5 Habits of the Tech Ready Family: Raising Wise Kids in a Wild Digital World

Debut author McKenna, CEO of Protect Young Eyes, an organization that equips parents with resources for shielding their kids from the harms of digital spaces, provides a thorough, faith-based guide to parenting in a technology-obsessed society. He breaks down the stressors faced by children growing up with “godlike technology” that gobbles up dopamine, stands in for real-life social connections, and exposes them to threats ranging from exploitation to anxiety. Parenting tech-savvy kids, he writes, is a holistic process that involves modeling good values (love of God, optimism) and healthy tech habits; establishing trust so children feel free to bring up their digital problems; and limiting access to “addictive” technology until young brains are equipped to handle their constant stream of impulse-driven rewards. (The author recommends smartphones starting in high school and social media at age 16.) McKenna’s comprehensive program combines nitty-gritty discussions of such topics as monitoring software, illuminating explanations of the drives that make tech uniquely appealing to kids, and ideas for fulfilling those drives in healthier, more productive ways. The result is an informative resource for parents eager to establish digital safety nets for their children. (June)