Digital media and child development in the covid-19 pandemic: Benefits, disadvantages, and effective approaches

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a resetting, generative, and accelerating force in a changing digital world. To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, social distancing and strict personal hygiene have been implemented in many countries. Many ordinarily crowded places have been closed, including schools and community childcare facilities. School closures have a range of consequences for child development. Distance learning using technology and digital media can provide solutions that enable children to maintain access to learning opportunities. However, digital media and devices can be a double-edged sword. Parents and children need to understand the benefits and disadvantages of these tools, and how to use them more effectively to promote children's positive experiences, learning, and development in immersive digital environments.