We are all wondering how we can properly manage our kids’ digital lives; everyday the issue creeps up when they pull out the pad, phone, or get in front of a computer. An innocent game, texting with close friends, etc. But there’s often a whole emotional component involved that we would be wise to pay attention to and be with them about, when they need to know they are loved. This book is a wonderful resource for parents raising kids of all ages. Take a look at what it’s all about:
Screenwise is a must-read for all parents. With the official title of “Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World,” this is a book that will allow parents a window into what exactly your children are going through within their digital life and consumption. In her new book, Dr. Devorah Heitner, PhD asks you to consider a 6th grader sitting inside glued to her social media feeds all weekend long. Sounds terrible! But what if you learned she was looking at an Instagram feed from a slumber party she wasn’t invited to? Instead of scolding her for being a screen zombie, you’d take the time to have a heart-to-heart about life, inner strength, and the longstanding horrors of middle school. Showing empathy and sharing one’s adult perspectives is at the heart of Heitner’s approach to guiding kids with intentionality as they grow up in this connected world.
Dr. Heitner addresses the most common concerns about kids and tech use: that they’re addicted, detached, and distracted because of their devices. And she offers practical tips and real-life examples to help adults become effective media coaches and help cultivate crucial digital-age skills: navigating exclusion, conflict resolution, privacy, and overcoming distractions.
Among Heitner’s insights:
—Mentor, don’t monitor, kids’ tech time. It’s better to teach them how to use technology the right way than to catch them using it the wrong way.
—Model thoughtful use of technology. Show kids that it’s okay not to be accessible to everyone 24-7. Schedule times for the whole family to log off.
—Learn from each other. While kids have tech savvy, adults have life know-how. It can be a two-way conversation that helps both parties.
—Ask permission before posting pics of your kids on social media. This teaches them to respect others’ boundaries and privacy and to be cognizant of online audiences.
Here’s a link to her TEDx talk, a profile in Fatherly, and some recent media appearances.
About the Author:
Devorah Heitner, PhD is the founder and director of Raising Digital Natives, a resource for parents and schools seeking advice on how to help children thrive in a world of digital connectedness. An experienced speaker, workshop leader, and consultant, Dr. Heitner serves as a professional development resource for schools wishing to cultivate a culture of responsible digital citizenship. In addition to Screenwise, she is the author of Connecting Wisely in the Digital Age, a curriculum used widely by students across the country to help them navigate the common social and emotional challenges of the digital age. Heitner has a Ph.D. in Media/Technology and Society from Northwestern University and has taught at DePaul University, Street Level Youth Media, and Northwestern University. She is delighted to be raising her own digital native, too.
Praise for Screewise:
“For all parents who feel like they can’t keep up with today’s technology, Devorah Heitner has come to the rescue. Screenwise doesn’t judge or preach. It is full of empathy and insight, providing gems of guidance based on years of deep research and real talk with real kids. A pleasure to read.” –Lisa Guernsey, Author of Tap, Click, Read and Screen Time, Director of Learning Technologies Project at New America
“Don’t let your kids’ tech life stress you out. Grab Screenwise and get the good news and strategies you need to guide your kids (or let them safely guide you) into a smart and savvy digital life.”–Deborah Gilboa, MD, parenting and youth development expert at Ask Dr. G
“A must-read for twenty-first century parents! Parenting the digital generation requires complex skills that I frankly didn’t have—until now. Empowered by Dr. Heitner’s timely book, I feel infinitely more prepared to guide my son and daughter through the advantages and perils of modern-day connectedness. Issues like trust, relationships, security, and balance are handled deftly by an expert who clearly knows the territory and shares her knowledge in a relatable way. Every modern-day parent should read this book. Highly recommended.”–Mary O’Donohue, author of When You Say “Thank You, Mean It And 11 Other Lessons for Instilling Lifelong Values In Your Children