Left to their Own Devices

“I believe the issues addressed in Left to Their Own Devices? are some of the most important for today’s parents – and whether our children are toddlers or teens. I urge you to read it.”

Rob Parsons, OBEFounder and Chairman of Care for the Family

“Technology is a crucial part of all our lives. There are huge advantages and some pitfalls we should avoid. Katharine Hill addresses these in a very readable way. Using stories from her own family, anecdotes she has been told and drawing on research evidence, she takes parents through the maze of today’s technology and the devices our children encounter daily. The cartoons support some of the humorous stories Katharine relates and most chapters have practical suggestions which many people will find invaluable.

This is a subject every parent will need to address, will be addressing or will have addressed. It would be a great book to read as a family or with other parents. Parents can be reassured by this book not to deny opportunities to their children, but to embrace technology with an awareness of the negative aspects which can lie in wait. This is a first-class read, and one which should be on parents’ wish lists.”

Dave LumsdonProfessional and Academic Tutor, Educational Psychology, Newcastle University; Principal Psychologist for DBL Psychology

“We might find ourselves feeling fearful, uncomfortable and unprepared for parenting in this digital age, but what we cannot do is remain silent and uninvolved. Years of youth work has shown me how most young people feel oppressed, in some way, by perceived sex pressures that are amplified by technology. We may feel powerless, but the key message of this book is that we’re not! What our children need is for us to acknowledge the reality of the pressures in all young people’s lives, define our messages and initiate conversations with our children that are factual, sensitive and effective. I’m grateful to Katherine for writing the book that all of us involved with raising children in the digital age need to read.”

Rachel GardnerPresident of The Girls Brigade England and Wales; Founder of Romance Academy, Youthscape

“The iPhone and my 10-year-old daughter were birthed in the same year. As parents, we are raising her in an exciting but often overwhelming digital landscape, which is why I’m so glad Katharine has written this book. Bringing wisdom and hope in equal measure, Katharine gives parents and guardians clarity and advice to navigate this new ‘swipe and like’ culture.”

Ian HendersonFounder of The Naked Truth Project

“Left to Their Own Devices? offers invaluable help to any parent wanting to protect and guide their child in the complexities of today’s digital world. We cannot leave our children to work it out for themselves. Parents need Katharine Hill’s important advice from the word go.”

Nicky and Sila LeeFounders of the Marriage and Parenting Courses

“Katharine Hill has skilfully and sensitively tackled a terribly thorny subject, that can provoke stress-factor-50 levels of fruitless angst, with razor-sharp insight and unremitting authenticity. This book is a much-needed resource full of solutions, but it is far more than that. It is a true friend who constantly shouts encouragement at you from the sidelines of the parenting marathon.”

Dr Samantha CallanFamily Policy Expert and Parliamentary Advisor to Lord Farmer

“Katharine gives practical parenting advice on the trickiest topics and it’s the kind of wisdom you only gain from experience. You’ll hear stories from parents who have faced the same challenges you do, and have come out the other side. Buy this book and enjoy the careful balance of thorough research, refreshing honesty, and the brilliant humour of the illustrations. Every parent needs to know this stuff, and thanks to Katharine and Care for the Family they can!”

Jason RoyceYouth Educator and Campaigner

“This book is a must-read for any parent – full of practical wisdom and helpful tips. It is a much-needed guide for navigating the unchartered waters of parenting in this digital age.”

Sarah AbellAuthor; Relationships Coach; Former Agony Aunt for The Daily Telegraph