Technology Engagement in Young Children
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 (1) assess the current landscape of digital technology use among children 0-8 years old through a literature review and comparison of international media guidelines, (2) investigate empirically the effects of digital media use through assessing caregivers and young children in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and (3) 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.
Collaborators:
Professor Jan Plass, New York University
Professor Bruce Homer, City University of New York
Funded by: Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority
Document: Link to the International Comparison of Guidelines
Publications from the project:
Raffaele, C., Homer, B., Suchodoletz, A.v., Chapelier, C., Castelyn, J., & Plass, J. (2024). International comparison of guidelines for children’s digital media use. Report commissioned by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority.
Suchodoletz, A. v., Chapelier, C., Raffaele, C., Castelyn, J., Homer, B. D., & Plass, J. L. (2025). Children’s digital wellbeing in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: Findings from the Digital Use Survey. Report commissioned by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority.
