Clicks: How to be your Best Self Online
by Natasha Devon, illustrated by Rubyetc
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 10+
Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, 2023
About this book
This is not a book to scare anyone about going online, but a tool so that readers can use social media and the internet with true freedom and joy, keeping their mental health and self esteem intact. A tall order, but one that Natasha Devon pulls off with aplomb. As she points out, humans have had the internet for a relatively short period of time, and we have yet to develop the skills to cope with all it throws at us, especially as the experience differs widely across current generations. This book sensibly points out that it is up to us to navigate how we use the internet, and offers tips for spotting fake news, coping with trolls and, most importantly, realising what the various algorithms do to our brains.
Topics include: pornography (briefly), choosing the best online role models (and how not to hero worship them), how to be an ally, how to avoid clickbait, who you are online and how to talk to your parents about all this. There is also a summary of tips at the back, along with a list of helpful organisations. With a friendly, unpatronizing tone throughout, and lots of examples, this book will be useful to all secondary pupils.
More books like this
-
Failosophy: a handbook for when things go wrong
by Elizabeth Day
11 to 14 years
-
Come on Life: Highs, Lows and How to Live Your Best Teen Life
by Nikki Lilly, illustrated by Julia Broughton
9 to 14 years
-
Mixed
by Emma Slade Edmondson, illustrated by Tasia Graham
9 to 14 years
-
A History of Fashion for Children
by Celia Joicey and Dennis Nothdruft, illustrated by Rose Blake
7 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Books all about puberty
Puberty is a confusing time. These helpful books not only explain the changes that happen to children’s bodies and emotions, but can also empower them as they grow into teenagers and beyond. Encompassing mental health, friendship issues, navigating the online world, and much much more, we hope these books will be a comfort and a support.
-
Books on fake news and lies
It is vital that children learn to spot fake news and false information - and schools will soon be teaching classes on this. This selection of titles includes practical non-fiction books and also fiction that takes a broader view of 'fake news', in the sense of gossip and lies.