This project researches the rapidly growing population of infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers who are embracing online interactions via iPads, tablets and smartphones. Where previously this age group has been effectively been locked out of online participation due to poor motor skills which prevents them from using a mouse or keyboard, the new touch and swipe technologies make it possible for babies and toddlers to operate internet-connected technologies before they are capable of walking or talking.
Parents of children in this age range are usually experienced internet users themselves, and many are comfortable with their children using these child-friendly touchscreen devices. Digital technologies are integral to their everyday lives, often making daily life easier and improving communication with family and friends, even during the high pressure parenting years of raising toddlers and pre-schoolers. However, such families currently lack realistic evidence-based guidelines which take into consideration differences in screens (television or touchscreen), content (eBooks or cartoon videos), activity levels (active or passive), and context (co-use or independent use), in order to help support very young children in their engagement with these online technologies in safe and beneficial ways.
The project team have previously collaborated in the EU Kids Online project, including producing the report Zero to eight: Young children and their internet use, which reviewed research on very young children.