SYDNEY - AussieJournal -- Research shows that addiction to technology has become somewhat of a global epidemic. But it's not just adolescents who can suffer from "digital addiction."

"I check my phone less than 85 times a day, but I do spend a lot of time on the screen," Lowbeer admitted.  "Since having written the book, my children sometimes tell me to 'look up!' whenever they want my attention."

Lowbeer's latest book builds on research by AVG Technologies that states that nearly one-third of children feel unimportant when their parents are using smartphones. This can lead to children who exhibit more behavioural problems.

"It can also result in children concluding that they're not important.  And if that thought is left unchallenged, it can turn into a negative belief that can limit a child for the rest of their lives," Lowbeer added.

Lowbeer's book, I Am Important!, chronicles a little girl named Katie who regularly feels ignored by her parents because they simply can't break their addiction to their digital devices. Over time, Katie, the main character, begins to feel that she's not a priority in her parents' lives. As she begins to feel unimportant, Hairy Thought-Buster - a lovable, humourous and hairy superhero - comes to the rescue.

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"When children read this book, I hope it helps them to understand that they are not alone in their predicament (of not always being attended to), and secondly – I hope that they learn the truth of their being – that they are intrinsically important," explained Lowbeer.

According to the author, the intent of the book is by no means to judge or shame parents who use their tech devices a lot, but to simply help them become aware of the issue, and to communicate with their children that they matter.

"Even I will be the first to admit to checking my phone more often than necessary. I sometimes feel guilty, though I am quick to let it go," explained Lowbeer.

To fund the first production run of I Am Important!, Lowbeer has launched a Kickstarter campaign with the goal of raising $6,000 AUD on the popular crowdfunding platform. During the Kickstarter campaign - which runs from August 14, 2019 through September 12, 2019 - a paperback copy of the book will be available for pre-order at a cost of $15 AUD.   For more information and to order at early-bird discounts, visit: http://www.hairythoughtbuster.com