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Childhood in the digital age
Childhood in the digital age

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1.3.2 Back to the experts

Whether you are a digital optimist or pessimist, it’s obvious that while technology brings about opportunities, it also has associated risks. This has led to some paediatricians, psychiatrists and psychologists arguing that parents should limit young children’s use of, and exposure to, new digital technologies. But is this really the answer? Is simply restricting children’s access actually the best way to ensure their safety?

Sonia Livingstone is a professor in social psychology and a leading researcher in children’s media. In the following video, she tackles some of these important questions and considers whether prevention really is the best cure. She considers how restricting access to technology may also restrict opportunities for children to develop resilience against future harm.

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What do you think about her advice on minimising online risks and on how parents can best support children’s engagement with technology?