Raising Children in a Digital Age - Review and Giveaway

According to a BBC Learning Poll, "More than half of children in the UK (57%) have done something "risky" or anti-social online." (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-31311927) 

We are living in the Digital Age. It's nigh on impossible to avoid the Internet nowadays, and our children will grow up never having known a world without it. I find it amazing to see how easily my daughters use iPhones, when some of my older friends and family need a great deal of guidance with them. But that is also frightening. In all likelihood, they will grow up knowing how to use all manner of technologies quicker and more easily than we will. There will be parts of their online life that might not make sense to me. I fear that I won't be able to keep them safe. There's no escaping the Internet, but as parents, teachers, youth workers and others involved in the care and upbringing of children, we can equip ourselves to ensure that we and our children are able to enjoy digital media safely. The Hubby works in the technology field, so we'll certainly be able to keep abreast of new developments, but there are many out there who aren't in our fortunate position. There is a great deal of fear and mistrust of the Internet. There are many people who don't understand how social networking works. 

Bex Lewis's 'Raising Children in a Digital Age' is a fantastic guide and tool

for all adults involved in caring for children and young people. I consider myself pretty Internet savvy, and didn't think this book would teach me anything, but I was pleased to find areas where I was able to learn more. We have a responsibility to understand and master the mediums that our children will be experts in. If we don't know, how can we teach and protect? 'Raising Children in a Digital Age' is a great way in to achieving the level of understanding we need to keep our children safe online. Covering a variety of topics, from Digital Culture, and the Law, to Gaming and Sex, and looking at Safety Agreements and Cyberbullying, it also challenges common fears, gives practical advice and provides a helpful Jargon Buster. It's easy to read and not at all patronising. I enjoyed reading the comments from real parents interspersed through the book; it's always encouraging to know that others share your fears and concerns. I think it's important to remember, when we are bombarded with so many news stories about the dangers lurking on the Internet, that it is a force for good too, and that's another element of Bex's book. She lifts up the positive opportunities afforded by digital media, and offers an encouraging guide to avoiding the pitfalls. She also provides signposts to areas with more information and help.

I know Bex personally, but the Hubby and I bought this book ourselves because we know it's such an important area of parenting nowadays. I haven't received anything in return for this review, and all opinions are my own. As today is Safer Internet Day 2015, and because I think it's such an important and helpful book, I'm gladly buying a copy of 'Raising Children in a Digital Age' to give away to one of my readers. I do hope though, that if you don't win, you'll still consider buying a copy yourself. It really is worth it. Enter via the Rafflecopter below.

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