03 DecYoung Children in Digital Society: a new resource helping young children navigate the digital world safely and confidently
By Guillermina Rollero, Advisor, Member Solutions
We recently attended the Young Children in a Digital Society conference, which presented a national project based on the Early Childhood Australia (ECA, 2018) Statement on Young Children and Digital Technologies. This event brought together leading experts and organisations to share the research on how digital technologies can be used in ways that support children’s development across four key areas:
- Relationships: digital tools can strengthen connections, such as enabling families to stay in touch via video conferencing or supporting social play through shared activities like group dancing.
- Health and wellbeing: technology use has implications for children’s physical and emotional health, including posture, vision, sleep, and emotional regulation, requiring thoughtful integration into daily routines.
- Citizenship: children’s digital rights, privacy, and online safety are foundational to their role as active participants in a digital society.
- Play and pedagogy: digital technologies can foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving, enhancing children’s play and learning experiences.
Practices and Resources
The project identified 19 practices that support the safe, educational, and enjoyable use of digital technologies. These practices are accompanied by practical resources, such as videos, infographics, and guides, designed to help children and adults build healthy digital habits. The resources align with:
- Belonging, Being, and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia V2.0 (2022); and
- The National Quality Standards (2019)
Some implications for our sector and service providers
This research provides valuable insights for services to consider in their work. It adds to existing considerations around Child Safe Standards, the ethical use of children’s images, and how digital practices can be thoughtfully integrated into policies and daily operations. By reflecting on this research, services can ensure their practices not only align with regulatory frameworks, but also support children’s well-being, safety, and learning in an increasingly digital world.
CLICK HERE to access the Young Children in Digital Society website
