Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World

Acknowledging the impossibility of fully sheltering children from the world of digital media, Heitner (Connecting Wisely in the Digital Age), founder and director of the consultancy Raising Digital Natives, provides guidance for parents navigating this ever-changing landscape. She covers common concerns about children of different ages, from preschool to young adult, and even looks at how the digital world influences adults. Heitner also reports that researchers have found that “the number of young people who produce as well as consume content has risen dramatically,” even among those as young as five. She suggests that parents and educators shouldn’t monitor a child’s every move but should act as guides and mentors, helping children make good decisions and fostering their creativity. Heitner reminds readers that children learn by example, advising parents to break the habit of checking cellphones constantly and to join their children in playing digital games. She pairs examples from what she has found working with families in her consulting firm with research in the field, such as into the ways kids use social media. This book provides useful advice for the parents of children of all ages and will serve well as a guide to help the different generations communicate, in person or online. (Sept.)