Kids These Days: Understanding and Supporting Youth Mental Health

By Will W. Dobud

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1774060221
• ISBN13: 9781774060223
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: New Society Publishers
• Length: 324 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 8.9"