Let’s put tech in its place so kids can flourish

(Re)introducing The TAG Movement

Cofounder and CEO Alexa Arnold on the next chapter

Young people walking together on a tree-lined road

In just over a decade, the tech-based childhood has crowded out the free play, independence, and human connection that kids need, and has exposed them to new risks and harms.

4.8 hours the average time a U.S. teenager spends on social media per day — Source (opens in a new tab)

In just over a decade, the tech-based childhood has crowded out the free play, independence, and human connection that kids need, and has exposed them to new risks and harms.

Kids and teens around the world are suffering from unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression. Everyone’s attention is being fragmented, and young people are lonelier than ever. Meanwhile, technology is evolving at warp speed. It can feel overwhelming.

+102% increase in the share of teen girls who show symptoms of depression since 2010 — Source (opens in a new tab)

Kids and teens around the world are suffering from unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression. Everyone’s attention is being fragmented, and young people are lonelier than ever. Meanwhile, technology is evolving at warp speed. It can feel overwhelming.

At TAG, we’re translating the latest research into practical solutions, legislative action, and cultural momentum. In partnership with leaders and organizations around the world, we’re making sure that kids and teens can develop and grow into thriving humans without tech getting in the way.

75% of kids would rather spend time with friends offline — Source (opens in a new tab)

At TAG, we’re translating the latest research into practical solutions, legislative action, and cultural momentum. In partnership with leaders and organizations around the world, we’re making sure that kids and teens can develop and grow into thriving humans without tech getting in the way.

Learn more about the issue, what it costs kids, and the way out

Our work

We’re changing the conversation, guiding policy, and building tools that last.

Child's hands reaching toward the sky through yellow flowers

Working alongside schools, policymakers, and state and national governments, we advocate for policies that protect kids from addictive technology and hold tech companies accountable. And it’s working. As concerns about AI and EdTech safety grow, we’re partnering with leading researchers to design the right guardrails.

Through the cultural touchstones of The Anxious Generation and The Amazing Generation, as well as media, original content, and storytelling, we’re creating a shared understanding about what’s happening and what we can do about it. Next up: a feature documentary film bringing together experts and the voices of Gen Z.

Change happens at every level. We share research-backed solutions that people can put into practice immediately, starting with the original four norms. In partnership with the NYU Stern Tech and Society Lab and other experts in the movement, we translate leading research into resources and tools to support people in their daily lives as well as the incredible organizations on the ground.

Channeling research into action

When The Anxious Generation was published in 2024, it brought the question of what technology was doing to kids into the mainstream. People who had felt alone in their challenges realized it wasn’t just them, their families, and their schools — and that there was a path out. It started a global conversation and an outpouring of energy to put solutions in place.

Led by Jon Haidt and Alexa Arnold, we quickly built a team and a social impact campaign to fuel the movement and translate it into major policy wins. This includes phone-free school policies, social media design legislation, and increasing regulations on Big Tech.

Our story

The global movement

Movements are led by many. In our case, we’re grateful to work alongside thousands of leaders and organizations around the world. Here are just a few:

Learn more about these and other organizations

Popular resources

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Video

Jon’s Parent / Teacher Talk

Jon walks through the research that underpins the book, plus practical actions that we can take in our own homes, communities, and schools.

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Policy

The Childhood Index

See how your state is doing on policies that protect children online, support distraction-free education, and help kids and teens thrive in the real world.

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