Behind the Screens
by Dr Niraj Lal Aśka

Getting your first phone is a big moment – this illustrated guide empowers young people aged 9–13 to navigate the online world with awareness, responsibility and confidence.

A$19.99

(Paperback)

Ships on 3/02/2026

Overview

The internet is one of the most life-changing inventions in history. But there are things happening behind the screens that are changing how we behave: influencing what we buy, what we’re interested in and how long we stay online. As we start using the internet and AI to do everything, it’s helpful to explore how the tech is using us a little too. Written by award-winning scientist Dr Niraj (Nij) Lal, host of the ABC's kids' podcast Imagine This, and illustrated by comic artist Aśka, Behind the Screens is the must-have guide to help young people be online in the best way possible. This book explores:

data collection and digital surveillance
the power of algorithms
a future with artificial intelligence
the pros and cons of gaming and social media
how to be happy and safe online.

It answers questions like:

If YouTube, Instagram and TikTok are all free, how come their owners are some of the richest people on the planet?
Why is it so hard to stop scrolling?
How do I know who to trust on the internet?
How can I avoid being tracked by tech companies?

Details

Todd Sampson

‘This book should be mandatory in our schools. It’s armour for the digital age.’

Dr Norman Swan

‘A great book. What every kid starting out on screens needs to know.’

Dr Patricia Edgar AM

‘A terrific book, so needed. It is clearly and fluently written and most readable. It should be in the hands of every teacher, parent and child who is ready to use the internet.’

Megan Daley (Author of Raising Readers)

‘An optimistic, balanced look at the internet, empowering readers to understand what’s really going on online. This is the kind of book that sparks conversations in classrooms and around kitchen tables alike.’

Dr Niraj Lal

Dr Niraj (Nij) Lal is an ANU Visiting Fellow and host of the ABC’s kids' podcast Imagine This. He graduated from the University of Cambridge with a PhD in physics as a Gates Scholar in 2012, and his awards include the 2021 Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science and the 2022 Royal Societies of Australia and New Zealand Piasecki Prize for Outstanding Writing on Social Change. He lives in Melbourne with his partner Sally and their three kids.

Aśka

Aśka (pronounced Ash-ka), is creative dynamite, an award-winning graphic novelist, an ex-quantum physicist, and a hugely engaging and popular presenter. Having published more than a dozen books and comics Aśka is passionate about visual literacy and teaching people how to ‘write with pictures’. Watch out for her latest release, a YA graphic novel titled The Friendship Paradox (Allen & Unwin) – a mix of a physics road trip and a story about figuring out how to make friends. Fun fact: despite being a fan of technology, to this day Aśka has never owned a smart phone. She thinks everyone should read this book!

Photo credit: Emanuel Rudnicki