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

by Katharine Hill

Communications technology is advancing at such speed, heralding a world of choice and opportunity, that we sometimes struggle to navigate each new turn. And yet, with technology, as with life, we need to equip our children to make good choices and to deal with all the hidden dangers, as well as to take hold of the positive opportunities.

Fully revised and updated to keep pace with this quickly changing digital world, Katharine Hill’s clear, informative book explores the impact of the digital world on teenagers and younger children. Offering encouragement, wisdom and practical advice on topics such as screen time, social media and consumer culture, as well as how to tackle some of the more serious issues of online bullying, grooming and pornography, this book is a lifeline for parents, carers and teachers in an age of digital confusion.

Whether you are a new parent or living with teenagers, a stranger to Snapchat or have 500 followers on Twitter, this book is for mums and dads who want to confidently parent in a world of screens.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published August 24, 2020

Reviews

[Yuliya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and found the information incredibly helpful. As a parent of a teenager, I constantly have to keep in mind the dangers of the modern digital world, and all of the scenarios presented felt valid and realistic. I felt truly seen reading about parents’ struggles to limit internet and electronic devices use, as well as the very real possibilities of a child being cyberbullied, groomed, or exposed to pornography.

I had almost forgotten what it was like going through the COVID years (the brain has a way of pushing nightmarish experiences aside), but the book reminded me how the pandemic fundamentally changed the way our children (and we ourselves) interact with phones, computers, and video games.

The book is written in a very accessible way and is accompanied by funny cartoons on the subject, along with plenty of statistical data. At the end, the author provides helpful online resources to support parents should a problem arise. Of course, not every single issue could be covered in one book, but the range of topics was still very representative.

The book will inevitably become outdated as technology develops at lightning speed, but it will remain a valuable and simple reminder to stay vigilant about our children’s well-being in a world that has become so much smaller—and far more accessible—at the click of a mouse or the tap of a screen.

[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.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a helpful book in it’s simplest form of highlighting key issues that are very realistic and it feels like the book is highlighting the fact that we constantly really play catchup and that we cannot easily combat the real
Issues that face our children. A lot of things in this I am pleased to say my wife has been so great at implementing which is encouraging. I didn’t find it particularly impactful or something to bring about change.

[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..