In a now-viral TikTok video, comedian Russell Kane doesn’t hold back when discussing the modern anxiety epidemic among younger generations.
He bluntly calls out parents, social media, and society at large for creating a generation that is too anxious to even leave the house. Kane argues that we’ve made the real world “too safe,” replaced real experiences with screens, and conditioned kids to crave instant gratification.
His brutally honest (and darkly funny) take has struck a nerve online, with thousands debating whether he’s absolutely right—or just over-exaggerating.
Let’s unpack this together.
@russell_kane The youth anxiety epidemic (since 2010 🤔) explained in 90 seconds. The human brain evolved to make social connections in the real world. Constantly using a smartphone as an adult is distracting enough – heaven knows what it does to tweens and teen growing brains. if you’re interested in the science read The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt #anxiety ♬ original sound – russell_kane
Point #1: The Modern Anxiety Epidemic
In Kane’s view, today’s youth are struggling with crippling anxiety at unprecedented levels. It’s not just the usual teenage awkwardness we’re talking about but a full-blown fear of social interactions, difficulty handling real-life situations, and the kind of anxiety that makes stepping outside feel like an extreme sport.
Kane suggests that the constant quick gratification from the “little boxes” (a.k.a. smartphones) we hand them are setting them up for failure. Kids aged 11-14 are constantly comparing themselves to others online, and this comparison culture plays a massive role in their rising anxiety levels.
In fact, one in five children and young adults aged eight to 25 experienced probable mental disorders in 2023 in England, with anxiety being the dominant concern. Considering these stats, we believe Kane’s perspective deserves serious consideration. What do you think?
Point #2: The Role Of Overprotective Parenting
Kane argues that society, parents, and the media have made the world feel “too dangerous” for kids. This fear-driven over-parenting approach has replaced outdoor play with bubble-wrapped environments where every risk is minimised.
And what’s the easiest way to keep kids entertained these days? You’ve guessed it, it’s tablets, gaming consoles, and smartphones, with a side order of anxiety.
Kids today aren’t just missing out on “cool” scraped knee injuries when bailing off the climbing wall; they’re missing out on life skills that come with learning to deal with, well, life. We’re talking about failure, awkward social interactions and developing resilience after inevitable rejection, all fundamental aspects of healthy maturation.
No wonder youngsters experience heightened stress when faced with real-world challenges. How can we expect confident social interactions from those who’ve had limited practice engaging face-to-face?
Point #3: The Impact Of Screens & Social Media
Here’s where things get interesting: Kane links the rise of childhood anxiety to unprecedented screen exposure. He says we’re basically handing them phones at the “most dangerous points in their lives”, between 11 and 15, when their “social connective brains are growing.”
Social media. Judgement loops. Instant gratification.
It’s no wonder kids are hooked.
Dopamine, the brain’s “feel good” hormone, hits an all-time high when scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, making these platforms even more addictive. And while it might be fun to watch hours of viral dance videos, it’s taking a toll on our kids’ mental health––even though they’ll fight you tooth and nail that it isn’t.
Moreover, excessive screen time potentially compromises the development of proper verbal and social skills children need to thrive in the real world, such as negotiation, reading social cues, or even holding a semi-decent conversation. Pretty scary, right?
Point #4: Dopamine Addiction
Dopamine spikes are the real deal. When kids are constantly notified about interactions with their latest posts, their little brains are wired to do a happy dance.
Unfortunately, these “quick wins” tend to make real-world experiences feel boring. Like, why did nobody complement me on how epic I look in my new trainers and baggy jeans?
Social media and online games are constantly bombarding our kids’ brains with too much of this “happy” hormone, which actually isn’t a good thing. Experts say that too much dopamine can lead to impulsiveness, aggression, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.
Attention spans are shrinking, learning is getting harder, and activities that require patience, focus or perseverance are taking a backseat.
Should we be surprised when children struggle with ordinary moments that lack constant stimulation?
Point #5: Parallels To Addiction
Kane isn’t pulling punches when he compares giving babies an iPad at a restaurant and handing them illegal drugs. Strong words, but there’s some truth to it.
Think about it: we’ve all witnessed toddler tantrums or teen power struggles when a child’s screen time is cut off. The level of dependency is alarming, to say the least.
Excessive screen exposure from an early age conditions our offspring to rely on digital stimulation to feel good. Can you see the problem?
Parent Tip: How To Reverse The Damage
So, what can we do about this? Kane offers some practical advice:
- Restrict smartphone access tokids under 16.
- Restrict social media to kids under 14.
- Encourage outdoor play, real-world interactions, and non-digital hobbies.
- Reduce dopamine hijacking from constant notifications and social media scrolling.
The Conversation Continues
Kane’s take on screen time and anxiety has certainly sparked some heated debates of late, and now we want to hear from you.
Are screens really to blame for rising anxiety? Do you think children should be banned from social media until they’re 14? Would you support a law to restrict smartphone use for younger generations? Or do you think this is just modern parenting evolving?
Let us know what you think in the comments below. We’re particularly interested in hearing about effective strategies you’ve implemented to navigate screen time and anxiety in your home.
