Children, Parents, and Teachers in the Digital Age: Post-Pandemic Challenges and Preventative Solutions

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic forced school closures, leading young children, aged 3 to 8 years, to adapt to at-home learning, relying heavily on digital devices and online resources. However, this sudden transition caught many children, parents, and teachers unprepared technologically. This paradigm shift has, in some cases, led to excessive, problematic, and even addictive patterns of digital usage among children. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the underlying neuropsychological mechanisms, associated challenges, and potential solutions. This symposium assembles four studies examining digital usage and digital well-being of young children, their parents, and teachers. These presentations will explore the shared challenges facing young children, parents, and teachers in this post-pandemic digital era and propose preventative solutions.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Early Education and Child Development

Chair

• Hui Li, The Education University of Hong Kong

Papers

• How Early Digital Experience Shapes Young Brains: A Systematic Review - Dandan Wu, The Education University of Hong Kong; Xinyi Dong, Shanghai Normal University; Danqing Liu, Shanghai Normal University; Hui Li, The Education University of Hong Kong

• Fostering Digital Well-Being Among Young Children: A Multi-Stakeholder Examination of Cybersafety Strategies in Chinese Preschools - Wenwei Luo, Shanghai Normal University; Huihua He, Shanghai Normal University; Ilene R. Berson, University of South Florida; Michael J. Berson, University of South Florida

• Digital Parenting in the Early Years: A Scoping Review - Clara Yun Nga Choy, The Education University of Hong Kong; Eva Yi Hung Lau, Education University of Hong Kong; Dandan Wu, The Education University of Hong Kong

Discussant

• Ilene R. Berson, University of South Florida