The Screen Time Safety Toolkit

This comprehensive guide by CNN contributor and social media expert Dr. Kara Alaimo in partnership with Cornerstone Day School provides parents, teachers, and mental health professionals with ready-made conversations and exercises to teach young people how to protect and empower themselves online. Drawing on a decade of expertise covering digital safety, the book tackles critical topics including deepfakes, catfishing, misinformation, influencer culture, AI-generated content, online predators, privacy protection, and healthy screen time boundaries. Each chapter includes reflection questions and exercises designed for immediate use in one-on-one conversations, classroom settings, or therapy sessions—no prior expertise required. Written in accessible language that avoids being preachy or patronizing, this playbook reduces the burden on overwhelmed caregivers by providing the exact scripts they need to have these crucial conversations. From understanding how algorithms work and identifying misinformation, to negotiating reasonable rules and building authentic offline identities, this book covers everything today's teens need to know about social media and screen time. Whether you're preparing a child for their first phone, integrating digital literacy into your curriculum, or seeking practical tools for your therapy practice, this book offers the comprehensive framework you've been searching for. With its practical exercises, research-backed insights, and conversational tone, it's the essential guide for helping the next generation develop healthier, safer, and more empowering relationships with technology.