First Phone

A Child's Guide to Digital Responsibility, Safety, and Etiquette

By: Catherine Pearlman PhD LCSW

Narrated by: Catherine Pearlman Ph.D., Elena Rey, Tara Sands, Michael Crouch, Dominique Franceschi, Keylor Leigh

A fun and informative illustrated kids’ guide, adapted for audio, to safely and productively navigating the digital landscape.

Cellphones have become a fact of life, with children as young as eight (yes, eight!) getting their very own “devices.” Such boundless access means our kids are in nearly constant contact with technology that was designed specifically for adults. And they’re doing so without any type of road map. Enter First Phone: the essential audiobook that apprehensive parents can confidently hand to their kids to listen to as they begin their journey into the digital world.

In First Phone, Catherine Pearlman—licensed clinical social worker and parenting expert—speaks directly to eight- to twelve-year-old children about digital safety in a manner that is playful, engaging, and age-appropriate. With insights and strategies supported by the latest research, First Phone offers:

• guidance on privacy, boundaries, social media, and even sexting (yes, young children need to learn about sexting before it happens!)
• best digital hygiene and self-care practices, including when to put the darn phone down, when to turn off notifications, and where to charge
• how to be a kind and compassionate upstander in a digital world

An essential companion when your child receives their first phone, this audiobook provides kids the tools and information they need while giving their parents peace of mind.

Critic reviews

“Kids will want to read First Phone because it’s an informative, relatable guide. Parents will also be supported with a road map to discuss crucial issues with their children.”
—Devorah Heitner, PhD, author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World

“Catherine Pearlman talks about phone use—including the pleasures, the perils, and the pitfalls—with zero drama, tons of compassion, and a light touch. This is an invaluable resource for kids and parents both.”
—Catherine Newman, author of What Can I Say? A Kid's Guide to Super-Useful Social Skills to Help You Get Along and Express Yourself

Good info, could have been better presented

The information in the book is very good! I listened to the audiobook and it’s presentation is lackluster, the author did a disservice in narrating the book herself. Youngsters might get through the book or audio version but I think the book would have benefited with an editor (or ghostwriter) who had experience writing for an older child. The author is presenting herself as adult and a parent to the readers and I think this limits the appeal. This book has information in it for all ages but I don’t think a teenager would like the tone and narration at all, even if they were just getting their first phone, it would seem rather childish ie being talked down to. Instructions to parents at the end was spot on, and author’s voice there was appropriate.

Great reminders!

At first I was reading this book to support our future choices with respect to an iPhone and iPad use for my daughter. Third chapter in, I realized how much I was learning for my daughter and myself! Yup, MY own use of my phone and social media.

So much to consider these days with what’s open to everyone that you may not even be aware of. My husband is in technology and he reminded me that it’s scary out there. Predators can hack into almost anything. Being aware is our biggest defense.

Read the book! Or, listen to it. :)

Dr. MPC