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First Phone: A Child's Guide to Digital Responsibility, Safety, and Etiquette
A fun and informative illustrated kids’ guide to safely and productively navigating the digital landscape.
Cellphones have become a fact of life, with children as young as eight (yes, eight!) getting their very own “devices.” Such boundless access means our kids are in nearly constant contact with technology that was designed specifically for adults. And they’re doing so without any type of road map. Enter First Phone : the essential book that apprehensive parents can confidently hand to their kids to read as they begin their journey into the digital world.
In First Phone , Catherine Pearlman—licensed clinical social worker and parenting expert—speaks directly to eight- to twelve-year-old children about digital safety in a manner that is playful, engaging, and age-appropriate. With insights and strategies supported by the latest research, First Phone
• guidance on privacy, boundaries, social media, and even sexting (yes, young children need to learn about sexting before it happens!)
• best digital hygiene and self-care practices, including when to put the darn phone down, when to turn off notifications, and where to charge
• how to be a kind and compassionate upstander in a digital world
An essential companion when your child receives their first phone, this book provides kids the tools and information they need while giving their parents peace of mind.
Cellphones have become a fact of life, with children as young as eight (yes, eight!) getting their very own “devices.” Such boundless access means our kids are in nearly constant contact with technology that was designed specifically for adults. And they’re doing so without any type of road map. Enter First Phone : the essential book that apprehensive parents can confidently hand to their kids to read as they begin their journey into the digital world.
In First Phone , Catherine Pearlman—licensed clinical social worker and parenting expert—speaks directly to eight- to twelve-year-old children about digital safety in a manner that is playful, engaging, and age-appropriate. With insights and strategies supported by the latest research, First Phone
• guidance on privacy, boundaries, social media, and even sexting (yes, young children need to learn about sexting before it happens!)
• best digital hygiene and self-care practices, including when to put the darn phone down, when to turn off notifications, and where to charge
• how to be a kind and compassionate upstander in a digital world
An essential companion when your child receives their first phone, this book provides kids the tools and information they need while giving their parents peace of mind.
- GenresParentingNonfiction
144 pages, Paperback
Published July 26, 2022
11 people are currently reading
1890 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 29, 2023
Really excited for this book. When my 9 year old saw it, her eyes got wide and she looked at me hopefully. I assured her this was for research purposes only and that she'd need to wait a while 😅 This is such a great guide and so needed! Author @catherinepearlman is a child development expert and goes over- etiquette, self-care and screens, cyber bullying, what to watch out for when you Google, protecting yourself and your data, and internet consent. It is very readable for kids and teens and would be great to read together.
Here's a reminder from the book we all need sometimes- "Most people on social media present a part of their life but not all aspects of it. What we see when we scroll through pictures and videos is often carefully chosen to show the best version of a person's life. Imperfections and personal issues are often missing on social media.“
"Not everything on the internet is true. What you see can be opinion. Sometimes people exaggerate or manipulate videos, so they are not what they seem. Sometimes people even flat out lie to purposefully spread misinformation. That's called propaganda, and it's used to influence and manipulate people's beliefs, opinions, and actions."
"Some people on social media are called influencers. These are people who are paid to make videos or post pictures talking about a product or vacation location or food. It's a kind of advertising, but sometimes it's not as obvious as a commercial on television. Influencers might post about their favorite skin cream or about a favorite Disney ride or about their favorite beach resort. It's their job to try to sway your preferences or buying habits. There isn't necessarily anything wrong with that. It's just that sometimes influencers present a life or lifestyle that is unrealistic. They are paid to make it look like their lives are easy, fun, beautiful, peaceful, etc. But in reality, they are putting on a limited personality for the purpose of getting you to buy into their products."
Here's a reminder from the book we all need sometimes- "Most people on social media present a part of their life but not all aspects of it. What we see when we scroll through pictures and videos is often carefully chosen to show the best version of a person's life. Imperfections and personal issues are often missing on social media.“
"Not everything on the internet is true. What you see can be opinion. Sometimes people exaggerate or manipulate videos, so they are not what they seem. Sometimes people even flat out lie to purposefully spread misinformation. That's called propaganda, and it's used to influence and manipulate people's beliefs, opinions, and actions."
"Some people on social media are called influencers. These are people who are paid to make videos or post pictures talking about a product or vacation location or food. It's a kind of advertising, but sometimes it's not as obvious as a commercial on television. Influencers might post about their favorite skin cream or about a favorite Disney ride or about their favorite beach resort. It's their job to try to sway your preferences or buying habits. There isn't necessarily anything wrong with that. It's just that sometimes influencers present a life or lifestyle that is unrealistic. They are paid to make it look like their lives are easy, fun, beautiful, peaceful, etc. But in reality, they are putting on a limited personality for the purpose of getting you to buy into their products."
January 2, 2024
This is a really good title for newly-elevated tweens or teens who might be getting their first phone 📱
It’s a clearly-written and organized little book for the young reader — something I wished I had for my kids.
American family coach Catherine Pearlman uses stories of five young tweens to bring out issues in mobile phone use they might expect to encounter like, rules, the use of words, privacy, and having time off the phone.
Ultimately it is telling the child that she or he can make good decisions, and “take care of you”. One of the title headers, Dreams not Screens, I thought was rather apt and says more than just making sure to get some rest at night.
The section, To Google or Not to Google, prepares the first-time phone user for certain content that they might not be prepared to see (and not be able to unsee) and also discusses what are good sources and how to judge if sources are reputable.
At the back, when the child is done reading, there’s a section for the parent, and this I liked most:
“…try to step back and allow your child to work through the pros and cons of various policies. Self-determination and choice foster internal motivation to abide by the rules.”
This is excellent. It is factual, addresses issues at the right level for the child, and empowers, with preparedness and awareness, to move ahead.
📚: @times.reads
It’s a clearly-written and organized little book for the young reader — something I wished I had for my kids.
American family coach Catherine Pearlman uses stories of five young tweens to bring out issues in mobile phone use they might expect to encounter like, rules, the use of words, privacy, and having time off the phone.
Ultimately it is telling the child that she or he can make good decisions, and “take care of you”. One of the title headers, Dreams not Screens, I thought was rather apt and says more than just making sure to get some rest at night.
The section, To Google or Not to Google, prepares the first-time phone user for certain content that they might not be prepared to see (and not be able to unsee) and also discusses what are good sources and how to judge if sources are reputable.
At the back, when the child is done reading, there’s a section for the parent, and this I liked most:
“…try to step back and allow your child to work through the pros and cons of various policies. Self-determination and choice foster internal motivation to abide by the rules.”
This is excellent. It is factual, addresses issues at the right level for the child, and empowers, with preparedness and awareness, to move ahead.
📚: @times.reads
August 16, 2024
Most of the book is aimed towards kids, and really covers any kind of screen kids may be interacting with - tablets, phones, watches, etc. The information was great, and I loved the inclusive presentation, but I thought the "kids" could have talked more, and the adult (writer) could have been more the "chiming in" voice in the text, especially when the writer addressed their own struggles with technology. I also appreciated the inclusiveness of the children represented. However, I rated this four stars because of the repeated cautions against "getting fat" and obesity - these could have been included in the adult section, with the kid section focusing on general movement and health, and playing outside. This book is aimed for kids 10ish-14ish or so, and that's a time when disordered eating and body images issues can be quite prevalent, and I found I need to have a conversation with the kids before I might hand this book over to them.
August 1, 2022
This book was perfect timing for my daughter who will (probably) be getting her first phone in a few weeks when she starts middle school. The book is geared toward kids but very helpful for adults as well. My daughter doesn’t like to read much but she was drawn to the characters who are very relatable. There are tons of great tips for navigating social skills via text, staying safe on social media and using the many apps for learning and good health. It is clear the author has a lot of experience with kids and the real-world challenges they face. I don’t think I realized how unprepared we were before reading this book and I know we will be referring to it time and again in the coming years. Highly recommend
August 3, 2022
An absolute MUST HAVE for parents of tweens and pre-teens!
If your kid is getting a first phone, or first smart phone, or even if they've had a phone for a while but struggling, getting this book is a NO BRAINER. This book is educational, informative, enlightening, clear, straightforward, and even funny. Dr. Pearlman strikes the perfect balance of appealing to kids and also their parents, I don't know how she does it. It's not patronizing. It is extensive and comprehensive. I wish that she had written this 5 or 10 years ago when my kids were first getting their first phones, it would have made a huge difference for our family, and for the safety of my kids' phone use. It's too late for me but it's not too late for you!!
If your kid is getting a first phone, or first smart phone, or even if they've had a phone for a while but struggling, getting this book is a NO BRAINER. This book is educational, informative, enlightening, clear, straightforward, and even funny. Dr. Pearlman strikes the perfect balance of appealing to kids and also their parents, I don't know how she does it. It's not patronizing. It is extensive and comprehensive. I wish that she had written this 5 or 10 years ago when my kids were first getting their first phones, it would have made a huge difference for our family, and for the safety of my kids' phone use. It's too late for me but it's not too late for you!!
November 9, 2022
This is comprehensive and practical guide that uses kid-friendly voices with an excellent organizational structure, useful tips and sidebars, short passages in larger font on open white spaces, with occasional illustrations, charts, and other ways to make the content memorable.
I highly recommend this for any first-time phone owner- including adults who are reluctantly joining the modern age!
It takes minimal time to read and presents familiar scenarios that will ring true to young readers and their adults.
I highly recommend this for any first-time phone owner- including adults who are reluctantly joining the modern age!
It takes minimal time to read and presents familiar scenarios that will ring true to young readers and their adults.
June 28, 2022
This book is a must for all kids who are new to having a cellphone. It is the most charming and informative read at a kid’s level about what to do- and not to do- without sounding scolding or harsh. Rather, Dr. Pearlman and her young characters address their young readers with respect. Dr. Pearlman writes with humor and ease, including anecdotes from her own experience to make this book truly engaging. Love the drawings, too!
December 1, 2022
A guide for upper elementary to lower middle school kids on how to use their new phone without being rude, getting scammed, or falling prey to predators. It tries to frame things as good advice for living, with helpful comments from several imaginary friends who also are navigating their phones.
Probably the best advice is how to stay calm when you realize you've just screwed up. Maybe I should have Gramma read that chapter...
Probably the best advice is how to stay calm when you realize you've just screwed up. Maybe I should have Gramma read that chapter...
December 31, 2023
Our whole family read “First Phone: A Child’s Guide to Digital Responsibility, Safety, and Etiquette” by Catherine Pearlman. We found it really helpful for framing a family meeting about the phones we gave our tweens. Not only are there good points and vital information about privacy and avoiding scams, there is a whole chapter on making mistakes, because everyone does. Recommended for families thinking about or having recently equipped their 9- to 14-year-old with a phone.
May 15, 2023
Read this hoping to find a resource for parents and their tween child(ren). I think the author does a good job of talking about boundaries, self-care, safety, and responsibilities that come with over a phone. I like that she talks to them as the mature adolescent they are or are becoming. I highly recommend it.
August 2, 2022
The most important parenting book of 2022. Just an amazing guide for how to deal with the hellscape of our young teens and those cellular doodads. I love this book.
September 1, 2022
Great book for kids and parents regarding realistic smart phone safety.
January 1, 2023
Good start for a kid to start a conversation with their parents.
June 22, 2023
Some good talking points, but didn't feel like it needed to be a book, maybe just a checklist would've been sufficient.
June 28, 2023
Exactly what we were looking for! Relatable, kid-friendly, simple to understand. Lots of good high-level information from phishing, spam, doxing, phone etiquette, screen time, and more.
January 21, 2024
Good basic information kids should know before owning a phone.
June 15, 2024
Helpful and i like that it talked about things most teens dont think about
June 15, 2024
This book has a good understanding of how to handle a device and what not To do.
August 16, 2024
This was an in-depth look at what it means to own one of these pocket-size computers/blessings/curses. It held a lot of helpful information/guidelines for both new users of smart phones and their parents.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews