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BEHIND THE SCREENS

Niraj Lal Aśka

How the Internet Works & How to Make It Work for You

An essential illustrated guide to the science behind the internet. Perfect for kids 912 who are about to get their first phone.
The internet is one of the most life-changing inventions in history. But the internet isn't always as it seems.There are things happening behind the screens that are trying to change how we behave: influencing what stuff we want to buy, guiding our interests or changing how long we stay online.And they're really effective! As we start using the internet to do everything, it's helpful to explore how the internet is using us a little too.

Written by popular science communicator Dr Niraj Lal, Behind the Screens shines a light on data collection, algorithms, disinformation and deepfakes, as well as how kids can be safe and happy while gaming or using social media. This book will help kids to be online in the best way possible.

Dr Niraj (Nij) Lal is one of Australia's most loved science communicators from Play School to prime-time and as host of ABC Kids' Imagine This podcast. He graduated from Cambridge University as a Gates Scholar with a PhD in Physics, and is a current ANU Visiting Fellow. 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.

A?ka is a shortlisted graphic novelist, an ex-quantum physicist, and a big fan of the little doovalacky above the 's' in her name (which you pronounce 'Ash-ka'). A hugely engaging and popular presenter, A?ka is passionate about visual literacy. She has published more than ten books and graphic novels. Her recent titles include the CBCA Notable and ALIA Graphic Shortlisted YA graphic novel Stars in Their Eyes (with Jessica Walton). When she's not creating children's books, A?ka is travelling across Australia teaching drawing-as-a-language to anyone who'll listen.
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Published 2026-02-01 by UQP University of Queensland Press - St Lucia (AUS)

Comments

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

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

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.