Reviews
for Wired Child

“There is no greater threat to family life than the digital deluge we are facing. There is no better book than this one to guide you through the clever clutter of misinformation the device myth makers would have us believe. We are in the midst of a fifteen year social experiment that no one is controlling… and it’s not going so well. Dr. Freed has crafted something here that is sensible, impeccably researched, fairly presented and most of all a message of hope.”

—KIM JOHN PAYNE, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting and The Soul of Discipline

“Before you buy a piece of technology for your child—or think of offering tech rewards to him or her—read this book. This is not a screed against all things tech, but rather a psychological profile of what technology can and cannot accomplish with children, puncturing many popular myths along the way. It also answers the question of why Steve Jobs limited his children’s access to and use of technology.”

—JIM TRELEASE, author of The Read-Aloud Handbook

“This is an amazing book! A superb piece of scholarship and writing. This book must receive the maximum possible exposure, it is vital to the success and survival of our families and our way of life.”

—Lt. Col. DAVE GROSSMAN, author of On Combat and On Killing, coauthor of Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill

“As marketers tout screen technology as a solution to myriad childhood ills, parents need honest information about what’s best for children in a digital world. In Wired Child, psychologist Richard Freed combines facts, real-life stories, and tips into a highly readable, timely, and much-needed resource for parents and anyone who cares about children’s health and well-being.”

—SUSAN LINN, Ed.D., instructor in psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; author of Consuming Kids and The Case for Make Believe

“An important book! Wired Child is a timely reminder that billion dollar tech myths don’t hold up to scrutiny. Freed’s insights spark a critical conversation on InfoTech myths and how kids can benefit from wise use of technology. His psychotherapist perspective is convincing!”

—RAFFI CAVOUKIAN, singer, founder of Centre for Child Honouring, author of Lightweb Darkweb

“Wired Child is a handy, readable, and all-too-timely volume on the myths that have gripped American families about the value of digital tools…. Practices alleged to improve kids’ learning and family relationships actually harm them. Freed exposes the hype and fraud surrounding video games, social media, and other entertainment-based technologies, then concludes with the right corrective—not the elimination of technology, but their productive use.”

—MARK BAUERLEIN, Ph.D., professor, Emory University; author of The Dumbest Generation

“Every parent needs to read this book. Not only is it a treasure trove of significant research that can spur positive action, it also uncovers the underbelly of our industry-culture that intentionally perpetuates harmful digital myths at the cost of our children’s optimal development. Get it. You might get mad, and that may be a good thing.”

—GLORIA DEGAETANO, author of Parenting Well in a Media Age, coauthor of Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill

“This important book powerfully debunks the many harmful myths about the benefits of media and technology in the lives of children and families. Children, families and all of society have much to gain from Wired Child.”

—DIANE E. LEVIN, Ph.D., Professor of Education, Wheelock College; coauthor of So Sexy So Soon

“Freed explodes technology myths with clear and compelling evidence that every parent, teacher, and family professional should read. This book shows how to reclaim our children’s well-being from tech makers and marketers.”

—JOE KELLY, author of Dads and Daughters