USA Today: Steinberg, Hirsh-Pasek on contemporary childhood pressures

Many child-development specialists and others worry that it's just not as much fun to be a kid anymore. Analysts say there are increasing signs that a lack of independence fuels stress, anxiety and depression among young people. Increased educational and social pressures may be taking a toll on kids' mental health, suggests Laurence Steinberg, psychology professor at Temple. "Kids need unstructured time to unwind and relax, just to play without worrying about their performance," Steinberg says. "Kid time today? That time is filled," says Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, a developmental psychologist at Temple.
April 15, 2011 | USA Today