Screenwise

"Screenwise is the reassuring and engaging roadmap every parent needs to raise digitally savvy children. In this research-backed, practical guide, Heitner combines an understanding of child development with her extensive knowledge of the risks and many rewards of technology to give caregivers everything they need, from conversation starters to context, to confidently help their kids navigate their online worlds ethically, constructively, and even joyfully!"

Phyliss Fagell, LCPC author of Middle School Matters

"Raising kids in the digital age can feel like being stuck on roller coaster with no endpoint. The more you begin to understand how kids utilize technology, the more new platforms pop up. Screenwise takes the focus off of parental control and places it on parental understanding. By meeting kids where they are and learning to navigate technology together, parents can help their kids build healthy tech habits that will last a lifetime. Screenwise weaves together research and prescriptive advice to help parents do just that."

Katie Hurley, LCSW, author of No More Mean Girls

“For all parents who feel like they can’t keep up with today’s technology, Devorah Heitner has come to the rescue. Screenwise doesn’t judge or preach. It is full of empathy and insight, providing gems of guidance based on years of deep research and real talk with real kids. A pleasure to read.”

Lisa Guernsey, author of Tap, Click, Read and Screen Time; director, Learning Technologies Project, New America

“Don’t let your kids’ tech life stress you out. Grab Screenwise and get the good news and strategies you need to guide your kids (or let them safely guide you) into a smart and savvy digital life.”

Deborah Gilboa, MD, parenting and youth development expert at Ask Dr. G

“A must-read for twenty-first century parents! Parenting the digital gen-eration requires complex skills that I frankly didn’t have—until now. Empowered by Dr. Heitner’s timely book, I feel infinitely more prepared to guide my son and daughter through the advantages and perils of modern-day connectedness. Issues like trust, relationships, security, and balance are handled deftly by an expert who clearly knows the territory and shares her knowledge in a relatable way. Every modern-day parent should read this book. Highly recommended.”

Mary O’Donohue, author of When You Say “Thank You,” Mean It: And 11 Other Lessons for Instilling Lifelong Values In Your Children

“Find your way from ‘screenworried’ to ‘screenwise.’ It’s time to get over your techno-guilt and become a more competent and confident media mentor—an enthusiastic tour guide and mindful role model—for your child in the digital age. In these pages you’ll find affirmation, encouragement, a gentle nudge or two about your own media use, and practical strategies to help you become a ‘tech positive parent.’”

Chip Donohue, PhD, director, Technology in Early Childhood (TEC) Center at Erikson Institute

“Devorah has tackled the challenging, modern issue of raising kids in today’s digital world head-on. Screenwise gives practical ideas and advice for parents struggling with this issue and really enables them to turn what could be a problem into an opportunity. As an administrator in a highly successful 1-to-1 mobile device school district, I face many of the challenges outlined in this book on an almost daily basis. Screenwise will help not only the parents in our district, but also the teachers when it comes to ideas and strategies for truly helping kids thrive in their digital world.”

Carl Hooker, director of Innovation & Digital Learning at Eanes ISD, founder of iPadpalooza, author of the Mobile Learning Mindset book series

“This book is full of calming words and constructive suggestions for today’s parents who are anxious about their children’s immersion in digital media. Grounded in the latest research, it will help parents develop their resourcefulness in navigating what can seem like a worrying new world.”

Sonia Livingstone, author of The Class: Living and Learning in the Digital Age

“Screenwise is a practical guide for parents and families trying to navigate childhood in the digital age. Not a ‘one-size-fits-all approach,’ this book is about gaining confidence and resolve to make the informed, intentional choices that will work best for you and your family. The scenarios and solutions outlined are developmentally on-target for the ages addressed, whether toddlers or teenagers. Heitner possesses a clear and direct voice that will help parents find the path that works for them.”

Jennifer Farrington, president & CEO, Chicago Children’s Museum

“Dr. Heitner offers smart, tech-positive advice for parents on how to be good mentors for children, and on how to best use technology rather than trying to monitor every single online exchange. We appreciate the age-appropriate advice on how to balance autonomy and support.”

Tom Vander Ark, author of Smart Parents: Parenting for Powerful Learning