Abstract

For many children and teens daily Internet use is the norm - but where should we draw the line when it comes to digital media usage? This handy book lays out the essential information needed to understand and prevent excessive Internet use that negatively impacts behaviour, education, family life, and even physical health.

Martin L. Kutscher, MD analyses neurological, psychological and educational research and draws on his own experience to show when Internet use stops being a good thing and starts to become excessive. He shows how to spot digital addictions, and offers whole family approaches for limiting the harmful effects of too much screen time, such as helping kids to learn to control their own Internet use. He tackles diverse questions ranging from the effects of laptops in the classroom and reading on a digital screen, to whether violent videogames lead to aggression. The author also explains how ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can make you more susceptible to Internet addiction, suggesting practical strategies to suit these specific needs. Discussing both the good and bad aspects of the internet, this book tells you everything you need to know to help children and young people use the internet in a healthy, balanced way.

By emphasizing social transactions and the social rules of digital society, as well as the safe use of digital media, this book will help to create boundaries and strengthen understanding of the digital world, without frightening the reader about the use and culture of social media and the internet in general. I strongly recommend this book for parents to encourage them to get involved with what their 'digital kids' are doing online.
Ioannis Voskopoulos, Psychologist
Imagine you're at an Ivy League school with one of their best professors. The lecturer is crisp, to the point and complete. This is what Dr Martin Kutscher has done with Digital Kids. In a crisp, easy way he teaches us the ins and outs of cyberspace, but more importantly, we learn how to raise well-adjusted kids in the Digital Age. Digital Kids is a true contribution and a must for both professionals and parents.
Mark Banschick, MD, psychiatrist, child advocate, author and contributor at Psychology Today
Martin L. Kutscher, M.D. is a pediatric neurologist with more than 25 years' experience diagnosing and treating families affected by ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, LD, tics and other neurobehavioural disorders. He is the author of Kids in the Syndrome Mix of ADHD, LD, Autism Spectrum, Tourette's, Anxiety, and More!, ADHD - Living without Brakes and Children with Seizures, also published by JKP. He lives in New York, USA. Visit his website at www.KidsBehavioralNeurology.com.
Eye-opening research that validates parents' concerns regarding the relationship their kids have with digital technology can be found in Digital Kids. Dr Kutscher's easy to understand explanations of many topics such as multi-tasking vs multi-switching, the effects of technology on reading comprehension, and the difficulty of switching from playing video games to starting homework, makes Digital Kids a great resource for parents and educators!
Marcella Moran, MA, LMHC, The Kid Organizer, thekidorganizer.com
Today's children quickly gravitate to - and master - electronic devices. This leaves their parents both proud and fearful. What is the impact on social skills and brain development? The antidote to fear is knowledge, explains veteran pediatric neurologist Martin Kutscher. In this engagingly written book, he gently walks you through the issues and the ways you can create healthy balance in your child's life.
Gina Pera, Adult ADHD expert, author of Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.?
A comprehensive, scientifically backed, yet down to earth guide for parents trying to understand this confusing digital world and how it impacts their children, especially the more vulnerable. The honest straightforward talk on parents' responsibilities for their child's internet use and how to meet them is invaluable.
Heidi Bernhardt, President and Executive Director, Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada