WED: a 'glocal' Early Childhood Development (ECD) Movement, preparing children for a better future
Technology plays an increasingly vital role in the lives of both children and adults, with today’s children entering the digital space at younger ages than previous generations. Despite digital proliferation and concerns regarding potential negative impacts of excessive screen time on child development, there is a noticeable lack of research focused on wellbeing effects of technology use and the digital habits of young children in conjunction with their parents and caregivers, particularly in the UAE.
Current discourse primarily revolves around “screen time”—how long children should engage with digital devices. However, understanding the overall impact of technology on young children necessitates an exploration of the quality and nature of their interactions with these devices. Key questions include what applications can enhance cognitive development and learning, how technology can be involved in positive parent-child interactions, how policymakers and parents can identify high-quality resources, and how developers can create suitable interventions.
This research project strives to
assess the current landscape of digital technology use among children 0-8 years old through a literature review and comparison of international media guidelines;
investigate empirically the effects of digital media use through assessing caregivers and young children in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and;
develop a rating system based on theory and empirical findings for digital interventions tailored to early childhood.
This is intended to guide educational institutions and parents in the selection of suitable applications, support developers in creating context-appropriate interventions, and enable the formation of a review platform, akin to Common Sense Media, customized for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Ultimately, the outcomes of this research will be synthesized into a comprehensive guide and educational materials for parents and caregivers, paving the way for a more informed future in which technology serves as a positive influence on child development.
Collaborating Research Labs
New York University Abu Dhabi's Teaching, Learning, and Development Lab (TLD); City University of New York Graduate Center’s Children’s Interactive Learning and Development Lab (CHILD)
Interested in knowing more about this project?
Learn Moreabout Investigating Digital Media and Technology Use in Young Children
Funder Info
Funder: The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) is a government entity, based in Abu Dhabi, that supports holistic early childhood development. We do this by developing policies and laws, informing decision-making through research and transforming behavior. ECA aims at promoting optimal child development and well-being through four sectors: Health and Nutrition, Child Protection, Family Support, and Education and Early Care, from the early stages of pregnancy to the age of 8. ECA’s research team strives towards the vision of creating and enabling a thriving Early Childhood Development (ECD) research ecosystem, producing actionable knowledge to inform policies and practice to have a positive impact on the lives of children and families in Abu Dhabi and beyond.