Young children's digital media use - A comparison of guidelines for parents

In an increasingly digital world, understanding how young children engage with technology is crucial. The Teaching, Learning, and Development Lab (TLD Lab) at NYU Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the CREATE Center at NYU and the Children’s Interactive Learning and Development Lab (CHILD) at City University of New York, and funded by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), is leading a three-year research project to examine digital media use among children aged 0-8 in Abu Dhabi.

Rather than focusing solely on screen time, this study investigates key questions: At what age do children begin using digital devices? What types of apps and content are they engaging with? Are these interactions independent or guided by caregivers? The research will establish a comprehensive baseline of young children’s technology use while developing a framework for a rating system for digital interventions to assess their suitability for early learning and cognitive development.

This project will serve as a vital resource for parents, early childhood practitioners, policymakers, and app developers, providing evidence-based insights into the role of digital technology in early childhood. By equipping stakeholders with knowledge, we aim to inform policies and programs that foster positive and developmentally appropriate digital experiences for young children in Abu Dhabi.

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