Book Review |Chapter 2 Summary – The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
What Children Need to Do in Childhood
In Chapter 2, Haidt argues that healthy development requires children to have free play, independence, and manageable risk, but modern childhood gives them less of these experiences.
He explains that through unsupervised play and real-world problem solving, kids build confidence, social skills, and resilience. Facing small challenges helps develop what he calls anti-fragility — the ability to grow stronger through difficulty.
Since the 1990s, childhood has become more overprotected in the real world (less independence, more supervision, more rules), which can lead to lower confidence and higher anxiety.
At the same time, children are often underprotected in the digital world, with early access to smartphones, social media, and online pressures.
Haidt says modern childhood has flipped:
- Too safe offline
- Too risky online
Key idea: Kids need more real-world freedom, play, and independence — and less early digital exposure — to develop strong mental health.
Key Dates
March 30 | School Resumes for Students |
April 3 | Good Friday (School Closed) |
April 7 | School Council (Microsoft Teams Link Here) |
April 9 | Family Pizza Night (Hunterhorn Dominoes) |
April 13-16 | Book Fair |
April 16 | Celebration of Learning | Grade 2/3/5 (1:15 and 6pm performance) |
April 20-23 | Jump Rope for Heart |
April 24 | Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students) |
April 27 | Spring Photos |
April 27-30 | CGY Crew Flag Football Residency |
April 30 | Fun Lunch - Subway |
May 5 | School Council (Microsoft Teams Link Here) |
May 7 | Volunteer Tea |
May 11-14 | Pass FC Soccer Residency |
May 14 | Family Pizza Night (Hunterhorn Dominoes) |
May 15 | Non-Instructional Day (No School for Students) |
May 18 | Victoria Day (School Closed) |
Recurring Messages
Beddington Heights School is on Instagram | Follow us: @beddingtonheightsschoolcbe
Fun Lunch | Subway
Our next Fun Lunch will be Subway on April 30th. The ordering deadline is April 25th. Orders can be placed at HealthyHunger.ca. Thanks to generous donations from BHS families, we were able to provide 6 lucky students with a free fun lunch from Coco Brooks last month! Thank you to all who contributed to this cause! If your child is absent on Fun Lunch day, their lunch will be kept in the office until 3:00 p.m. for pick-up. After that time, it will be discarded to meet health and safety guidelines and due to limited storage space.
Popcorn Sales | Delivered Every Thursday
Parent Association sells popcorn for students, which will be distributed each Thursday. All proceeds will support BHS families in need during the Winter Break/Christmas season. Popcorn orders will be made through HealthyHunger.ca. The ordering deadline for each week is Saturday.
FlipGive Fundraiser
Support Beddington Heights School all year long through FlipGive — an easy, free way to raise money just by shopping for things you already buy!
Our school earns cash back whenever families shop for groceries, gas, dining out, or online purchases from hundreds of popular retailers.
Join our team here: Beddington Heights FlipGive
Every purchase helps support our school families.
Dates of Significance
Transgender Day of Visibility — March 31, 2026
Observed annually on March 31, Transgender Day of Visibility celebrates the lives, contributions, and resilience of transgender and non-binary people. The day also raises awareness about discrimination and promotes respect, inclusion, and equal rights for gender-diverse individuals in communities around the world.
Sikh Heritage Month — April 1–30, 2026
April is Sikh Heritage Month in Canada, a time to recognize and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Sikh Canadians. The month encourages learning about Sikh traditions, values such as service and equality, and the important role Sikh communities play in Canadian society.
Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month — April 1–30, 2026
April is designated in Canada as Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month. It honours victims and survivors of genocides, reflects on the causes of hatred and violence, and encourages education and action to prevent future atrocities while promoting human rights, dignity, and inclusion for all people.
Good Friday — April 3, 2026
Good Friday is a Christian holy day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and reflecting on themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and compassion. Many people observe the day through religious services, quiet reflection, and acts of kindness, recognizing its significance within the Easter season.
Refugee Rights Day — April 4, 2026
Refugee Rights Day in Canada recognizes the rights and dignity of refugees and newcomers. The day highlights the importance of fairness, safety, and protection for people forced to leave their homes, and encourages communities to support inclusion, understanding, and respect for all individuals seeking refuge.
Easter — April 5, 2026
Easter is a Christian celebration marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolizes hope, renewal, and new life. Many people observe the day through church services, family gatherings, and cultural traditions, making it one of the most important holidays in the Christian calendar.