Do Not Disturb: How to Say No to Your Phone

by Brad Marshall, Lindsay Hassock, Lauriane Bohémier (illustrator)

From psychologists Brad Marshall and Lindsay Hassock, Do Not Disturb is an empowering and practical guide to help teens and kids build a healthier relationships with their phones

In Do Not Disturb, Brad Marshall and Lindsay Hassock share cutting-edge insights on how young people can unplug from their phones. Readers will discover the effects that their phone has on their brain and body. They’ll find out how to create a relationship with their phone on their terms. They’ll even establish simple, healthy screen time habits that stick. This is a must-have resource that

Ten practical steps to help teens and children unplug from their phones A toolkit at the end of each step, providing accessible, practical techniques Advice from trusted psychologists who have spent two decades working with young people Full-color illustrations by Lauriane Bohémier Additional resources at the back of the book Practical, insightful, and never preachy, this book will help readers stop doomscrolling and start unplugging!

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade

96 pages, Hardcover

Published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the tone of this book and thought the authors did a good job not lecturing and scolding readers (it's aimed at middle schoolers) instead opening up a conversation and encouraging mindfulness around phone use. As an adult, I found some of their advice helpful as well.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want something to build off of Anxious Generation and is formatted for teens, give this quick read a shot. It is highly engaging, doesn't vilify technology, and helps give kids and teens the tools to take back control over how they use phones and technology. Three stars because I have no idea what sources they drew on for their information beyond their own work due to anything like a bibliography. Interestingly enough, the way the font and highlighted words work cones close to replicating how you read when using a phone or computer. I'm not sure if that is entirely a good thing as we tend to skim rather than read deeply. The book has a lot of great stuff in it. I'm just wondering if having it come close to replicating in print how we read on a screen is the best idea.

[AquaMoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a word: Fantastic!

I think most of us can agree that we've had trouble putting down our phones at one point or another. Whether we're watching just one more reel (it's NEVER "just one more") or waiting on that life-or-death important text (it's RARELY "life or death important") or trying to beat the next level of Tropicats (Personal Note: I got hooked on this one during lockdown, and it was addicting AF), it's easier than we'd like to admit to get hooked on our phones. Whether we want to admit it or not.

As with the characters in <i>What You Are Looking For Is in the Library</i>, I didn't realize I needed this book as much as I did when it landed on my desk along with the next Hunger Games wannabe and a couple graphic novels (Batman). I meant to stick it out with the rest of the "New" books without so much giving it a superficial glance. You know, to make sure it was physically intact and had the proper department label. But something made me pause and really look at it...and then carry it back to my desk...and read it cover-to-cover. And I enjoyed it far more than I expected to.

This book is bright and colorful and the format (no info dumps) is aimed at teens, who would rather receive their info in Tik-Tok-length soundbites rather than in lengthy text. But that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to say. It DOES! The book discusses phone addiction and how to break unhealthy phone/screen time habits and replace them with good ones. The best part is it does so without being preachy. Something anyone, regardless of age, can respect. In short, the book is actually very well-done. And it inspired me to wake up and honestly look at my own screen habits, which could be better. I am now on a journey to create a healthier relationship with my own phone. And I already feel better about it!

Finally, this book is something everyone should read. 100% recommended!

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this engaging nonfiction book about developing a healthy relationship with digital devices. The overall message of the book is that teens should not feel shame for the time they spend on their devices because they are designed to be addictive and fun. Instead, teens should recognize and accept their usage and emotions during phone usage and build healthy habits with the help of family and friends. The text is conversational and understanding with an emphasis on nonfiction elements like bolded text, occasional lists (“how to build a better relationship with your phone”), and occasional full page friendly reminders like “You don’t break a bad habit - you replace it with a good habit.” Clear, concrete steps to establish boundaries are explored along with the benefits from prioritizing in person relationships and establishing better sleep hygiene, both of which are related to high phone usage. As with the other book in the 10 Steps to Change series, the text is broken up by frequent cheery, colorful illustrations that add interest. 

In the last few pages, the authors share their own personal experiences with digital media.  Brad tells readers about a vacation where he was completely unplugged and how free he felt. Lindsay, on the other hand, writes about his addiction to video games and how it almost derailed his career. Both perspectives will help teenagers relate to the authors’ message. Includes a glossary and a list of recommended resources. Also in the series – How to Manage Your Eco-Anxiety (2024). Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

With tips and hints as well as many well-laid explanations, these pages take a look at the impact constant cellphone usage can have on a teen's life.

With many small and cute illustrations dancing along with the text, this book hits a serious note while keeping a light atmosphere. Each chapter is only a few pages long and addresses an issue surrounding cellphone usage. These include everything from sleep quality to mood changes to online friendships and more. The text gets right to the point and takes on a conversational tone to give it a more natural flow. With well-crafted arguments and explanations, the problems behind heavy phone usage are explained with facts and examples. But the author doesn't forget to point out that cellphones also have their benefits when not abused.

Anyone who wants to explore the problems with cellphone usage and gain insights on how they can curb the time spent on the phone will find an enjoyable resource in these pages. The tips are easy to implement and make sense. Plus, many of the arguments don't hang in the negative direction, but rather point out how life could be even better. This keeps everything more on the positive side, and while still preachy, doesn't weigh down. I was missing author information and such, since this is missing from the book, and there isn't any other hint as to where the author gets the information from. As a nonfiction read, which offers help and advice, this would be essential, I would think.

In any case, this is an enjoyable read which fulfills its purpose nicely and keeps the intended audience in mind the entire way through.

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book at the library because I honestly find myself scrolling through my phone way too often. I didn’t know what to expect. I am not the intended age group for the book (it’s for teens and young adults), but I got a ton out of it. Some of the things like setting boundaries around my phone were things I already do (albeit inconsistently). Other things were new (like putting my phone on airplane mode for a day). That’s a challenge I haven’t tried yet!

The book was accessible and didn’t talk down to its audience, which I feel is important. People, especially kids, can spot a bossy, fake adult easily. It also explained dopamine and other scientific reasons you reach for your phone and how you might achieve those dopamine hits another way. It didn’t talk about getting rid of screens (because that is impractical), but it discussed limiting time and using your phone as more of a tool to connect than just scrolling the news feed. All in all, it’s a beneficial book with colorful illustrations. Easy to read in one sitting and full of practical tips!

[A L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I told my family they all need to read this book, lol, instead of their phones

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ordered the wrong book figured I read it since it was under 100 pages lmao

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustration is beautiful. The advice is easy to understand and implement.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. Good ideas on how teens can reduce screen time along with explanations of how the brain works and why phones are so addicting.

[Candace S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book randomly when perusing my library’s website. It’s aimed at teens but I found it full of good reminders for myself as well. A quick but helpful read.