I received a free ARC from NetGalley in Exchange for an honest review.

This is a good teaching tool about internet safety. There is a mix of photos and illustrations.

On the Internet: Our First Talk About Online Safety

by Dr. Jillian Roberts

illustrated by Jane Heinrichs

When we put technology in the hands of children, we need to do it with the awareness that social media involves a lot of concepts that children are not prepared to handle. Many parents did not participate in social media themselves as youngsters, and so they are not always prepared for the difficulties that may arise. With that in mind, Dr. Jillian Roberts, a former schoolteacher and practicing psychologist has written a book to help guide the needed discussions. The book is illustrated with both photographs and child friendly drawings. It includes questions children might ask, answers that an adult can help to interpret, and explanations for terms like “boundaries,” “inappropriate,” and “online bullying.” It also includes positive examples of using social media for good. It is a book intended to initiate discussion between parent and child.

On the Internet: Our First Talk about Online Safety is well written and illustrated, and I recommend it. My personal opinion, however, is that children in grades one through three, the suggested audience for this book, are too young to use social media independently. I suggest that it is not too early to begin the discussion as social media and its accompanying problems are pervasive in our society. Young children hear others talking about this technology and may see older siblings using it. Discussion of online issues not only prepares children for future exposure, but also opens up opportunities to discuss the basics of friendship and bullying as they occur outside of social media.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Orca Book Publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Children Nonfiction, Computer and Internet

Notes: Age Range suggested by publisher: 6-9 years
Grade Level suggested by publisher: 1-3

Publication: February 19, 2019—Orca Book Publishers

Memorable Lines:

THINK before you post:
T: Is it True?
H: Is it Helpful?
I: Is it Inspiring?
N: Is it Necessary?
K: Is it Kind?

Geared towards children between the ages of 5 to 8, On the Internet: Our First Talk about Online Safety was written by an educator and child psychologist to help young children understand how to stay safe online.

This is definitely not a book you buy for your child to read alone or for enjoyment. It is a tool to teach your children about being online and being on social media, a book that should be read together and discussed. As a parent of three 8-year-olds who do have access to technology (managed by us to the degree that it’s possible), I am so glad a book like this is out there.

The author makes an interesting point about being in a weird place generationally, where parents with children in this age group didn’t have such free access to technology when they were kids and don’t necessarily know how to navigate these discussions or how to keep their kids safe online. I’m old enough to remember when internet access first started to roll out to the public, when cell phones started to become a “thing”, but my youngest kids have always lived in a world brimming with technology. It is a part of everyday life and it isn’t going away, so we really need to teach them about both the good and bad of going online, who to talk to if they see something that makes them uncomfortable, why their parents put restrictions on their access and screen time, etc. This book is a fabulous way to start that conversation.

Everything about this book is clear and accessible, helpful to kids and parents alike. It focuses on what to be mindful of but doesn’t ignore the wonderful things the online world brings as well. It talks about boundaries, what to look out for, how to handle their worry or fear and redirect it into something positive. And it reminds children several times that they can create change by setting a good example for their peers.

Not only will I be ordering a copy of this book for my family, I’m going to grab the other three in the series to boot - On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty, On the News: Our First Talk About Tragedy, and On the Playground: Our First Talk About Prejudice.

On the Internet - Jillian Roberts - 5
In today's world every student should have this book as required reading. The author puts things simply, so it’s easy to understand. It pulls no punches and is honest when it says that sometimes bad things exist and we can do little about it, but it is the way in which it is written that works so well. Mixing illustrations as well as real pictures helps make the information seem real and not just another weird warning for adults. I am very serious when I say, not just one-to-one school but all schools should make this required reading before they give their students a device, I mean it. Parents, beat them to it, and get a copy to keep at home for your kids, and the neighbors.

How do we approach our young children in regards to Internet Safety? Using a conversational approach with real-world examples this book is a great tool for parents.

As a teacher, I appreciated the real-world examples and the format it was written in. The language is simple enough for even the youngest to understand and the examples with pictures will help everyone understand what is being discussed.

I plan on buying this for several friends who have young kids that will be getting on the internet more and more for school. I will feel like a better friend for helping make sure they are as safe as we can make them on the internet.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Orca Book Publishers through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Another great venture into handling difficult topics. Dr. Roberts explores boundaries in today's online age. Approached in a question and answer format, this book briefly explains cyberbullying, internet use, and respect in an online world. The only complaint I have with this book is that, in my experience, children today do not use Facebook and many of the answers refer specifically to Facebook. This would be a great addition to a classroom or school counselor setting.

Internet safety is important, to be sure. And this book points out all the bad things that can happen out there. If act, I love how at a certain point the questions is asked, basically, is there anything good happening online?
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To, which, the answer is yes.

This book has basic principles to follow and should probably be something an adult goes over with the child, anyway, so this is a good way to bring up all the rules to follow.

Good book to have in libraries or the classroom, as an opportunity that could lead to some good discussions.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

What a wonderful book on safety on the internet. I am definately going to read this to my Granddaughter. It is told in a way that children will understand. I like how it goes into safety and boundries. The little explainations and meanings on the side are very much appreciated. In the world today you have to be so careful when it comes to the internet for children. I really thank the author for doing this book.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.