Very active stay at home dad, and armchair psychologist, here.

There is absolutely a solid essay to be had from this theory. I observe and interact with other parents and their children for hours every day. Dozens over the course of every week. Random folks mostly (I'm extremely extroverted), but many have become familiar faces, acquaintances and casual friends.

A lot, surprisingly the majority, are doing a good job with their kids. As best as one can expect at least. But I definitely see (by listening) a large portion of what you're describing in the minor and major failures I observe. These people (mostly women, bless them) are often twisted up over social media issues and the resulting exacerbation of typical, unhealthy, cliquish behavior as old as time by social media amplification.

Another huge problem is lack of dads. Granted, I'm a man in a stay at home moms' world, so I take it with a grain of salt. But a ton of these women are lacking in basic disciplining skills. A lot of them show very little interest in their children at all.

Again, it's a hard job. A lot of these women are burnt out and have little support from their husbands. It's obvious. But a lot of them fill the void with social media, and it's definitely an unhealthy escape at the very least.