For millions of children around the world digital technology is present in all spheres of their lives on a daily basis. The real consequences of this are yet to be seen, with the ongoing debates warning about dangers and emphasizing benefits. However, it is clear digital technology is here to stay. As a result, it becomes essential to learn how to reduce harms and negative aspects and ensure digital technology is used for learning, sharing and connecting, instead of bulling, abusing and harassing.
Some of the key messages of this publication are:
- Children are actively using technology – they are estimated to compose one third of all internet users
- Access to internet and technology can make a significant different in lives of some children, providing them information, learning opportunities and education they wouldn`t otherwise have
- However, a lot of vulnerable children around the world is being left out – this gap is even bigger when observed across gender or material status lines. Boys often have more access to girls and children from wealthy background have access to better technology and better user experience, resulting in increased opportunities.
In this publication you can find more about the ‘promise’ of connectivity, digital divide, dangers, digital childhood as many children start using technology from very early age and it often becomes a dominant tool for them, as well as digital priorities shortly summarized as “harness is good, limit the harm”.
The report is available in English on the link below and in French, Spanish and Arabic here.