While our digital devices use screens to entertain, inform, and connect us, too much screen time, as discussed in Screen Machine, has devastating effects on children. This short novel e-book is part relatable children's story and part informative cautionary tale. While children learn what screens are doing to them, parents will learn how to help their kids unplug! The story centers on preteen best friends Hector and Olivia, Olivia indulges in unlimited hours of screen time, while Hector is bound by strict screen time limits. Olivia loves making Hector jealous and relishes in her screen time... Just when it seems like Olivia will always have it better than Hector, Olivia starts turning into a Screen Machine! We wrote this book after examining the devastating impacts of excessive screen time in children. As discussed in the book, excessive screen time has been linked to: Massive reductions in academic performance. Watching 2+ hours of TV can undo 4 months of learning! Screen time obliterates homework completion rates by upwards of 63%! Mental health issues. Increased obesity and worsened physical health. With so many and such pronounced detrimental effects on children, saying excessive screen time is destroying your kids is not hyperbole in the slightest! In today's digital age, where such excessive screen time runs rampant, Screen Machine is a MUST READ for both kids and parents and is chock-full of great content... For kids: An engaging and exciting story with characters who are just like them! Lots of pop-culture references to their favorite media, including Minecraft, Mr. Beast, The Mandalorian, Miraculous, TikTok, YouTube, Disney+, and Instagram. A relatable school and home setting that kids will easily identify with. For parents: Easy-to-digest research on the dangers of excessive screen time on children. Ideas for discussions with your kids aimed at reducing their screen time. A content quiz, with answers, about the risks of excessive screen time. A reading comprehension quiz, with answers, about the plot, characters, and themes. An activity that allows kids to create their own short stories. An activity that allows parents and kids to work together on reducing their screen time. Screen Machine is best read together by both kids and parents. Ideally, kids will read aloud while parents engage the kids in discussions, using the included quizzes and activities.