Ep 13 | What’s Really Hurting Our Kids: Peter Gray on Why Phones Aren’t the Problem
Play isn’t just the giggles and games—it’s a protective shield for growing hearts and minds. When kids lose play, they lose more than fun.
In this episode of the Play Nature Podcast, Rusty Keeler goes deeper into why children are more anxious and less joyful, and what we can do to turn the tide.
Rusty welcomes back Dr. Peter Gray, our favorite play professor and champion of childhood freedom. This time, they dig into what’s really behind the rise in kids’ anxiety and depression—and no, it’s not just the phones.
Peter points to the pressure cooker of modern education, where rigid standards and endless testing are crowding out curiosity, movement, and joy.
Top three takeaways for part 2 with Peter Gray
- It’s not just screens—school stress is a major player in kids’ declining mental health.
- The loss of autonomy and play in schools is leaving kids overwhelmed and underpowered.
- There are brighter paths—like Sudbury schools—where kids are trusted, free, and thriving.
Watch Rusty and Peter talk about the playfulness of a Sudbury School on Rusty's Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrtiVT1JDMQ
Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs
