Why We Wrote The Amazing Generation

A Q&A with Catherine Price and Jonathan Haidt

How did you come together to write this book?

Jon is a social psychologist and the author of The Anxious Generation, which has sparked a global conversation about the harms of a phone-based childhood; Catherine is a science journalist, author of How To Break Up With Your Phone, and a former middle school teacher who is focused on helping people of all ages create better relationships with technology. Over the years, we both have heard from parents asking us to write a book for their kids. The Amazing Generation is our response.

Who is this book for, and why now?

Childhood is under real threat, which is why this book is written directly for kids and is designed to inspire them to decide for themselves not to allow their lives to be hijacked by screens. We focused on 9 to 12 year-olds because early puberty is a crucial period of brain development—it’s essential for kids to develop real-life skills and relationships and not allow their brains to be rewired by addictive algorithms.

What do you hope kids take away from it?

Rather than a “young readers’ edition” of an adult book, we wanted to create something kids would actually want to read—one that shows them how much power they hold and gives them tools to make their own choices about how they want to spend their time and engage with technology. We also wanted to encourage kids to join the growing rebellion of young people who have decided that they don’t want to allow their childhoods to be stolen by Big Tech. That’s why the heart of the book is what we call The Rebels’ Code:

Art Copyright 2025 by Cynthia Yuan Cheng

1. Use technology as a tool, don’t let it use you;
2. Fill your life with real friendship, freedom, and fun.

Our hope is that parents and educators can use the book to spark meaningful, productive conversations about tech with their kids and students, and that kids will finish the book feeling inspired to become rebels themselves.  We’re excited to say that the response so far from kids has been great. They want to protect their brains—and enjoy their childhoods!

Why does this connect with Outward Bound? 

Outward Bound reflects exactly what we’re advocating for: growth through challenge, connection, and time away from screens. Real-world experiences help kids form relationships and discover who they are—and that’s what The Amazing Generation is about.

On January 24th, Outward Bound is hosting The Reset—a free event inviting people to step away from screens and spend time outside. What encouragement would you offer to young people, parents, and grandparents who are considering participating?

The Reset is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to experience a taste of how much more fun and rewarding life can be when we put our phones down, step outside, and connect with real people in real life. We encourage anyone who’s hesitating to take a deep breath and give it a go. Whatever notifications you miss will still be waiting for you when you get back—and whatever experience you have will be more memorable than scrolling through your phone. Find out more and register for The Reset here!

Where can we order The Amazing Generation?

Right here! On that page, you’ll also find a free preview as well as free resources and discussion guides for educators, librarians, community leaders, and parents and caregivers who want to read the book alongside their kids.

We’re proud to spotlight The Amazing Generation alongside The Reset (thanks to Catherine Price for being part of our host committee!), on January 24—an invitation to step away from screens and reconnect with the outdoors and one another. Together, they offer a powerful reminder: the most meaningful growth happens when we put the phone down and show up for real life.

Click here for more information about The Amazing Generation, Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price.

About the Book

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller The Anxious Generation, this new book for kids is a handbook for living a happy and exciting life that isn’t hijacked by a smartphone.

The Amazing Generation is an instant #1 New York Times bestseller and was chosen as a best book of the year by School Library Journal.

Jonathan Haidt’s blockbuster book The Anxious Generation has sparked a global conversation about the effects of smartphones and social media on young people’s development, inspiring millions of parents, teachers, and leaders to take action.

Now, Haidt and Catherine Price — author of the bestselling How to Break Up with Your Phone — have teamed up to create a new book that speaks directly to kids and early teens. The goal? To empower young people to stand up for themselves by choosing a life not dominated by screens.

Perfect for 9-12 year-olds — whether or not they already have smartphones or social media — this engaging guide is packed with surprising facts, a graphic novel, interactive challenges, and secrets tech leaders don’t want kids to know. It also includes real-life stories from young adults who regret getting smartphones too early and want to help the next generation make different choices.

At its heart is The Rebel’s Code:

• Use technology as a tool, don’t let technology use you
• Fill your life with real friendship, freedom, and fun

Because this isn’t just a book about what not to do; it’s a bold, optimistic, and practical guide to becoming your most authentic, confident, and adventurous self.