Educating 21st Century Children
Emotional Well-being in the Digital Age
What is the nature of childhood today? On a number of measures, modern children’s
lives have clearly improved thanks to better public safety and support for their physical
and mental health. New technologies help children to learn, socialise and unwind,
and older, better-educated parents are increasingly playing an active role in their
children's education.
At the same time, we are more connected than ever before, and many children have access
to tablets and smartphones before they learn to walk and talk. Twenty-first century
children are more likely to be only children, increasingly pushed to do more by “helicopter
parents” who hover over their children to protect them from potential harm. In addition
to limitless online opportunities, the omnipresent nature of the digital world brings
new risks, like cyber-bullying, that follow children from the schoolyard into their
homes.
This report examines modern childhood, looking specifically at the intersection between
emotional well-being and new technologies. It explores how parenting and friendships
have changed in the digital age. It examines children as digital citizens, and how
best to take advantage of online opportunities while minimising the risks. The volume
ends with a look at how to foster digital literacy and resilience, highlighting the
role of partnerships, policy and protection.
Published on October 01, 2019
In series:Educational Research and Innovationview more titles