms are not meant for children.

While some may doubt the science behind Haidt's thesis, he insists that his stance is based on years of research into various scientific evidence.

The American Psychological Association echoes his concerns in a new report, which asserts that social media platforms are "inherently unsafe for children." Released on Tuesday, the report argues that children lack the "experience and wisdom" required to navigate those platforms safely. The association believes that the burden should not solely be on parents, app stores, or the youth, but also on the platform developers.

Nevertheless, Haidt believes that the most significant responsibility falls on parents, stating, "Parents can't entirely rely on developers. We're at a turning point as a society, and if adults don't take the necessary steps, they might risk their children's mental health indefinitely."