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Childhood in the digital age
Childhood in the digital age

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3.1 Reflection time: are you a digital optimist or pessimist?

It’s hard not to fear for our children when we see the popular headlines about potential hazards. Many worry that excessive use and badly designed technologies could have a tremendous, damaging effect on children’s lives as they become distractible, impulsive and more self-obsessed.

However, other commentators see technology as a positive vehicle for enhancing children’s learning and development by harnessing the enjoyment and feeling of being in control that it gives children. Think about five aspects you find positive about modern technologies in your own life and five aspects that make you a ‘digital pessimist’. Jot them down in your notebook and think about the balance in your answer.