Free course: Childhood in the digital age

How can we keep our children safe without depriving them of all computers have to offer? Keri Facer explores how computers can be a valuable tool for learning and social interaction.

Dr Jackie Marsh explores the impact of popular culture, media and new technologies on young children today

Monday 14th November 2011 marked the start of National Anti Bullying Week, a week of awareness-raising that continues to this day. A recent youth-led study supported by the Open University's Children’s Research Centre revealed cyber-bullying is on the increase. Co-author of the report, Professor Mary Kellett, told us more.  

What information are you happy to share - and what will you keep to yourself? Our privacy game gives you the chance to gamble with data - safely...

Childhood is a time of rapid growth and development, and studying these changes is endlessly stimulating. In this free course, Introduction to child psychology, you will be introduced to the discipline of child psychology and some of the key questions that guide the understanding of childhood. These questions include 'What influences children's development?' and 'How do psychologists study the physical and cognitive changes that occur during childhood?' As you work through this material, you will also gain a deeper understanding concerning how psychologists work with young children across a range of applied settings through activities and audio-visual materials.

Lucy Rai explains that play helps all adults gain a better understanding of young children’s thoughts, feelings and ideas - not just the professionals who work with children