Navigating the digital playground: WMU expert publishes textbook for early childhood pros

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Melinda Holohan, faculty specialist II of family science and human development at Western Michigan University, is the co-author of a new textbook titled "Screen-Aware Early Childhood: A Realistic Approach to Helping Young Children Thrive in a Digitally Complex World". 

"This textbook helps educators and caregivers make informed decisions about young children’s screen use to safeguard child development in the digital age," explains Holohan. 

Readers will be introduced to Holohan's and her co-author's Screen-Aware Framework for Early Childhood (SAFEC), a versatile approach for making informed, intentional decisions about screen use, time, and content across diverse home, classroom, and child care settings. The book also highlights consequential research findings and myths about young children and screens; builds awareness of the influence of screen-based media, including problematic industry practices; and digs into protective factors for reducing risks and identifying priorities for strengthening child and family resilience.

"Our future professionals are tasked with a unique burden: mastering the knowledge and practices that uphold the developmental well-being and rights of children in a screen-based, media-centric society," says Holohan. "Through this textbook we want early childhood professionals to grow their screen awareness and navigate these changing times." 

To learn more about the textbook, visit Teachers College Press.

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