Dr Joanne Orlando (PhD, M.Ed, B.Ed)

Author, Education Consultant, Inspirational Speaker, Personal Development, Social Issues, Welfare, Wellbeing

Dr Jo Orlando PhD is Australia’s leading digital wellbeing expert. For 15 years, she’s conducted ground-breaking research with Australian families, developing practical strategies that work in real homes and classrooms; not unrealistic or untested ideas.

She’s the creator of terms like ‘sharenting’ and ‘zombie scrolling’, making complex research accessible to parents and educators worldwide. Dr Jo advises governments, educators and tech giants, driving evidence-based policy change on a global scale.

As a keynote speaker and popular media commentator, she delivers what schools need: research-backed solutions educators can implement immediately. Her latest book, Generation Connected: How to Parent in a Digital World – At Every Age and Stage, is the practical roadmap schools use to guide families through every digital challenge, from first screens to teenage social media complexities.

Where were you born?

Sydney, NSW

What other jobs have you had?

Many people are often interested to know that I was a writer for PlaySchool (ABC TV) an advisor for ABC Education for many years. This was an amazing and exciting combination of roles. It was also the stepping stone into much of the work I do today.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Technology is supposed to make our life easier, but the reality is that our technology use is causing wellbeing problems on a scale we’ve never seen before. All around the world, children and adults are struggling with the amount of time, effort and headspace they lose to technology. Children are getting a double dose of this because they are growing up with technology from day 1. Getting our digital wellbeing right is important to a happy life

What have been the highlights of your career?

Where have your works been published?

I’m fortunate to have my work published worldwide. I feel very privileged that so many people are interested in my analysis and solutions for how to live well in our digital world.

I write scientific research papers which are published in peer reviewed journals. These papers provide the solid and cutting-edge evidence that all my work is based on.

I’m an Opinions writer for the Sydney Morning Herald, write regularly for The Conversation, and publish news and lifestyle publications extensively.

What are you passionate about?

My goal and passion is to bring you evidence-based information, that will help children and adults sift through the ever-changing trends and spot the misinformation and hype, to ultimately help you to lead a healthier, happier life in our digital world.

Haven’t I seen you before?

I have been presenting on TV for over 10 years and you’ll regularly see me on Sunrise, Morning Show, Today Show and The Project, SkyNews and other programs providing balanced understanding and solutions to the challenges and changes that technology consistently throws our way.