About The Book

Screenwise helps parents recognize that the social wisdom they have gained throughout their lives is a relevant and urgently needed supplement to their kid’s digital savvy. These skills can help set kids up for a lifetime of success in a world fueled by technology.

The core message of the book is that kids need mentoring, not (just) monitoring, and that kids deserve more empathy from adults about growing up in the digital age. The book offers advice on helping kids navigate friendship and identity issues that are common among new texters, gamers and social media users.

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How Screenwise Are You?

Today’s parents face more challenges than ever. Digital devices and technology in general have changed the way that we interact, and it has an undeniable effect on what we do as parents.

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Reviews and Buzz

“Heitner makes an excellent case for the need to actually experience our kids’ digital world with them and to learn ourselves how they want to use these tools, rather than making assumptions based on our personal experiences and fear-mongering about the digital world. Screenwise is a fabulous distillation of the dilemmas facing current parents of teens and tweens when it comes to the ever-present digital and social media.”

— Emily Sexton, Grounded Parents

“Heitner empowers parents without guilt and provides helpful tips for the tech-savvy and not-so-tech-savvy. It’s a book that every parent should read.” 

— Leticia Barr, Tech Savvy Mama

“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

“A must-read for twenty-first-century parents! Parenting the digital generation 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

“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

“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 of Learning Technologies Project at New America

“Acknowledging the impossibility of fully sheltering children from the world of digital media, Heitner provides guidance for parents navigating this ever-changing landscape. She suggests that parents and educators shouldn’t monitor a child’s every move but should act as guides and mentors, helping children make good decisions and fostering their creativity. This book provides useful advice for the parents of children of all ages and will serve well as a guide to help the different generations communicate, in person or online.”

— Publisher’s Weekly

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Are you worried about cyberbullying, sexting and digital distractions?

Learn how you can mentor instead of monitor. Watch Devorah on ABC 7 Chicago.