Dr. Sax: Social Media, Weak Boundaries and ‘Normophobia’ Leaving Kids Adrift; Major Focus: “The Collapse of Parenting”

NEW YORK, NY – Psychologist and physician Dr. Leonard Sax says American children are growing up in a cultural environment increasingly defined by weakened parental authority, technology overload, and shifting social values – conditions he believes are contributing to anxiety, confusion, and instability among kids.

Sax discussed these concerns during a recent appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, where he argued that many of today’s problems among children and teens are not rooted in biology alone, but in dramatic changes in culture, parenting styles, and expectations.

Culture Shift and “Social Decay”

According to Sax, American popular culture once reinforced lessons about honesty, responsibility, and moral judgment. He argued that those themes have been replaced by messages focused on winning, celebrity, and self-promotion – often at any cost.

He described today’s environment as one where success and attention are prioritized over character formation, leaving many children unsure of what standards they are meant to live by.

Sax warned that this shift is leaving young people “adrift,” with fewer guardrails and weaker community support systems.

Parenting Styles and Loss of Authority

A major focus of Sax’s remarks centered on what he calls a “collapse of parenting.”

He said parents now frequently hesitate to establish boundaries, discipline, or firm expectations, often out of fear of upsetting their children. In his view, this reluctance undermines children’s emotional security rather than enhancing their independence.

Sax suggested that discipline should be viewed as guidance, not punishment, and said children function best when adults clearly communicate rules and consequences.

Masculinity and the “Hero Identity”

Sax also addressed how cultural changes are affecting boys specifically.

He described a growing number of boys who seek purpose and significance, but lack constructive outlets that once helped channel competition and strength into productive roles. Without direction, he said, some boys retreat into fantasy or adopt distorted ideas about heroism.

He argued that societies historically provided role models and structured activities that helped boys learn responsibility and restraint – systems he believes are weaker today.

We have failed as a society to capture these boys – to give them better models, better ways to become a hero, to be a hero in the right way.”

Leonard Sax MD PhD | Physician, Psychologist, and Author

Social Media and Technology Pressures

Technology, Sax said, is intensifying existing challenges. He pointed to social media platforms that constantly expose teens – especially girls – to comparison, criticism, and performance pressure. Unlike earlier generations, he noted, young people rarely disconnect, carrying digital stress into every part of their lives.

Sax recommended stricter oversight of devices, including removing smartphones from bedrooms and limiting online privacy expectations for minors, citing safety risks and long-term psychological effects.

Discipline, Structure, and Authority

Throughout the interview, Sax repeatedly emphasized that children benefit from structure.

He argued that boundaries help reduce anxiety by giving children clarity about expectations and consequences. When those limits disappear, he said, kids may experience confusion and increased emotional stress.

Differences in Boys and Girls

Sax also highlighted biological and developmental differences between boys and girls, saying those distinctions are often ignored.

He explained that girls, on average, develop language and communication skills earlier than boys, and said misunderstanding these differences can lead to unnecessary diagnoses or misplaced parental concern.

Recognizing developmental differences, he argued, allows parents and educators to better tailor expectations and support.

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