Digital Freedom

‘”This book has completely changed the conversation I’m having with my 12 year old. Instead of ‘no, you won’t get a phone’ (which is exactly what I want to say, along with thoughts to turn off the internet altogether), I have an incredible resource to explain why, and a roadmap to gradually and safely introduce technology into our family. I feel like I have Maggie and Kirra on my team, ready to answer all my practical questions without any judgement.”
– Georgie Trickett, Mum of Three, Co-host of Sportish Podcast

Australia’s favourite parenting author join­­s forces with a top online safety expert to give Australian parents the tools to understand and manage their kids’ and teens’ use of screens. When it comes to children and screens, parents and educators face a genuine contradiction: so much of modern life happens online, yet it’s also one of the leading causes of harm and mental illness for kids and adolescents. How can we protect our young people while giving them the tools to succeed? In this book, Maggie Dent, Australia’s queen of common-sense parenting, and Kirra Pendergast, an international authority on digital safety, present sensible, no-nonsense advice for parents looking to make informed decisions on issues such as: – When and how to give your kids a smart phone? – How do algorithms, digital footprints and AI really work? – How can families use social media without sacrificing privacy and safety? – How can you protect your kids and teens from the darker influences of the internet? – What do you do if your son or daughter is being bullied or exploited online? And most importantly: how can we help kids develop a healthy, responsible relationship with technology without becoming the enemy? Digital Freedom cuts through the confusion and delivers practical tools and expert advice to help parents manage their children’s device use with confidence – and give kids back their childhoods.

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“Digital Freedom hit home for me like few books ever have. It’s incredibly informative and thought-provoking, yet in true Maggie style, Maggie and Kirra make even the most confronting topics easy to understand, leaving you informed, reassured, hopeful and equipped with practical strategies to help your family navigate the digital world – a must-read for every parent.”
– Gia Hogarth, Mum of Three, Host of The Scroll Less Podcast & Founder of Scroll Less September

Author Information

Commonly known as the ‘Queen of Common Sense’, Maggie Dent has become one of Australia’s favourite parenting authors, educators and podcasters. Maggie is the author of eleven major books, including the bestselling Mothering Our Boys (2018), From Boys to Men (2020), Girlhood (2022) and Help Me Help My Teen (2024). Kirra Pendergast is a globally recognised independent advisor, international expert speaker, and educator specialising in online safety, digital risk, and human behaviour in the digital age. With more than 30 years of experience she advises organisations internationally on online harms, AI, exploitation, and governance. Founder of Safe on Social and Ctrl+Shft, Kirra is known for translating complex technology into practical, human-centred guidance for schools, families, and leaders worldwide.