Kids These Days is a must-read book and protest against harmful mental health treatments for children and youth. —PARIS HILTON, global advocate for institutional reform and founder of 11:11 Media Anxiety, depression, self-harm, and teen suicide are rising sharply— youth mental health issues have increased over 60% in the past decade . In Kids These Days , experts Will Dobud, PhD and Nevin Harper, PhD reveal why today's kids are struggling and what adults must do differently. Endorsed by Paris Hilton, Dr. Bruce D. Perry, and Alex Hutchinson , this research-based guide delivers practical strategies for building resilience, connection, and autonomy in the next generation. What You'll Learn Why anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges are symptoms, not root causes - How overprotection, screen time, disconnection, and adult interference affect youth mental health - Insights from 20+ years of clinical experience and adolescent psychology for raising emotionally resilient teens - Why traditional talk therapy, diagnoses, and medication often miss the mark - How to build trust, connection, and autonomy with kids—even in crisis Why This Book Stands Out Written by practitioners with decades of experience in outdoor therapy, youth work, and trauma-informed care - Grounded in research and filled with expert insights from parenting and psychology professionals - Offers practical strategies parents, educators, and youth mentors can apply immediately - A refreshing alternative to books that pathologize or try to "fix" kids Endorsed by Leading Voices " This is a crucial read for anyone living or working with children and youth. Highly recommended." — Dr. Bruce D. Perry , co-author of What Happened to You? " A fresh, provocative look at the challenges facing our kids in today's world." — Alex Hutchinson , New York Times bestselling author of Endure Perfect for readers of The Anxious Generation , Hold On to Your Kids , and Free-Range Kids . Whether you're a parent, teacher, youth worker, or therapist, Kids These Days will change how you see the next generation—and your role in helping them thrive. Our kids aren't broken. But the system is. Let's change the story. Buy Kids These Days today —your guide to raising strong, connected, and capable young people. Kids These Days is a must-read book and protest against harmful mental health treatments for children and youth. Dobud and Harper truly understand youth and care about their safety. ―Paris Hilton, global advocate for institutional reform and founder of 11:11 Media Kids These Days challenges the over-analytic, pathologizing, self-absorbed focus on children and youth in today's world. With a combination of quality scholarship, insights from a range of experts, and effective storytelling, the authors make a strong case to "back away from the developing child!" The power of healthy (i.e., non-intrusive) adult presence balanced with unstructured play, exploratory opportunities, and the tolerance of discomfort can build confidence, create resilience, and promote health and wellness. This is a crucial read for anyone living or working with children and youth. Highly recommended. ―Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D., Principal of The Neurosequential Network and Author, with Oprah Winfrey of the New York Times #1 Bestseller What Happened to You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing Problem–solution–celebration. Alas, it is deeper and more complex than that―as is whatever seems to be raining sorrow and dysfunction on a whole lot of "kids these days." Here's hoping this book's light shines into every corner of the problem and helps us toward a real and practical solution. ―Lenore Skenazy, author Free-Range Kids , and president, Let Grow Kids These Days is a fresh, provocative look at the challenges facing our kids in today's world. Instead of simple answers and tired clichés, Dobud and Harper take a broad and nuanced approach, zeroing in on the ways in which our attempts to shelter and protect kids from risk may be backfiring. ―Alex Hutchinson, New York Times bestselling author, Endure and The Explorer's Gene In an era where discussions about child and adolescent psychology often call for greater nuance and contextual understanding, this book stands out by delivering precisely that. It masterfully weaves rigorous science, compelling narratives, and unconventional insights, offering a fresh perspective that challenges traditional thinking. A timely and essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of young minds. ―Dr. Todd B. Kashdan, Professor of Psychology and author, The Upside of Your Dark Side and The Art of Insubordination Moral panics about "kids these days" are everywhere, but Dobud and Harper cut through the hysteria with real science and clear thinking. They show how well-intentioned interventions often backfire―and what actually helps. A must-read for anyone who cares about kids.