Research

Helping young children grow up healthy, connected, and educated in a rapidly changing digital world.

Children are growing, learning and connecting with digital technology that’s rapidly evolving and changing. Yet little is known about children’s use of digital technologies and their positive impacts or potential risks and harms.

Australians are asking: How can technology help my child learn? How do I know good digital engagement from bad? How much technology is safe for my child? How do I keep my child safe online?

Our vision is to ensure young children grow up healthy, connected, and educated in a rapidly changing digital world.

The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child will help answer these questions for all Australians who look out for the health, education and happiness of young children, including parents and caregivers; teachers and educators; government and policy makers; and community and business organisations.

The Centre’s program of research has been designed to help inform three key areas that impact and influence on children’s lives – technology, education and policy. We are uniquely transdisciplinary – our studies intersect across areas of Health, Education and Connectedness to provide a holistic view of children’s experiences and the impact of digital technologies.

 

Family Study

A global-first longitudinal study of 3000 families, focussing on children from birth to eight years of age.

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Healthy Child

Developing in digital worlds

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Educated Child

Learning and playing in digital worlds

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Connected Child

Living in digital worlds

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Research impact and outcomes

Education

Our research will inform curriculum and pedagogy to enable digital learning, participation and enjoyment

Policy

We’ll deliver research outcomes that will inform policy stakeholders about children’s digital experiences

Innovation

We’ll provide evidence-based research to optimise children’s use of digital technology

The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child acknowledges the First Australian owners of the lands on where we gather and pay our respects to the Elders, lores, customs and creation spirits of this country.

The Centre recognises that the examples we set in diversity and inclusion will support young children to respect and celebrate differences in all people. We embed diversity, inclusivity and equality into all aspects of the Centre’s activities and welcome all people regardless of race, ethnicity, social background, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation and national origin.