Book Recommendation for Parents and Carers: The Tech Diet for Your Child and Teen by Brad Marshall

The following is a message from our Head of Wellbeing, Ms Kirsty McEacharn.

I was fortunate enough to meet Brad Marshall, the Unplugged Psychologist, at a conference last term. He addressed the issue of Internet Addiction and Gaming. He runs the only addiction clinic in Sydney, tackling this issue, and he has a very long waitlist.

I encourage all parents to consider reading The Tech Diet for Your Child and Teen by Brad Marshall. It’s an accessible and highly informative resource that addresses the modern challenges of parenting in a digital age. 

Marshall acknowledges the vastly different digital landscape in which children are growing up today. Unlike their parents, today’s children are immersed in a constantly evolving online world, which brings uncertainty about long-term impacts. This book helps parents understand and respond to these changes thoughtfully and proactively.

A key strength of the book is its explanation of why digital games are so engaging and addictive, even for young children. Marshall argues that early intervention is crucial. Establishing healthy boundaries around technology use in the early years is far more effective than trying to enforce them in adolescence.

The book also outlines five key developmental areas to watch: social, educational, behavioural, emotional and physical health. Marshall offers guidance and checklists to help parents reflect on how technology may be affecting their child in each of these domains.

Notably, The Tech Diet does not promote banning devices. Instead, it encourages balance, equipping parents with practical strategies to help children develop healthy, lifelong habits. Implementing these changes may take persistence, but the long-term benefits for your child’s wellbeing are well worth the effort.

For more on Brad Marshall, visit
https://schooltv.me/newsletter-full-interview/13054/12802