By Clare Morell

I think we can all agree that technology is a double-edged sword. We rue the time spent staring at screens, but we’re stuck there. We realize it’s probably an addiction, but after all, isn’t everyone else doing it? 

But what if we got out of the unhealthy technology? What if we freed our kids from the smartphone addiction?

Clare Morell works in the fields of policy and technology and has helped to draft legislation to protect kids from online predators. In this easy-to-read book, she offers research-backed alternatives to families who want to give their kids freedom from smartphone addiction, protection from online dangers, and healing from tech-related behavioral disorders. The book is filled with resources, groups and organizations families can join, and testimonials from families – and kids – who exited the technology rat-race and found healing.

Pros: We’re led to believe that smartphones are necessary to connect with others and that, if kids don’t have a smartphone, they will be left out and unable to function socially. Clare Morell dismantles each argument with statistics, real-life stories, and alternatives. Even if you don’t have kids or aren’t able to fully ditch the smartphone, this book will prove highly informative and thought-provoking. It even made me rethink some of my own smartphone practices.

Cons: I was hoping this book would have more practical ideas for adults to kick the smartphone habit, but the main focus was on children under 18. In fact, some of the parent tech exit support groups that were recommended or used as examples were found only online or on an app.

The book was also a bit repetitive, but, thanks to social media shortening our attention spans, maybe we need the repetition!

Bottom Line: If you’re looking to curtail your family’s phone/tablet usage, this book will get you on the right track!