Left to Their Own Devices?: Confident Parenting in a World of Screens

by Katharine Hill

"How do I communicate with my fifteen-year-old, whose phone needs to be surgically removed from her hand?"

"How do I stop my five-year-old from throwing a tantrum when screen time is over?"

"How do I help my child to stay safe online?"

Technology is advancing at top speed, heralding a world of choice and opportunity. Sometimes we struggle to navigate each new turn ourselves. So how can we equip our children to make good choices and not only deal with all the hidden dangers but also recognize and take hold of the positive opportunities?

This clear, informative book explores the impact of the digital world on teenagers and younger children, giving helpful advice on screen time, social media, and consumer culture as well as more serious issues such as online bullying, grooming, and pornography. In an age of digital confusion, Katharine Hill's calm wisdom and practical guidance will help anyone who wants to confidently parent in a world full of screens.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2017

Reviews

[Claire Nolan · Rating 2 out of 5]

My mom brought this book back from Scotland with her. I think it would be a great fit for a family just realizing that they don't have the best boundarires with tech. Decent info and strategies to help with kids who have developed affection with a screen.


How I rate books:
5 Stars= I absolutely loved it, felt very moved. Extraordinary. I rarely give this rating.
4 Stars=
3 Stars= I enjoyed it but wasn't wowed. My most common rating
2 Stars=
1 Stars= The kind of book that I feel shouldn't have been published bc it might discourage some from becoming readers

[Laura Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really easy read with anecdotal evidence balanced with factual information. Great for us on the verge of buying our eldest's first smart phone. Sound advice for all parents wanting to navigate online existence with children.

[Richard Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many of us right now are staring at our bright screens. What we do is mimicked by our children and as parents we need to understand the pressures, the addictive nature and what can come through these screens we hand over to our children.

Today’s digital world changes rapidly and can act as a modern day drug that can be accessed any time, any where.

This book takes a sensitive but practical approach on helping families understand the benefits and dangers of the digital world, and the devices that give our children access to it. It covers topics such as parenting styles, unity in approach, social media, screen time, sexting, pornography, grooming and online bullying, addiction and discernment.

If you’re looking for an easy to read on a topic that is only going to become broader and more complex as our digital lifestyles change and adapt. Then I highly recommended this book for your

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clear, comprehensive and sane look at the digital world and children/ teens.

Hill fills the book with anecdotes, references to studies, articles and facts, gives simple steps, and fills it all with compassion.

There are regular cartoons that reinforce her points with humour.

Even though it was written 5 years ago, it is still relevant.

Lots to think about and implement.

[Ben Kayser · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you’re already fully aware of the dangers of media with children, this book doesn’t provide anything new or helpful. Virtually no practical recommendations, and the recommendations given are either “just talk to your kids” or half-measures that won’t do much. Tech Wise Family is a much better book that offers more radical solutions and practices for families.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really yucked out by the dated approach to social media for kids - some of the advice on screen time in general was good, but much of this book was from 2017-2019 and it shows. Research on the impact of media on kids’ mental health and general wellbeing has come a long way.

Would not reread or recommend.

[Jane Condon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to remember to keep an open dialogue about how our children are using their devices.

We don't want to stunt creativity and positive social interactions but it good to be aware (not fearful) of the risks involved in using the Internet.

[Ian Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is worth reading if you have concerns about your children, social media and the Internet. It includes an appendix of useful links and websites which is very helpful.

[Rena Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good, down to earth read with excellent advice on how to parent in the digital age and lots of ideas for essential conversations to have with our modern tweens and teens.

[Heather Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely invaluable advice for all parents.

[Martin Spence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful things to say re topics to chat thru with kids..