Project
Project
Physical issues of technology use by children: phase 1
Lead investigator
Professor Leon Straker
Chief Investigator and Healthy Child Co-Leader
Curtin University
Investigators
Dr Juliana Zabatiero
Chief Investigator and Longitudinal Family Cohort Study Co-Leader
Curtin University
Professor Louise Paatsch
Chief Investigator
Deakin University
Associate Professor Amity Campbell
Associate Investigator
Curtin University
Associate Professor Courtenay Harris
Associate Investigator
Curtin University
Danica Hendry
Research Fellow
Curtin University
Dr George Thomas
Research Fellow
Curtin University
Overview
Most young children in Australia now regularly use technologies such as smart phones and tablet computers, yet there is very limited understanding of how young children are using these devices and how their bodies are responding to this use. This first phase of this project will capture what is known about the potential physical impacts of digital technology use by children, including screen (eg tablets and virtual reality headsets) and non-screen (eg robots). The findings will inform future research on how to capture technology use by young children and the possible physical effects to provide the foundation for building high quality evidence-based guidance for those responsible for children’s health, wellbeing and development. These future studies will include laboratory and field studies.
Project aims
- to conduct a systematic or scoping review to synthesise currently available evidence for more objective methods to capture technology engagement by children
Project design
Using standard methods for a structured review to examine evidence on the potential physical impacts of various digital technology use on children, including aspects such as fine and gross motor control, muscle activity, posture and movement.
Activity plan for 2022
- recruit PhD candidates
Timeframe
August 2021 – December 2022Contact
Professor Leon Straker
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