CARING FOR KIDS IN A DIGITAL WORLD
A Micro-Course about Guiding and Protecting Vulnerable Children in a Digital Age
KEY DEFINITIONS
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Traumatic childhood experiences, like abuse, neglect, exposure to violence, exploitation, or familial instability, that tend to have effects on how a child develops.
The Adversity-Technology Feedback Loop Theory: Early adversity contributes to brain rewiring, making individuals more susceptible to technology misuse and addiction. This can lead to further brain rewiring, perpetuating the cycle.
GUIDELINES & GUARDRAILS
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Technology is a new pervasive and powerful tool that we wield. As loving, caring adults, it is up to us to guide children (and ourselves!) towards healthier technology use.
• Not all technology is inherently bad! How we use it determines whether the use is healthy or needs adjustment. We want to harness the best of technology while guarding against its harms.
• Some children, like those who have experienced early adversity, are more susceptible to technology misuse than others.
• Adjusting technology use can be challenging, so it is okay to start small and build up towards larger goals, while celebrating the progress you make along the way.
Consider: How can I use the information I’ve learned to help the kids around me?