Children and Digital media

 Introducing children to digital media in preschool requires a balanced approach that fosters media literacy while ensuring safe and age-appropriate engagement. Here's how educators and caregivers can support young learners in taking their first steps into the digital world:

Understanding Media Education and Media Literacy

Media education involves teaching children to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in various forms. Media literacy equips them with the critical thinking skills necessary to understand media content and its purposes. The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (MLL) emphasizes the importance of guiding children to use media responsibly and consciously. They suggest that parents and educators should:

• Take an interest in the child's use of the internet and explore various media together.
• Ensure the child uses age-appropriate media content.
• Guide the child on safe media use and provide support if they encounter negative experiences.
• Discuss suitable limits for gaming and other media use.

Teaching Media Literacy in Early Childhood Education

The Finnish National Core Curriculum for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) underscores the child's right to high-quality education that supports their growth, development, and learning. It emphasizes the importance of play, participation, and the development of transversal competences, which include cultural competence, interaction, and expression. Integrating media literacy into ECEC involves:

• Encouraging children to express themselves through various media forms.
• Promoting critical thinking by discussing media content with them.
• Fostering safe and responsible media use habits.

Activities to Foster Media Literacy in Daycare

Incorporating media literacy into daycare activities can be both educational and enjoyable. Here are some practical examples:

1. Digital Storytelling: Children can create simple digital stories using tablets or computers. They can draw pictures, take photos, and narrate their stories, which helps in understanding narrative structures and expressing creativity.

2. Media Exploration Sessions: Organize sessions where children explore different media types, such as children's magazines, educational videos, or interactive e-books. Discuss the content with them to enhance comprehension and critical thinking.

3. Safe Internet Practices: Introduce basic concepts of online safety through age-appropriate games and discussions. Teach them about personal information and the importance of not sharing it online.

4. Creative Media Projects: Engage children in projects where they can create their own media content, like a class newspaper with drawings and short stories or a simple photo collage. This encourages them to think about how media is produced and the messages it conveys.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Media in Preschool

Digital media, when used appropriately, can offer several benefits in early childhood education:

Advantages:

• Enhanced Learning Opportunities: Interactive media can make learning more engaging and cater to various learning styles.

• Development of Digital Skills: Early exposure helps children become comfortable with technology, a crucial skill in today's world.

• Access to Diverse Resources: Digital media provides access to a wide range of educational materials that can enrich the learning experience.

Disadvantages:

• Screen Time Concerns: Excessive use of digital media can lead to reduced physical activity and impact health.

• Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Without proper supervision, children might encounter content that is not suitable for their age.

• Impact on Social Skills: Overreliance on digital media may affect the development of face-to-face social interactions.

It's essential to balance digital media use with traditional play and ensure that content is age-appropriate and educational. By actively engaging with children during their media interactions, educators and caregivers can maximize the benefits while mitigating potential drawbacks.

In conclusion, introducing digital media in preschool should be done thoughtfully, with a focus on developing media literacy, ensuring safety, and promoting a balanced approach to technology use.