Fresh Take: Dr. Stuart Slavin on The Pressures Causing Depression, Anxiety, and Burnout in Our Kids

What if the proven decline in the mental health of today's adolescents isn't just about phones and screen time? What if academic pressure and "achievement culture" is the real driver of the increase in anxiety and depression today's teens are experiencing?

Dr. Stuart Slavin, pediatrician and author of THE SUCCESS TRAP, explains just how widespread academic pressure and "achievement culture" in the United States has become— not just in fancy schools on the coasts, and not just in high school, either.

Amy and Dr. Slavin discuss:

• the average teen's default state of sleep deprivation, caused by hours of homework per night (work that may not even do much to change outcomes)

• the top stressors today's teens report—and why "peer pressure" doesn't even make the top ten

• how smartphones feed maladaptive perfectionism and achievement culture

• how schools that reduce demands on kids are also seeing improved test scores and academic performance

• how parents can create "low-pressure zones" at home

• how to advocate for healthier expectations at your kids' schools—and why you shouldn't fight that battle on your own

Here's where you can find Dr. Slavin:

• https://drstuartslavin.com
• Buy THE SUCCESS TRAP: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9780593839386
• @drstuartslavin on IG

What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables.

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