Parental Control
A Guide to Raising Balanced Kids in the Digital Era
1. Edition March 2025
240 Pages, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Practical strategies and tips to help raise and teach children in a digital-first world
In Parental Control: A Guide to Raising Balanced Kids in the Digital Era, Titania Jordan, a renowned internet and social media safety specialist, tackles the urgent dilemmas of modern parenting head-on. As technology increasingly engulfs the lives of our children, this book emerges as a beacon for those looking to guide, protect, and connect with them in meaningful ways.
Navigating the complex digital landscape, Jordan delves into the effects of social media and the internet on our kids. She uncovers the challenges of balancing screen time with real-life interactions and the erosion of offline social skills due to digital immersion. Yet, it's not all dire--Jordan's expert insights offer a pathway to turning potential digital pitfalls into educational opportunities.
The book will help you:
* Learn how to educate and empower the next generation to navigate the internet safely and responsibly
* Discover actionable advice on setting boundaries, fostering offline interactions, and promoting healthy digital habits.
* Benefit from the latest internet safety data, trends, and tips to keep your children protected in the digital age
Perfect for parents, educators, and caregivers, Parental Control is more than just a book. It's a roadmap to raising well-adjusted children in a technology-driven world. This guide provides the tools you need to ensure technology complements the lives of those you care about, rather than consuming them. If you're looking to navigate the challenges of modern-day parenting with confidence and create a safe, balanced digital environment for your children, then this book is for you.
Chapter 1 Why Me, Why Now? 1
Chapter 2 The Good Old Days 23
Chapter 3 Digital Transition 41
Chapter 4 Where We Are Now 69
Chapter 5 Digital Effects on the Brain 103
Chapter 6 Digital Effects on the Body 117
Chapter 7 Digital Effects on Mind/Spirit 129
Chapter 8 Solutions: So What Do We Do? 141
Chapter 9 Final Thoughts 163
Chapter 10 Q (and More Importantly, A) 169
Chapter 11 Glossary, Emoji, Acronym Translator 185
Chapter 12 Resources 199
Acknowledgments 203
About the Author 205
Index 207
"Given the failure of Big Tech to provide appropriate guardrails to keep our kids safe online, it is up to us. We must be their 'parental controls,' which takes education, communication, and an open heart. Titania skillfully guides parents through this unprecedented time in Parental Control."
--Nicki Reisberg, host of Scrolling 2 Death Podcast
"Parental Control by Titania Jordan is an essential guide for parents navigating the complexities of raising children in this new age of social media. With inspiring courage, Ms. Jordan shares her personal experiences, offering invaluable insights into some of the severe social media-related risks and challenges that threaten our children while also destigmatizing some essential safety conversations for families. Parental Control provides practical strategies for maximizing safety and fostering open, supportive communication between parents and children. As the CEO of the Organization for Social Media Safety, I know firsthand how vital this advice is for parents seeking to protect and empower their children, and Ms. Jordan's contributions have added much-needed clarity to the ongoing social media safety conversation. This book is a must-read for any parent committed to raising kids safely in today's social media age."
--Marc Berkman, CEO, Organization for Social Media Safety
"During a time when online safety is a universal concern for all parents, Titania Jordan delivers a must-have resource for every home. Timely, powerful and a must-read for families today."
--Rania Mankarious, MA, JD, CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston and author of The Online World, What You Think You Know and What You Don't
"Most guidance on social media, technology, and children, just causes parents to worry and feel helpless. Parental Control is different, delivered in a fact-based and empathetic way that only Titania Jordan--with her years of experience in this topic--can. Parental Control empowers parents with clear, evidence-based, and truly boots-on-the-ground actionable recommendations that restore a healthy perspective to our use of technology, put parents back in the driver seat, and allow our children to thrive."
--Dr. Darria Long, national bestselling author of Mom Hacks, Founder of No-Panic Parenting, Clinical Assistant Professor at University of Tennessee School of Health Sciences
"Parental Control by Titania Jordan is a must-read for any parent feeling the weight of today's digital age. Titania's insights have helped me approach online safety with my own kids as she goes beyond surface-level advice, offering real, actionable solutions to keep kids safe and balanced. Her deep dedication and experience shine through, making this book an invaluable guide for safeguarding the next generation."
--Dawn Hawkins, CEO, National Center on Sexual Exploitation
"Parental Control perfectly illustrates how parents can protect their children in our digital world."
--John Pizzuro, CEO, Raven
