Tech-Smart Parenting

The essential new, science-based parenting guide to building healthy boundaries around technology and social media—from leading cybertrauma expert and child psychotherapist Catherine Knibbs.

“A must-read for the tech-anxious generation.” —Pete Etchells, psychologist and author of Unlocked: The Real Science of Screen Time
“An essential, expert (and overdue) guide for any parent worried about how tech is affecting their children—but wanting to rely on science instead of paranoia.” —Dean Burnett, neuroscientist and author

Should we ban screens? We’re asking the wrong question—this is how we really keep our kids safe online.

“How much screen time is too much?” “Could my child become addicted to their smartphone?” “Why does every rule I set start a battle?”

Children today are growing up in a world more connected than ever before, exposed to risks their parents couldn’t have imagined and raising questions we’ve never had to answer. But in our rush to protect them, we can sometimes do more harm than good—outright bans or rules seen as “unfair” can push kids away when what they need most is our understanding and connection.

Child psychotherapist and cybertrauma expert Catherine Knibbs has helped hundreds of families build healthy boundaries around technology. In this evidence-based guide, she reveals what the science really says about online risks, helping parents move past fear to make confident, informed decisions for their families.

You’ll learn:
• How screens affect every stage of childhood—and where the real dangers lie
• Why connection and trust are your best tools for keeping children safe online
• Conversation scripts to help set clear, positive boundaries without conflict
• Practical strategies to balance tech use at home and on the go
• How to protect and support neurodivergent children as they navigate the digital world

Grounded in research and filled with relatable stories and practical tools, Tech-Smart Parenting is the essential handbook for parents who want to feel empowered, not overwhelmed, in raising healthy, resilient, and tech-savvy kids.

Catherine Knibbs is a child psychotherapist, cybertrauma expert, and educator dedicated to helping families navigate the digital world. She works with children and adults in schools, clinics, and other settings, and teaches other professionals how to support young people’s safe and healthy use of technology.

Her book, Tech-Smart Parenting, draws on her research and clinical experience to offer practical, evidence-based guidance for parents.