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Understanding digital needs in the early years through research

Engagement by young children and families with digital resources in learning and play provides opportunities for childhood development and also personal risks with online security. Professor Susan Edwards, Research Director of the Early Childhood Futures Research Program in ACU’s Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education, discusses these topics using evidence from her research, as a guest panellist on ABC Radio National . As a guest panellist, Suzy’s research expertise in digital technologies in the early years helps the navigate the benefits and challenges associated with technology use by children aged birth to five years. This includes her most recent work investigating the digital needs and online safety of children young in the early years. Professor Edwards is lead Chief Investigator of the ARC Project Young Children in digital society: An Online tool for service provision. Read more about the Early Childhood Futures research program at ACU.