Anxious Generation | Part II

In Part II of the Arkansas Bar Association’s discussion of The Anxious Generation, host Jamie Huffman Jones and guests Jennifer Donaldson (Arkansas JLAP), Meredith Lowry (Wright, Lindsey & Jennings), and Duke Law Professor Casey Mock examine the second half of Jonathan Haidt’s bestselling book and its implications for lawyers, parents, educators, policymakers, and communities. The conversation explores Haidt’s concept of the “great rewiring of childhood,” including the effects of smartphones, social media, sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, and platform design on young people’s mental health. The panel discusses how technology companies collect and use data, the growing concerns surrounding AI, online privacy, addictive design features, and emerging litigation involving social media platforms. The episode also focuses on solutions. Topics include phone-free schools, delayed access to social media, restoring independent play and real-world experiences for children, age verification laws, privacy protections, and the role of lawyers in shaping public policy as technology continues to outpace existing legal frameworks. Whether you are a lawyer, parent, educator, or community leader, this episode offers practical insights and thought-provoking discussion on one of the most important issues facing the next generation. Guests: Jennifer Donaldson, Arkansas Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP)  Meredith Lowry, Wright, Lindsey & Jennings  Casey Mock, Duke Law School and Public Policy Advisor for The Anxious GenerationLearn more at the Arkansas Bar Association Annual Meeting, where Casey Mock will join the main stage discussion on June 11 at Oaklawn.Podcast Pre-Roll Post - Roll