Spending Time, Spending Money is a contemporary Australian educational novella that follows Adam, a young person growing up in a fast-moving, digitally saturated world. Set in Cairns, the story captures the quiet, often unnoticed ways time, money, and attention are spent—through mobile games, online advertising, peer influence, and everyday routines.
Rather than presenting rules or moral judgments, the book focuses on awareness. As Adam begins to notice patterns in his behaviour—how quickly time disappears on screens, how “cheap” purchases add up, and how pressure is created through countdowns and digital prompts—he develops a deeper understanding of choice, trade-offs, and personal responsibility.
The narrative is particularly relevant in the current Australian context, where government-led restrictions on social media access for under-16s reflect growing concern about the impact of digital environments on young people. This story provides a practical, classroom-ready way to explore those same issues through lived experience rather than instruction.
Importantly, the book is written with neurodivergence in mind. It recognises that neurodiverse young people—including those with autism, ADHD, or other cognitive differences—may engage with patterns, impulsivity, focus, and online systems in distinct ways. Adam’s journey reflects this variability without labelling or diagnosing, allowing a wide range of readers to see themselves in the story.
Designed as both a narrative and a discussion tool, Spending Time, Spending Money supports conversations around:
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digital habits and screen time
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financial awareness and microtransactions
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attention, distraction, and behavioural patterns
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peer influence and social environments
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decision-making without shame or judgement
Aligned with educational use, the book encourages reflection over perfection. It positions awareness—not control—as the first step toward meaningful change, making it especially valuable for classrooms, wellbeing programs, and students navigating an increasingly complex digital world.
