Book Review - Tech Smart Parenting: How to Keep Your Kids Happy & Safe Online"

“Tech Smart Parenting: How to Keep Your Kids Happy & Safe Online" by Catherine Knibbs, is an insightful and refreshingly practical guide that skillfully bridges academic research, professional practice, and relatable parenting experience. Having followed Catherine's candid and thought-provoking social media presence over the past few years, our anticipation for this book was high, and it certainly did not disappoint. The content exceeded our expectations, one word sums it up, WOW! We have read a lot of books on youth and teens when it comes to digital literacy and internet safety, and it is our opinion that this is the best we have read in a very long time.

Catherine brings an impressive background of expertise to her writing, drawing on over 25 years of experience the tech world, a licensed child psychologist, cyber-trauma expert, dedicated researcher who is currently pursuing her PhD, and most importantly a mother. Her diverse professional background deeply informs her approachable yet rigorous style. Catherine clearly establishes her credibility as an evidence-based practitioner who is not only deeply versed in academic and theoretical frameworks, but also has firsthand experience dealing with real-world issues facing families in today’s onlife world.

Organized into 12 well structured chapters, the book is thoughtfully divided into two sections, "Your Kids in an Online World" and "Your Practical Guide to Keeping Kids Safe Online." This logical split provides parents and caregivers first with the necessary context and understanding of children's digital environments, before moving into tangible and actionable strategies.

A standout feature of Catherine’s work is her ability to synthesize complex research findings and translate them into clear, relatable narratives. She frequently employs personal anecdotes and practical scenarios, making abstract concepts immediately relevant to readers. Furthermore, the inclusion of ready-to-use conversational scripts serves as an invaluable resource, empowering parents  and caregivers to engage their children effectively on sensitive digital safety topics that are covered in this book.

The metaphor of a "public park" as an analogy for the online world is consistently and cleverly woven throughout the book. Without giving too much away, this analogy provides a relatable framework that enhances the reader's understanding of navigating digital spaces safely and responsibly.

We particularly appreciated Catherine’s balanced and nuanced perspective in addressing the polarizing discourse around device use and social media bans. Instead of defaulting to alarmist or restrictive narratives, Catherine consistently advocates for informed parental engagement and ongoing dialogue. Her arguments are bolstered by robust research citations, yet she transparently acknowledges the limitations of existing studies when appropriate.

Catherine's authenticity shines brightest when she openly shares her own parenting experiences, both successes and mistakes, creating a sense of solidarity with readers, she has been there and done that. Her candid reflections emphasize that effective digital parenting is not about achieving perfection, but about ongoing learning, adaptability, and being present your child’s life.

Another commendable aspect of this book is its inclusive approach. Catherine thoughtfully addresses the unique challenges faced by families with neurodivergent children or those with specific needs, underscoring the importance of personalized strategies, rather than one-size-fits-all solutions, that are emphasized throughout the book.

"Tech Smart Parenting" emphasizes a fundamental truth, the most critical aspect of online safety for children isn't technical cybersecurity measures, but rather the strength and openness of the parent-child relationship. Catherine Knibbs delivers this essential message powerfully and persuasively throughout her book, making it an indispensable read for any caregiver navigating the complexities of parenting in the digital age. 

This book has become our top recommended resource for parents, caregivers, and educators looking to better understand the ever changing onlife world of digital literacy and internet safety. If you're raising or working with a youth or teen, purchase  a copy, you won’t regret it.

The White Hatter

Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech