Responsible Innovation in Technology for Children
New research from UNICEF Innocenti and Western Sydney University explores the question: what does well-being mean to children in a digital age? This first-phase report prioritises the voices of children, collected through workshops with over 300 children from 13 countries along with analysis of existing survey data from 34,000 children aged 9-17…, Child-centric We have prioritized co-creation with children, and have sought to be led by their understandings of well-being and play. International and representative We have adopted an international approach, prioritizing countries that are typically less represented in research in this area. Data-driven Our findings and assertions are data-…, Overview, Children are spending more time in digital spaces than ever before, using a range of mobile apps, social media platforms, connected devices and online games from ever earlier ages. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has intensified this shift, rapidly moving additional aspects of children’s daily lives online. The growing presence of digital technology…, Findings, The findings of the research, in brief, were: Well-being is holistic For children, well-being is physical health and safety but also mental stability and positive emotion. Most importantly, well-being is social, linked to loving others, and being loved by family and friends. Diversity, equity and inclusion matter Children experience a range of…, Methods, This first phase of research brings together four research activities conducted in 2020–2021. The research activities represent a comprehensive approach to framework development and include both qualitative and quantitative approaches, as well as primary and secondary data. The methodology for phase I of RITEC research in brief: Review of the…, Insights, In practical terms, research that pays attention to children’s feelings and experiences is useful to understand how digital experiences can be designed in ways that are more likely to have positive impacts. Play’s critical role in children’s lives and development is enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as a…, Framework, Our creative, participatory workshops with 300 children from 13 countries, combined with the analysis of global datasets from over 35,000 children, have yielded a wealth of insights about children’s well-being, digital play and the potential relationship between them. These insights form the basis for the interim framework and accompanying…, Opportunities, The research revealed many opportunities for next steps to support children in digital play both for industry and policy makers. Opportunities for industry Companies and designers should recognize and explore children’s understanding of their well-being further in their own local contexts and design play experiences (content, stories, tasks)…, Partners, RITEC partner logos May 2022, RESPONSIBLE INNOVATION IN TECHNOLOGY FOR CHILDREN Digital technology, play and child well-being UNICEF OFFICE OF RESEARCH INNOCENTIThe Office of Research Innocenti is UNICEFs dedicated research centre. It undertakes research on emerging or current issues in order to inform the strategic direction, policies and programmes of UNICEF and its partners…
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