Screenwise (helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) In Their Digital World)

The second edition of Screenwise offers a refreshed, realistic, and optimistic perspective on how to thoughtfully guide kids in the digital age.

The second edition of Screenwise offers a refreshed, realistic, and optimistic perspective on how to thoughtfully guide kids in the digital age.

Many parents feel that their kids are addicted, detached, or distracted because of their digital devices. Media expert Devorah Heitner, however, believes that technology offers huge potential to our children—if parents mentor them. Using the foundation of their own values and experiences, parents and educators can learn about the digital world to help set kids up for a lifetime of success in a world fueled by technology. Screenwise is a guide to understanding more about what it is like for children to grow up with technology all around them, and to recognizing the special challenges—and advantages—that contemporary kids and teens experience thanks to this level of connection. In it, Heitner presents practical parenting "hacks": quick ideas that you can implement today that will help you understand and relate to your digital native. The new edition includes updated material and additional strategies for parents and caretakers.

Preface Introduction 1. Raising Kids in An Always Connected World 2. Your Kid’s Digital World: What Are They Doing On There? 3. Assessing Your Own Digital Literacy 4. Becoming a Tech-Positive Parent 5. Empathy Is the App 6. Balancing Family Life in the Age of Constant Connection 7. Friendship and Dating in the Digital Age 8. School Life in the Digital Age 9. Growing Up in Public Conclusion: Digital Citizenship for the Next Generation Acknowledgements Notes References Index About the Author

"Screenwise is the reassuring and engaging roadmap every parent needs to raise digitally savvy children. In this research-backed, practical guide, Heitner combines an understanding of child development with her extensive knowledge of the risks and many rewards of technology to give caregivers everything they need, from conversation starters to context, to confidently help their kids navigate their online worlds ethically, constructively, and even joyfully!"

Phyliss Fagell, LCPC author of Middle School Matters

"Raising kids in the digital age can feel like being stuck on roller coaster with no endpoint. The more you begin to understand how kids utilize technology, the more new platforms pop up. Screenwise takes the focus off of parental control and places it on parental understanding. By meeting kids where they are and learning to navigate technology together, parents can help their kids build healthy tech habits that will last a lifetime. Screenwise weaves together research and prescriptive advice to help parents do just that."

Katie Hurley, LCSW, author of No More Mean Girls

“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, Learning Technologies Project, 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 gen-eration requires complex skills that I frankly didn’t have—until now. Empowered by Dr. Heitner’s timely