Book of the Month: Behind Their Screens: What Teens Are Facing (and Adults Are Missing)

By: Emily Weinstein & Carrie James

Recommended Grade 8+ (and parents and educators)

In " Behind Their Screens," Harvard researchers Emily Weinstein and Carrie James delve into the complex and often misunderstood relationship between teenagers and technology. Supported by hundreds of student interviews and years of research at Project Zero, this book offers an empathetic portrait of today’s digitally immersed youth and a wake-up call for adults who believe they already understand.

Instead of depicting teens as screen-obsessed zombies, the authors articulate what young people think and feel behind their phones. They delve into topics such as social comparison, privacy, sexting, group chats, FOMO, and more—uncovering the unexpected ways teens navigate online life with self-awareness, fear, and concern for others.

One of the book's most powerful elements is its profound respect for teens. It neither lectures nor frightens but instead amplifies the students’ stories, illustrating how they grapple with daily tough decisions in digital spaces. The result is a nuanced portrait that challenges numerous adult assumptions and fosters a new dialogue.

This book is particularly valuable for high school and college students seeking to understand themselves and their peers better, as well as for parents and educators who wish to support them more effectively. By the end of the book, readers will not only be better informed but also more compassionate.

A must-read in today’s digital age, Behind Their Screens encourages us to ask better questions, listen more attentively, and foster deeper trust across generations.

Source: https://www.behindtheirscreens.com/