In this class, we will examine the rising mental health challenges faced by today’s youth, with a focus on how reduced free play and increased screen time contribute to this growing crisis. Through in-depth exploration, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the underlying causes of declining mental health and how they are impacting students. Most importantly, you’ll learn practical steps to help create positive change. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to not only better understand the struggles of today’s youth but also to make a meaningful impact in supporting their mental well-being.
For K-12 Teachers
This class is offered for 3 Quarter Credits
Required Textbook: The Anxious Generation by Haidt
Register Anytime! You can start your course TODAY!
1. Click "Registration" below. Our site will redirect you to an SPU registration page where you will pay both the TINT and SPU fee with a credit card.
2. You will receive an email from SPU with your receipt and a link to the coursework.
3. You have a year to complete the work at your own pace. Your grade will be posted on your transcript within a few weeks (and often sooner) of you finishing!
Fees:
Option 1: Non-Credit/Audit (30 PDUs) TINT Tuition Fee: $535
Option 2: 3 Quarter Credit (60 PDUs) TINT Tuition Fee: $325
+ $165 SPU Credit Fee (Click here for SPU Info) = $700
Student Testimonials:
When I began this course, my goal was to better understand the relationship between technology, childhood development, and mental health. That goal has not only been met, it has expanded. I now see that while I cannot control what my students do outside of school, I can create an intentional environment inside the classroom that protects and strengthens their emotional well-being.
This class has deepened my understanding of how anxiety manifests in children and given me concrete, evidence-based strategies to help. I feel better equipped to balance our use of iPads with unstructured, collaborative play. I’m also more aware of how important daily SEL practices are, not just for individual coping skills, but for building a supportive classroom community that acts as a shield against stress.
Moving forward, I plan to be more deliberate about discussing healthy tech habits with my students, incorporating more movement and play into our daily schedule, and creating stronger partnerships with families around digital wellness. Most of all, I’ll carry forward the reminder that protecting children’s mental health is just as important as teaching academics, and that both can and should happen together.
—TINT Student