Screen Smart Children

A guide to helping kids thrive in a world that never switches off

By Mark A Williams and Gavin McCormack

About The Book

Whether you’re a parent or teacher, this is your guide to raising capable, compassionate and tech-wise kids in a hyperconnected age.

In a world where screens dominate childhood in both classrooms and bedrooms, many parents feel overwhelmed. Are devices stealing attention, empathy and imagination from our children? Or can they be part of a healthy, balanced life?

Internationally acclaimed neuroscientist Dr Mark Williams and award-winning educator Gavin McCormack team up for this book. They draw on decades of cutting-edge brain research and real-world classroom experience to reveal how screen exposure is rewiring young minds.

Packed with relatable stories, practical tools and science-backed strategies, this book offers a roadmap for guiding children toward healthy tech habits, deeper focus and genuine human connection, without banning screens or battling over devices. In it you will:
* Understand the impact of technology and screens on children’s development.
* Learn how to reduce the risks of overexposure to screens.
* Gain tools to support mental health and wellbeing across the whole family.

About The Authors

Supplied by the author
Mark A Williams

Dr Mark A Williams is an internationally recognised professor of cognitive neuroscience, with more than 25 years’ experience conducting behavioural and brain imaging research focusing on our social skills. He has taught the fundamentals of neuroscience to a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as publishing more than 70 scientific articles. Mark has been awarded numerous high-profile fellowships and grants and worked both at MIT in the USA and at universities in Australia. Dr Mark A Williams is an international expert on the neuroscience of screen time, whose research has informed school policies and sparked global conversations about banning digital devices in classrooms.

Supplied by the author
Gavin McCormack

Gavin McCormack is the co-founder of Upschool.co, a platform that inspires children to develop real-world skills and take action that creates genuine impact. With more than 25 years of experience in education – including a decade as a trained Montessori teacher – Gavin has taught in classrooms across the globe and championed innovative, purposeful learning. He is the Montessori Australia Ambassador, a TEDx speaker, and the author of numerous children’s books, including a biography of legendary Liverpool manager Sir Kenny Dalglish. Gavin has built schools, libraries, and teacher training centres in Nepal and was recently awarded the 2024 Outstanding Global Contribution to Education Award at the GESS Awards in Dubai. For the past five consecutive years, he has been recognised by The Educator magazine as one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia (December 17, 2025)
  • Length: 256 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781761639722

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Raves and Reviews

‘Easy to read and full of useful counsel, this guide takes the angst out of helping children get screen smart.’

– Sydney Morning Herald

‘This book doesn’t just explain the problem – it hands you the solutions.’
 

– Dr Justin Coulson, author of 9 Ways to a Resilient Child and co-host of The Happy Families Podcast

‘This transformational book provides the key that opens the door to quality education. One that prepares children for life as educated, compassionate people who are creative and critically intelligent.’ 

– Dr Neil Hawkes, Founder of Values-based Education (VbE)

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Screen Smart Children

A guide to helping kids thrive in a world that never switches off

By Mark A Williams and Gavin McCormack
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