Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World

by Richard E. Culatta

Kids deserve a better digital future. Help them create it. When it comes to raising children in a digital world, every parent feels underprepared and overwhelmed. We worry that our children will become addicted to online games, be victims of cyberbullying, or get lost down the rabbit hole of social media. We warn them about all the things they shouldn't do online, but we don't do nearly enough to teach them the skills of digital well-being. It's time to start a new conversation. In Digital for Good , EdTech expert Richard Culatta argues that technology can be a powerful tool for learning, solving humanity's toughest problems, and bringing us closer together. He offers a refreshingly positive framework for preparing kids to be successful in a digital world—one that encourages them to use technology proactively and productively—by outlining five qualities every young person should develop in order to become a thriving, contributing digital

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Education, Technology, Audiobook, Self Help, Psychology

256 pages, Hardcover

Published July 20, 2021

About the author

Richard Culatta is an internationally recognized leader in innovation in learning and technology. He is particularly interested in working with parents and teachers use technology to help young people be prepared for success in a digital world.

Reviews

[briz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding pro-screentime parenting advice is about as common as finding pro-formula tips. i.e. Completely uncommon because of an enormous cultural juggernaut that moralizes against it. I was starting to feel crazy trying to parse the WHY screens are demonized so totally for our kids - by pediatricians, by "conventional wisdom" etc. Why did I have so much guilt when plopping my kid in front of Peppa Pig? I think the official guidelines are zero screens before 2 years of age. I saw some parents asking if this meant no Zoom calls with grandparents. What!? What, exactly, do these people think screens are doing to their babies?

I sometimes see some data and evidence trotted out: namely, kids who watch more TV are fatter and have more behavioral problems. Two questions, here:
1. Is this correlation or causation? Maybe hyperactive kids need TV to calm down?
2. If it's causal (TV displaces physical activity), then isn't any sedentary activity just as risky? Like, say, reading a book? Or drawing?

Also, TV screens are quite different from phone screens and laptop screens?

ANYWAY. So I was happy to find this book. I needed a sanity check. This book was very sanity restoring. He makes a few excellent points. Namely, we prepare our kids to live in the world - we teach them to look both ways, to brush their teeth, to be kind to most and careful around some. That's all, ahem, IRL. This book makes the EXCELLENT point, that I - a tech person!!! - honestly never even thought about, which is that cyberspace exists and a lot of stuff happens there and so maybe we should... parent for it? i.e. Just like you look both ways before crossing the street, you double check that sketchy e-mail attachment before downloading. Just like you don't bully a kid in class, you also don't troll a kid online. And so on.

Culatta removed the high-pitched shriek of moral hysteria from my brain re: screens, and gave me the space and quiet to just THINK about it for a second. Having this space was liberating. And it scared me - how little ACTUAL THOUGHT I had given this issue of, ahem, what's in the screens! Because abstinence is, indeed, a very stupid way to teach kids both about sex. AND SCREENS.

One of his best ideas - which, again, duh, I feel stupid I never even thought about this - is that you can gradually introduce computers, the internet, and so on to your kids. Most apps have parental controls. But also: the choice isn't between giving your tween a smartphone and a dumb phone. You can just dumb down an old smartphone - removing most apps, no data plan - and then gradually introduce things, piece by piece.

The book covers lots of interesting things:
- online bullying (and how our "screen education" is literally only ever about that)
- the rise of echo chambers and fake media
- advertising, especially geared towards kid
- how you can (and should! and must!) turn off that damn autoplay feature on YouTube, Netflix, etc.

And so on.

Anyway, this got me pumped. I've been pumped about introducing a Raspberry Pi computer to my kids since forever. Now I am feeling even more emboldened. Perhaps you shall have indeed MORE PEPPA.

[Olha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Українською «Цифрові громадяни»
Всього 200 сторінок – ідеально для батьків. Раджу, якщо ваша дитина ще не має свого гаджету, щоб зробити все правильно спочатку. І якщо вжк має, або навіть це підліток – все одно раджу. Буде про що поговорити, реально цікаві думки 🔥

[Анна Лисенко-Гурська · Rating 4 out of 5]

Діти сьогодні зростають в час цифрових технологій, а ми - дорослі, все ще не знаємо, як з ними про це говорити. Та й для багатьох дорослих, давайте будемо відвертими, “цифрова грамотність” - словосполучення, яке нічого не означає. То як ми можемо чомусь навчити, якщо й самим варто освоїти цю науку?

Про що сьогодні говорять в батьківських чатах на цю тему - “Обмежуйте використання гаджетів! Забороняйте! Не дозволяйте!”. Одні лишень заборони та обмеження. Та що, якщо гаджети - це насправді класний інструмент, а не дикий звір?

Про це власне у книжці “Цифрові громадяни”. Автор книги не ставить собі за мету налякати батьків, він розповідає про те, що дадуть цифрові технології вашій дитині, якщо ви навчите її як варто поводитись в цифровому світі.
Зізнаюсь, деяким правилам варто повчитись і нам самим.

А от останній розділ в книжці мені не дуже сподобався, адже там дуже багато “як має бути, але не є”. У розділі про те, що мають зробити соціальні мережі, провайдери, уряди. Звісно, це про хороші і потрібні ініціативи. Але чи місце їм в цій книзі?
Особливо, “потішив” пункт, що бібліотекарі з часом можуть стати медіа-менторами для дітей. Воно, звісно, так. Але хто б ще став медіа-ментором для бібліотекарів?

Та загалом, книга добра. Я для себе винесла декілька класних думок та інсайтів.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digital for Good gave me lots of great ideas on how to help our family become better digital citizens. I really loved the conversation questions at the end of the chapters and plan on using those as dinnertime discussion questions. One of my biggest takeaways from this book was about how we need to do away with the idea of "screen time." Instead, we need to teach kids about balance and how different activities they use on their device have different values. I also loved the chapter about using tech to make our communities better. Reading about students using tech to make a difference where they live was very inspiring.

Overall, Digital for Good was a very engaging and helpful book that really adds to the conversation about kids and technology. I am very glad I read this book and highly recommend this one for parents of young kids and teens.

[Kim Stock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would recommend for parents and educators. Offers practical, actionable tips and advice. Also gives website recommendations worth checking out. Highly relevant book!

[Kris Patrick]

I may come back to it

[Darya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt really biased when reading the book as I am 100% in agreement with the author. Digital citizenship is here to stay and screen time has nothing to finding the use of tech, it comes from non-interactive TV watching coming from the past. Today's tech offers skills development when selected strategically. We as parents are in control of this strategy and as soon as we realize that digital world is here to stay, the smooth will be the integration in the digital reality. By ignoring something, we don't extinct it in reality.p, we just ignore that with exists.

[McKell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book to those who are trying to navigate the intricacies of media and devices with children. It contains many important ideas pertaining to teaching our children about having balance while using their devices. Strategies about how to teach kids to use their devices for good without just banning screen time altogether are presented. So important to teach them how to live and spread kindness in an online world. And, I've totally copied the device use agreement! Lots of good take-aways and ideas for families.

[Cali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me a lot to think about and implement as I parent and prepare my kids for the digital world. And as I navigate technology myself! Especially liked the positive outlook of the book and the next steps and conversation starters at the end of each chapter. Lots of stories throughout the book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful must-read that gave me a more enlightened and enlarged perspective on global digitalization. I went from wanting to throw all screens out the window and feeling trapped in dealing with a digital world I didn’t want a part in, to feeling excited to begin implementing the very applicable ideas in the book. Hopeful that I can raise 4 savvy digital citizens/teens of my own.

[Meagan Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking way to look at screen time ... need to re-read.

[Austin Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick read for educators and parents.

[Kevin Leung · Rating 4 out of 5]

We aren’t quite there to think about parenting with devices, but It seems like a good framework for handling screen time. The idea of balance makes sense in retrospect, but it certainly wasn’t what I had in mind before.

I will likely revisit this book in a few years when we are thinking more about the issues

[Michelle Saxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down one of the best books I’ve read. I think all parents should give it a read.

[Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Digital For Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World" is a must have book for all parents as technology is rampant in all households. This book is SPOT ON with the situations kids face today and offers suggestions on how to handle different scenarios. I love the "action items" and "conversation starters" bullet points at the end. Highly recommend.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I heard this author on a podcast and quickly added his book to my TBR. With all the books I’ve read on the negative impact of technology, I appreciated the positive and empowering tone of this book. The goal is to help parents teach their kids to be effective digital citizens by utilizing the following four skills: being balanced, informed, inclusive, engaged, and alert. Since the digital world is here to stay, instead of avoiding it, we should intentionally teach them how to: be safe, use it to enrich their lives and improve their communities, build healthy relationships with family and friends, learn new things, and balance their online and offline activities. The author is well-educated in this area and offers great information and ideas. My favorite thing in the book might be the “conversation starters” in each chapter (listed below in my notes) to help get children thinking more critically about their digital wellbeing.

Notes:

5 skills of digital citizens:
-Balanced Digital Citizens (DC): “Participate in a variety of online activities and make informed decisions about how to prioritize their time in virtual and physical spaces.”
-Informed (DC): “Evaluate the accuracy, perspective, and validity of digital media and have developed critical skills of curating information from the digital world.”
-Inclusive (DC): “Are open to hearing and recognizing multiple viewpoints and engaging with others online with respect and empathy.”
-Engaged (DC): “Use technology and digital channels to solve problems and be a force for good in their physical and virtual communities.”
-Alert (DC): “Are aware of their digital actions and know how to be safe and create safe spaces for others online.”

Skills:
1-Balance-using technology on our terms
-screen time - not all screentime is negative and shouldn’t be judged equally; passive vs active time; teach kids to recognize the varying values of different screen time use (calling grandma, Duolingo, composing a song, audiobook, chess, vs scrolling social media and Netflix; just as we teach them about foods we can always eat, and those we limit); teach them to self-regulate, not when the timer goes off; instead seek to teach balance; seek variety and active use (instead of passive); seek new active apps (digital tools; attention economics—the value of our attention); tailor to the interests and needs of each child
-Reframe statements: instead of you are addicted to your phone—it doesn’t seem like you’ve gotten any exercise today or you haven’t spent time with your family since you’ve been home; instead of you’ve been playing that game for too long—it looks like this game is getting more time than it deserves
**Teach that taking a phone break isn’t a punishment; Evaluate and pitch new apps; Device-use agreements; Praise your child when you notice they are regulating their device use particularly well

Conversation starters:
-Have there ever been times when a particular app is keeping you from doing other things that are more important?
-What are some things that app developers do to make it harder for you to stop using their apps?
-How do you know when it's time to take a break from using technology?
-When are the times in our day that should be device free?
-How do you decide which apps should get more of your time than others?

2-Informed-Becoming savvy consumers of information
-Learning to love learning, foster curiosity; Parents should show more interest in their kids exploration than their mastery; create a family culture in which asking good questions is valued (I wonder why, how might we…); utilize apps to learn together; help them see their phones as learning tools
-Teach them to be effective curators of good information - ask good questions, choose the best source (identify motives and bias), evaluate the usefulness; tools to find the right info at the right time; false info spreads faster than the truth; model and teach fact checking (Snopes and PolitiFact, FactCheck); group check/curation

Conversation starters:
-“How do you know when something you see online is believable?”
-“Why do you think people are willing to believe things a family member shares with them online, even if they're not true?”
-“What are the dangers of not recognizing when something we see online is misleading?”
-“What should you do if you share something and then you find out that it wasn't true?”
-“How might you respond when someone you know shares or posts information that appears to be incorrect?”
-“What are your favorite places to go online when you want to learn something new?”
-“What is something new that you've learned online recently?”

3-Inclusive-Balancing multiple viewpoints with respect
-Help children develop a more nuanced understanding of the situation that allows one to simultaneously hold onto truth from multiple sources; Point out divisive strategies used; Harvard’s implicit bias test; Remind them that there are real people behind the ideas they encounter online; we are shielded from the effects of our intolerance online; Practice explaining an issue from someone else’s point of view; Diversify our digital diet - algorithms are programmed to make us more extreme; Outward focused-Helping others feel safe and respected; from bystander to upstanders; stand up for others online; be intentional about talking about how to create respectful and inclusive online communities

Conversation Starters:
-“Why is it important to hear viewpoints from people who think differently than you?”
-“What would happen if nobody ever challenged your beliefs?”
-“Can you think of something you've learned from someone who disagreed with you?”
-“Have you ever regretted something you've written or said online?”
-“Have you ever seen someone you respect do or say something online that disappointed you?”
-“Why do you think it's easier to be unkind to someone online than in person?”
-“Have you ever felt excluded or rejected online?”
-“How can you make sure others feel included in your online groups?”
-“What should you do if you're participating in an online group where someone is being made fun of or picked on?”

4-Engaged-Using tech to make our communities better
Use tech as tools for doing good; Micro activism - model it for our kids; Indexing; Share and amplify goodness and service opportunities; Strengthen families; Capturing family experiences/stories (pictures, funny moments, family history)

Conversation starters:

-“What is something you could do to help make the world around you a better place to live?”
-“Have you ever found an opportunity to help another person online?”
-“If you could solve one problem at your school, what would it be?”
-“How could you use technology to help you solve that problem?
-“If you could invent a new app that would make the world better, what would it do?”
-“How can you help capture and preserve family experiences and stories?”

5-Alert-creating safe spaces online
-Setting up safeguards; Access as a process, not an event; Disable autoplay; Environmental boundaries and ongoing dialogue
-Digital wellbeing is a team effort - tech providers, governments, schools

Conversation starters:

-“What should you do if you ever feel uncomfortable with something that someone was asking you to do online?”
-“Have you ever seen someone pick on someone else online?”
-“What might you do when you see someone being mean to someone else online?”
-“What are some warning signs that a website or app might be unsafe?”
-“Who are your favorite people to follow on YouTube, TikTok, and so on, and what do you like about them?”
-“Would you feel comfortable coming to tell me if you felt worried about something you saw online?”
-“What are some things we should do as a family to protect us during our time online?”

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found that Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World could be more than a how to guide children as they use the internet parenting book. Because there are legions of parents who do very little to mold their children into thriving members of society, this would be a great resource for educators who are able to monitor computer use in our schools. A citizenship class in junior or senior that utilized the five chapters on being Balanced, Informed, Inclusive, Engaged, and Alert online and in life in general would be amazing.

[Nrlhakimin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The illiterate of the twenty-first century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.” - Alvin Toffler

Wow. I read the quote over and over again, pondering on the meaning and how true it is! In this book, Richard Culatta opens our views to the importance of being lifelong learners as digital citizens. These are the people who know how to differentiate things they read online, find credential sources, respect others as well as utilise digital tools to bring good to the world.

How do we do this? As a parent myself, I always worry that my kids have too much screen time. In this book, Richard debunks the idea of screen time as it is not the best long-term technique in raising healthy digital kids. It’s crucial to guide and model to kids how to consume different digital activities in different amounts based on their values. So that kids won’t associate having screen time with solely watching Youtube as they are so many other useful apps/websites they can explore.

This book also talks about fresh ideas and concepts relating to the digital world that will challenge most ideas parents/educators had in mind.

We can’t escape from the fact that the digital world is now a significant part of everyone’s lives. The best thing we could do is to equip them with skills and knowledge so that they will adapt well and do good for themselves and the world.

I’m grateful for this mind-opener book. Thanks, @times.reads & @putrifariza, for the review copy 🥰

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this quite a lot. I initially feared it was going to be one of the more fearmongering titles that scare parents with horror tales about kids being scammed or abused on the Internet. And the author discusses those risk factors but his primary focus is on encouraging parents and other caregivers to raise children as good digital citizens and responsible users of online tools. So I liked that he wasn’t all Debbie Downer about kids and tech, but cognizant of both the threats and opportunities of a digital native generation. And of course, his orientation is toward digital education, so he offered a good explanation of how digital media can be responsibly used for educating kids and young people. There are some policy recommendations and advice for teachers, librarians, and other responsible agents of change, but I found the pragmatic guidance for parents the most relevant.

[Sally Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a refreshing, helpful, positive book! I loved how the author addressed a serious and often overwhelming topic in a way that felt digestible and hopeful. So many authors and researchers addressing this topic do so with doom and gloom. Our digital world isn't going anywhere so I appreciate that this book gives helpful tools on how to best harness its powers while learning how to better safeguard our children (and ourselves) from the scary parts. It's given me lots ideas for discussions to have with my kids. Highly recommend for any parent trying to navigate the challenging waters of children using technology!

[Chad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe good for the general interest parent looking for tips but too general for me and definitely bordering on non-specific and dated tech. No chapters on challenges of social networks, misinformation, or support for school or academic libraries as learning and teaching centers for information literacy. Not to mention issues of mental health and support for kids looking to the Internet for support. And nothing on modern gaming, financial health, or digital privacy rights as more and more time and interactions and identity thefts grow and are challenges for the upcoming generations.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the rare parenting/educational books that doesn’t just preach what should happen but gives practical advice. Doesn’t rant about the dangers of “too much” screen time but instead focuses on screen time for good and how to raise kids to be good digital citizens. Really good, definitely recommend.

[Shauni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Incredibly helpful and eye-opening, couldn’t be more relevant to what parents need right now. I can’t believe how well-researched this is. Lots of practical insights as well, I’m looking forward to trying his suggestions!

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The exponential access to other people fundamentally shifts the realities and possibilities of the world are children are growing up in. (p. 3)

The phone in my pocket hsa 120 million times the processing power of the computer that took the first astronaut to the moon. (p. 5)

I read this book for a professional development class and enjoyed it. I read it soon after I'd read Anxious Generation and liked comparing the two. Both approach using technology in different ways and I think both are valid.

The problem isn't the technology, it's that we haven't established the right expectations for participation. (p. 7)

Here are some thoughts I pulled from this book:

Chapter 1 - Our Digital Dysfunction
In the "real-world" we teach people how to behave politely. We have established norms and rules, but in the digital world, we didn't set up the same boundaries. Cyberbullying, for instance, the attacker is removed from seeing the results and facing the consequences. In real life, if you bully someone, you may be bullied back, or you'll get in trouble. That doesn't happen online.

The digital world also gives us a false perspective of "real life."

We have become a society of pretenders fueled by a digital, artificial baseline. (p. 19)


Chapter 2 - The Urgent Need for Digital Citizenship
We can't just warn children about the dangers online, we need to actively teach them how to behave online. In real life we learn courteous behaviors by following the examples we see. So what does that mean for people online? We mimic what we see and it's often not great.

I liked the example he gave in here, we don't teach piano by telling kids all the ways to NOT do it. We teach by positive example and show them how it's done. The same needs to apply online.

You can change behavior faster by doubling down on the positive aspects of good behavior than by spotlighting all of the bad things that should be stopped. (p. 33)

As Eli Parker puts it, if online digital spaces are going to be our new home, let's make them a comfortable, beautiful place to live. (p. 39)


Chapter 3 - Balanced
Training wheels don't really help you learn how to ride a bike, because the hardest part of bike riding isn't driving and steering - it's balance. We need balance in technology using. It's not all about screen time.

The research on kids and screen time comes from a study that only looked at kids watching TV. This is different than kids completing tasks and learning on screens. Screen time takes away from children learning to self-regulate.

Teach kids that taking a break from screens is not a punishment. It also helps to have family contracts in place about when and where it's appropriate to be on technology.


Chapter 4 - Informed
Einstein famously said, "Information is not knowledge." (p. 68)

The kind of curiosity we want to encourage is the proactive kind that chases after information instead of waiting for something interesting to walk by. (p. 69)

It's great to teach kids to view the digital world as a learning tool and show them how to become curators of information. Part of that is teaching students to watch out for "alternative facts."


Chapter 5 - Inclusive
It's less work for us to be right than wrong. As such, our brain prioritizes making us feel correct over figuring out whether or not we actually are correct. (p. 90)

It's important to try and recognize the person behind the belief when you are online. It should be our goal to make everyone feel safe in digital spaces.


Chapter 6 - Engaged
The digital world can be a great place for encouraging people and promoting action. There are some fun examples Culatta used that I hadn't heard of before.


There are three more chapters, but I'll be honest, I wasn't paying as much attention at that point. Haha! I thought there were a lot of great points within this book. Reviewing it reminded me that there was also a lot of research to back it up, which I always appreciate.

[hudapages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digital for Good - Richard Culatta

I recently read a book called "Digital for Good" by Richard Culatta, which provided a refreshing perspective on raising children in the digital age. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of technology, Culatta offers a positive approach to help parents become more confident in guiding their children's use of digital devices. This is a great resource for anyone who wants to raise responsible digital citizens without feeling overwhelmed by the ever-changing world of technology.

The book is about shifting our perspective regarding screen time and technology. Instead of seeing them as bad for our children, the author suggests that we can use them in a balanced way to our advantage. I agree with this approach, as I believe technology can be a great tool to help our kids grow and learn.

The book offers practical tips and strategies that parents can use to help their children develop good habits when it comes to technology. For example, it suggests creating tech-free zones and conversing about online news sources. It also emphasises the importance of critical thinking and digital literacy, essential skills for navigating the online world.

Digital for Good also emphasised the importance of emotional intelligence, empathy, and respect in shaping responsible online behaviour. These values are not just important online but also in our daily lives. By raising kind and compassionate individuals, we can help create a better world for everyone.

I came across some inspiring words while reading a book that I want to share here. The author said, "Technology is a tool, not an enemy. It needs proper training and responsible use, just like any powerful tool." This means that technology is not bad in itself, but how we use it can be good or bad.

The author also emphasised that it's not about being perfect online citizens but being better humans in the virtual world. This means that we should try to be responsible and kind when we use technology, just like we do in the real world. The goal is to create a better online community where everyone can contribute positively.

Digital for Good" has helped me become a better guide for children in this digital era. I learned how to set clear boundaries for screen time and discuss online safety and responsible behaviour with my children. I also learned how to encourage them to think critically and question the information they find online. I understand that technology is a useful tool for learning and connection, but I also prioritise real-world experiences. I learned to create a safe space for my children to discuss their online experiences and encourage open communication.

For any parent looking to guide their kids in the digital age, this book is a must-have! It provides a practical and positive approach to help you confidently navigate the online world and raise good-natured individuals, both online and offline. With this book, you'll learn how to help your kids become responsible digital citizens while maintaining a healthy balance between screen time and other activities. It's a valuable resource for anyone raising kids in today's digitally connected world.

[Kaiju Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there isn't anything in this book that a thoughtful parent couldn't come up with on their own, it does have a few good reminders in it. Frankly, the section on time-limits not really making sense when compared to simple instruction and guidance was worth the read by itself. The idea that not all digital content can be measured the same way: talking to Granny on skype isn't the same as opening packs on a gacha game. Doing research or memorizing star constellations can't be clumped with scrolling instagram. Kids need to learn to monitor their own behavior. Digital for Good has plenty of conversation starters and ideas to get a parent rolling.

I haven't read many of this type of book, so maybe I'm not the best judge... This book is a call to action, and as such, it succeeds. Reading it, however, leaves a lot to be desired. It's written the same way I was taught to write in 5th grade: Opening paragraph states the objective, the next few paragraphs are the objective, the concluding paragraph restates the objective again. Often tedious to the point of exasperating. Thankfully, there are summation/next steps bullets at the end of each chapter that can almost be read instead of the book itself. Start there. Have a question , go back to that chapter and dig in.

Negatives aside, a lot of this stuff is scary to parents, and I'm one of them. My wife and I ourselves have trouble managing this crap and getting sucked in to the fake posts, the outrage, the negativity... My kids facing all that alone simply terrifies me. Richard Culatta has given us a good place to start.

Thanks Goodreads and Harvard Business for the review copy. (Note, my review copy has significantly fewer pages than what's listed here on Goodreads, so keep that in mind.)

Recommended.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My state Senator is obsessed with cyberbullying, but all the bills he writes are punitive and 'don't don't don't.' I heard this author in a presentation for National Board Teachers, and I was intrigued...ordered the book DURING the presentation. Will be ordering one for my Senator. He won't read it, but I will have done my part.

Culatta approaches digital safety as digital citizenship, responsibility, respect. He tells us don't just give our kids or students lists of don't do this. Talk about the amazing potential of digital to enhance our lives...Loved the idea of asking kids to 'pitch' the apps they want...to do some research...some digging into the app and its developers...into how our data is used on the app. Creating a new, more balanced, conversation around our digital use is so much more positive.

Instead of beating kids over the head with 'don't bully,' pivot the conversation about how students can become digital friends and role models. How they can use technology to create worldwide communities and follow their passions for doing good in the world. Since that was how I tried to approach my classroom, I'm thrilled by the balance Culatta strives for.

This book is written for parents, but it invites schools and other partners into dialogue about all our responsibilities to create a digital world that informs and connects us for good.

[elsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Digital For Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World,  educational technology expert, Richard Culatta gives us an alarming warning of what can happen to our society if we don't teach kids how to navigate online safely and correctly. The online world is advancing faster than we can keep up. Our children are unaware of the dangers lurking beneath the games and videos they enjoy.  It is up to parents to educate ourselves so we may keep our children safe in this obscure world few truly understand. Culatta explains that although there's many wonderful things that come with being online, they're also many dangers that we may not be aware of.  We have to teach our kids the proper etiquette they should use around strangers online so they don't become victims of cyber bullying. Or worse,  become victims of identity theft.  This is definitely a book that all parents should pick up. If we don't take matters into our hands, then our children will receive wrong information from the worst places.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid and concrete consideration of how to incorporate inevitable/ubiquitous digital tools into the lives of young people in a positive way. One of Culatta's goals is to move away from the focus of avoidance (screen-time limits, what NOT to do online, etc) as the basis of online safety. Instead, he advocates that teachers and parents work to help young people create the positive online spaces that will be socially helpful rather than harmful.

The tips at the end of each discussion are specific and helpful in that they give many options that will vary depending on each family's specific values and goals, and the book covers just about any concern or challenge that parents might want (and from a reliable and knowledgable source). As a pretty quick read, I am happy to advocate for this book for parents and educators who are trying to strike a healthy balance in the digital world for the young people in their lives.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard the author speak at the ISTE 2023 conference in Philadelphia - he is the CEO of ISTE and he gave out free copies of the book in a leadership session I attended.

I am not a parent, but I am a school leader overseeing our approach to digital teaching and learning. I appreciate that he doesn’t scare us but instead empowers us to work with our children/ students to prepare students to live in the digital world just as we prepare them to live in the physical world.
Great, actionable steps are presented as well as conversation starters for families too.

As a school leader, I’m going to share some of his ideas with families such as web filters and device filters and to turn off the auto play feature. I am also going to reflect on how we need all teachers and subjects promoting digital citizenship.