Gloria DeGaetano, founder and CEO of the Parent Coaching Institute (PCI), has had a selection from her book Screen Smarts reprinted in a Japanese textbook used by Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU). The excerpt, titled "As Children Grow: Screen Influence," will appear in two editions of the textbook, one current through 2027 and another for the 2027-2029 term. The material includes a Japanese translation and explanation to help high school students grasp the text's meaning and grammatical complexities.
KGU, a prestigious institution with campuses in Nishinomiya, Sanda, Osaka, and Tokyo, partners with 320 universities and 60 organizations globally. The 2027-2029 edition is published by Kyogakusha, based in Kyoto, which specializes in affordable collections of past university entrance exam papers. This initiative aims to provide authentic exam materials to high school students, typically around 17 years old, who may lack access to private tutoring.
DeGaetano expressed her honor at being contacted by KGU, noting their meticulous attention to detail, which ensured a smooth reprint process. She emphasized the enduring relevance of her message: "The more children stare into a two-dimensional flat surface, the less their brain develops optimally. Tech cannot do what sensory and lived experiences do to help little humans flourish." This core principle has been central to her work for over 30 years and is integral to the parent coach training program she developed.
The Parent Coaching Institute, recognized as a world leader in family support, offers a year-long online Parent Coach Certification® program in affiliation with Southern New Hampshire University. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 Fall Term, with a deadline of September 1. The program enrolls highly skilled professionals through an application process.
This inclusion in a Japanese textbook underscores the global impact of DeGaetano's research on screen influence and child development. As technology continues to evolve, her insights remain critical for parents, educators, and professionals seeking to support healthy child development in a digital age.
