Catherine Pearlman - First Phone: A Childs Guide to Digital Responsibility, Safety, and Etiquette

CONGRATULATIONS ON GETTING A VERY EXCITING NEW SMARTPHONE. You are now the owner of one of the most powerful digital devices on earth. Woo-hoo!

Smartphones are minicomputers that can do just about anything a big computer can do but, in some ways, even more. Phones can fit in your pocket, making them handy. On your smartphone you can order a skateboard; video chat with family members around the world; log in to your classroom; play games; read a book; listen to music; learn how to make lasagna; take, edit, and share pictures.

Because smartphones are so powerful, they are also expensive. Keeping your phone safe and not losing it will be important.

Also, sometimes kids arent prepared for all the responsibility that comes with the incredible power of a smartphone. Thats why I wrote this book. I want to help you learn the ways to have fun using your digital devicebut also how to stay safe.

Most kids know they want a phone, often because their friends and siblings have one. But once they get one, they can become overwhelmed with decisions, social situations, and setting appropriate limits. There are lots of lessons to learn to ensure safety for you and your friends. Some common questions that come up for kids when they receive their first phone are:

• What do I do if a new online friend I dont know asks for my address or personal information, like my birthday?

• Where should I keep my phone at night?

• Whats safe to post online, and what should be avoided?

• When is the right time to join social media like TikTok and Instagram?

• What do I do if someone sends me an inappropriate picture or tries to bully me online?

• What do I do if I make a mistake?

In this book I will answer these questions and many more. Because Im a grown-up, I have some young friends who will help with keeping it real. Throughout the pages that follow, they will share their experiencesthe good ones, the bad ones, and the really embarrassing ones, too. That way, you can learn from what theyve gone through.

Now, let me introduce you to... Sofia, Maya Jack, Benni, and Max!

Hi. My name is Sofia. Im nine years old, and I love anything with rainbows, unicorns, or sparkles. I like to bake, do art projects, and play with my dog, Rocko. I like math class because Im good with numbers. But I really dislike reading because its so hard for me. Thats because I have a learning difference called dyslexia. My parents gave me a phone to help me keep in touch with my family who live across the country. I listen to a lot of audio books to help me read, and I like to have my phone in my pocket, too, if I walk to my friend Leahs house around the corner.

My name is Max. Im twelve years old, and I like to play Mario Kart and watch videos on TikTok. I use my phone a lot, but one important way is to control my diabetes. Thats a disease that requires me to monitor my blood sugar. My phone alerts me when I need to adjust my medicine. Its kind of a lifesaver.

My name is Jack. I enjoy playing video games and basketball, building robots, and trying new and exotic foods. My mom is in the military, so sometimes she works in another country. She gave me a phone to help us keep in touch. Im eleven, but I got my phone when I was ten.