To a 16-year-old, this book felt refreshingly in touch with the teenagers of today ... Weinstein and James clearly did their research ... Because of the focus on actual teen voices, much of the book reads like a message from young people to adults in the best way possible. The book feels informed and accurate and is filled with information that I wish more adults understood. Not only does it feel accurate, but it feels up to date with the constantly changing digital landscape ... Because they took so many teen voices into consideration and listened to what real teens had to say about these issues, the authors are able to understand and convey the complexities of teens’ digital lives with respect and nuance. The authors actually give teens the credit they deserve instead of assuming teens are blind or naive about screen use and social media ... Rather than just the negatives of screen use, the book also focuses on the positive aspects of social media and screens. It shows the meaningful ways teens are able to connect through social media — with online study groups, staying in touch with friends, and finding peer support for any issue one might be dealing with ... As a teen who is immersed in much of what this book talks about, little of it felt revelatory, but Behind Their Screens adds a new and important voice to the conversation around teenagers and the ways we interact with our screens. It’s a helpful guide for any parent constantly arguing with their teens about screens, people who feel that social media is 'running the new generation' and anyone who wants to know more about how the modern digital age is affecting young people.
... fascinating ... The authors’ research is impressive, and the Teens Want Adults to Know sections at the end of each chapter add some nice perspective. Parents and educators losing sleep over what’s happening online would do well to give this a look.
