Children and digital media: Open communication as a gateway to safe learning

Open communication as a gateway to safe learning 

It is a known fact that the use of media has grown exponentially over the years, and this also means that media is more accessible even when you are younger. This also means that internet from TV, mobile phones, tablets and computers are more common in children's life. “The internet, social media, games, television and other media content and platforms are part of the growth environment of children.” (MLL 2021, 4). This is what is said in the PDF document Children and Media 7 tips for educators in the digital age that The Mannerheim League Child Welfare has published on their website.  

When talking about the internet and social media and media over all I think it's important that the words’ meanings are understood correctly. Using Cambridge dictionary, it gives these definitions to the words: internet - the large system of connected computers around the world that allows people to share information and communicate with each other; media - the internet, newspapers, magazines, television, etc., considered as a group; social media - websites and computer programs that allow people to communicate and share information, opinions, pictures, videos, etc. on the internet, especially social networking websites. (Cambridge Dictionary, 2025). 

So back to the point, if the internet has become part of the growth environment for children how do we keep it safe? If a minute is taken to think how large the internet is, it seems like it has no end not to mention it’s only one part of media. One can easily get lost in this big world that has so many different posts, videos, photos etc. And to think that when talking about kids younger than 10 years old they have so much wonder in themselves for the real world. The Internet and media open up entirely new possibilities for exploration and study, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. 

One of the most important points that I take from the PDF document Children and Media 7 tips for educators in the digital age is that having a discussion about media with a child goes a long way. To keep someone safe it's essential to know what the child uses and does while using a mobile phone or another device. It gives an idea of what kind of dangers the child might stumble upon or what are some things that the child should know specifically about that platform. It's also fundamental to know why the child uses media because there might be purposes that could be executed in a safer way. There also might be something already present in the child's mind that might bring them worry or some doubts. A child might feel anxious or even scared to talk about these things even with a trusted adult. That is why it's essential to talk with children about who they can go talk with if they come across something scary. (MLL, 2021).

Discussing challenging topics with a child is not easy, so it's important to be educated on how to approach these conversations. The early childhood education and care is guided by the Act on Early Childhood Education and Care as well as the national core curriculum for ECEC which stands for early childhood education and care. In this national core curriculum is mentioned something called transversal competences that are meant to be taught in ECEC. One of these transversal competences is digital competence. The digital competence is said to be important because it’s needed to be able to operate in societies as well as learn. In the national core curriculum is mentioned that “digital competence promotes children’s educational equality”. (OPH, 2022). 

Image: transversal competence in ECEC

The usage of digital media has grown exponentially making it easier for children to access different devices where they can get to internet. So overall I would say that it is extremely important to have the knowledge on why to teach digital media to preschoolers. To ensure children's safety online it's crucial to have open communication with them and for them to learn in a fun creative way. This makes it possible for children to come to trusted adults when something concerns them. 

- Cesilia  

 

References: 

Mannerheim League for Child Welfare. (2021). Children and Media. Available at: https://cdn.mll.fi/prod/2021/03/31100917/mll-children-and-media_2021_eng.pdf 

Cambridge Dictionary. (2025). Available at: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/ 

Finnish National Agency for Education. (2022). National Core Curriculum for ECEC in a Nutshell. Available at: https://www.oph.fi/en/education-and-qualifications/national-core-curriculum-ecec-nutshell