Clicks: How to Be Your Best Self Online

As a millennial Natasha Devon feels she has a remarkable view on the world of technology and she has helpfully written this book to guide and enlighten young people as well as their parents, carers and teachers. Here is a volume bursting with useful information and presented in an attractive way with bite-sized chunks of writing.

Clicks begins with a lesson on ‘What Tech Does to your Brain,’ (p.18) and goes on to explain fake news, online role models, digital consumers and online activism. Not only does the author describe problems associated with the above concepts, she gives positive suggestions regarding how to deal with them. For example, she shows the reader, ‘Better Ways to Cross-Check Suspected Fake News’ (p.57).

I particularly enjoyed reading the chapter on ‘Teaching Up: How to Bridge the Generational Divide,’ (p.139) with its practical advice to the teen on choosing the right time and place to ask adults for something you want! Natasha Devon gives talks about mental health etc. in schools around the world and is an expert in this area. Thus her ‘tips and tricks’ (p.187) at the end of the book are valuable, as are her references and additional material on the final pages.

With information on pornography online, for example, I feel this book is aimed at the 14+ age group. However, a parent or carer might like to share this title with a slightly younger child, carefully explaining some of the topics. I am sure adults will learn much about the technological world from this engaging handbook – I certainly did and thus I have no hesitancy in recommending Clicks. The illustrations are fun and work well with the text. I especially liked the positivity that comes across as the author helps young people navigate a difficult and frustrating online world.