UK (Commonwealth Union) – Younger children often pickup good and bad habits by observing their parents, older siblings and people they come into close contact with. The rapid integration of technology into homes has seen most younger kids embrace technology and learn faster. However, this rapid integration has had many negative effects such as the vulnerability to online bullying which have in some cases led to suicides and in other instances, pedophiles gaining easy access to children pressing the need for more parental supervision.
A new study titled, ‘Toddlers, Tech and Talk’, is led by the Manchester Metropolitan University in partnership with the Queen’s University, Lancaster University, Swansea University and the University of Strathclyde. The study will be the most extensive so far across the UK examining everyday exposure of babies and very young children to digital device influences on their communication with others.
Data has revealed digital and online activity of children aged 3-15 rises every year, but there is a lack of data on technology use of the youngest.
“There has been a huge expansion in young children’s access to digital technology in their homes. With this there has also been a growing interest in how children and carers engage with the technology, and its impacts both negative and positive. This project provides a unique opportunity to explore these issues within the intimate space of private family homes to generate new understanding and insights,” said Professor Karen Winter of Queen’s Universities School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work.
Results from the study will make it possible for parents. guardians and policymakers to gain more knowledge on how kids aged 0-3 develop early talk and literacy as they utilize digital media, and ways families can support their learning. The 2-year research is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.
