In his new book, “The Anxious Generation” Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s writes about how spending time on smartphones and the popularity of social media apps affects teenagers mental health. Haidt and other researchers are finding direct links between the powerful draw of the phones and apps, to rising rising rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among adolescents, and that includes Jewish teens.

Now, one of the first in-depth studies focusing on how Jewish culture, family dynamics, and community influences are effecting  American Jewish youth, is underway.

Participation in the online study is voluntary, with Jewish teens and their families encouraged to complete confidential online surveys.

“It is vital that they add their point of view to this survey because who they are, and how they are impacted by the world around them, matters,” said Celeste Souza, Chief Program Officer for the St. Louis Jewish Family Services.

The researchers aim to explore how culturally specific factors such as Jewish identity, religious observance, antisemitism, and involvement in Jewish communities impact the mental well-being of teens. Additionally, the study will investigate potential challenges like academic pressure, social media use, and the transition to adulthood.

“We hope that this survey will help us better understand, in their own words, what Jewish teens are facing. With that information, we hope that the community can better offer supportive and supplementary services to adolescents and families to support day-to-day healthy living and build resilience for a lifetime,” said Souza.

Click here to have a look or participate in the Jewish Teen Survey.

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