Our digital children

Williams, Peter

Abstract

The power relationship between adults and children in the West is shifting. Factors of age and life experience are becoming counterbalanced by children’s affinity for burgeoning developments in digital technology, where skills developed in online gaming and social media provide a strong foundation for knowledge economy occupations. The implications for parenting, schooling and society are immense. This paper summarises the current debate on issues around children’s use of digital devices and social media. It argues that for many parents a lack of familiarity and understanding creates anxieties and impairs them from helping their children realise the opportunities for social, moral and economic development afforded by the new technologies. Schools have a leading role to play but are hampered by teachers’ technical skills and confidence to innovate. The paper concludes with recommendations for a proactive approach to yield benefits for both children and adults.

Citation

Williams, P. (2014, November). Our digital children. Presented at Scarborough Education Forum

• Conference Name: Scarborough Education Forum
• Acceptance Date: Aug 18, 2014
• Publication Date: Aug 18, 2014
• Deposit Date: Feb 24, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 27, 2018
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/432692
• Contract Date: Mar 27, 2018