This essential book shows practitioners how they can engage with teens' online lives to support their mental health. Drawing on interviews with young people it discusses how adults can have open and inquiring conversations with teens about both the positive and negative aspects of their use of online spaces. A spirited book full of really helpful information and resources. Written for practitioners working with young people but also suitable for parents and carers, the authors skilfully promote a positive and balanced approach to teens' online activity and their relationship with the digital world. Based on interviews and focus groups with young people from diverse backgrounds, they challenge broadbrush ideas that stereotype young people such as the assumption that all children and teens are digital natives and do not need to learn to use digital platforms or social media, or that digital technologies have a purely negative impact on young people's behaviour, language, education, sexuality, relationships and more - a view that seems very prevalent among many parents and practitioners.

With 9 chapters, including a succinct introduction that posits the key themes, the book can be dipped into for specific issues, as well as read through from the beginning. Each chapter concludes with a summary and excellent resources section.

The authors have also created hacks like the 'Digital 5 a Day,' and the five characteristics of excessive internet use, which by themselves I found extremely valuable - a way in to starting to grapple with seemingly complex situations and behaviours in relation to digital technology.

An excellent read, extremely pertinent and uplifting too - a sensitive and intelligent invitation to consider the possibility that teens are capable of harnessing online spaces such as YouTube, Instagram and gaming platforms, for creative expression and to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Fundamentally, this book will change the way you think and behave in relation to young people and digital technology, and it will crack open the belief that an interconnected online world is purely a pernicious force in teenage life.