BOOK PRESS

The findings “don’t surprise me,” said Diana Graber, the founder of Cyberwise, a website for adults who want to help young people use technology safely, and the author of “Raising Humans in a Digital World.” During the pandemic, she said, kids turned to screens for entertainment and to connect with friends, since many didn’t have in-person school or activities.

Thankfully, a new book was released last month that tackles parenting and technology head-on. In Raising Humans in a Digital World, Diana Graber avoids the usual alarmist tone and illuminates in fastidious detail how we can educate our children to be responsible digital citizens.

What makes Raising Humans stand out from a sea of recent similar books is Graber’s extensive experience with the subject. She is the cofounder of Cyberwise, an online safety and digital literacy organization, and the founder of Cyber Civics, a digital citizenship and literacy program used by middle schools across the country.

As an educator teaching middle-school students the basics of “Cyber Civics,” Diana Graber has heard her share of stories where kids get into trouble using technology. Yet she prefers to focus on the positive things that technology brings to young lives and how kids can become digitally literate. It’s a necessary skill she believes will help usher the next generation into using their devices in positive ways while staying safe online.

Diana Graber, a digital literacy educator and advocate, was honored with the National Association for Media Literacy Education’s 2017 Media Literacy Teacher Award. She is the cofounder of Cyberwise, a leading online safety and digital literacy organization, and the founder and creator of Cyber Civics, the popular and innovative middle school digital citizenship and literacy program currently being taught in more than 40 US states, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Africa. Graber lives with her family in Southern California. Diana is also the author of Raising Humans in a Digital World, published in January of this year.

Raising Humans in a Digital World walks parents through the challenges of raising their kids in a digital world. Where there are never-ending technology opportunities, devices, and attention-getting games, apps, and experiences. Written by Diana Graber, a cofounder of Cyberwise and founder of Cyber Civics, this book is structured in a parent-friendly way and perfect for parents whose children are not receiving instruction at school.

The book gives optimistic and practical digital parenting advice. It covers the topics of digital reputation, screen time, relationships, privacy, and critical thinking, and dives into specifics including sending nudes and cyberbullying. The book teaches parents to help their kids gain social and emotional skills, then encourage them to engage in online communities in positive, productive ways.

With years of experience in her field and as a parent, Diana offers a very relatable and compassionate approach to real-life situations. Raising Digital Humans is thorough with tools and resources to help caregivers and educators minimize misuse and enhance safety online. The practical at-home activities offer ongoing support, set boundaries, and keep children responsible.