The book that could change how kids learn about digital privacy

Lorrie Faith Cranor, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, has written a children's book called Privacy, Please to educate young children about the concept of privacy. The book is self-published and features colorful illustrations by Alena Karabach, with the goal of teaching basic concepts of privacy to preschool-age children. Cranor was inspired to write the book after realizing there was a lack of children's books about privacy, and she took input from librarians and preschool teachers to create a relatable and engaging story. The book's protagonist explains various aspects of privacy, such as wanting to be alone, having private spaces, and using technology responsibly. Cranor intentionally left the main character's face and identity ambiguous to allow any child to relate to the story. The book also includes a discussion guide for parents and a door-hanger exercise for kids to promote further learning. Cranor chose to self-publish the book to speed up the process, and she expects many sales to come from other privacy professionals who want to teach children about privacy. The book's message is not just for children, but also for adults, encouraging them to respect children's boundaries and listen to their needs. Cranor hopes that the book will plant the seeds for future learning about online privacy, which will become increasingly important as children grow older and start using technology more independently. By writing this book, Cranor aims to promote a better understanding of privacy and its importance in everyday life, and she believes it could be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to teach children about this essential concept.