Beyond fear: opportunities and positive use of ICT among children and adolescents

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the advantages of digital connectivity in children and teenagers up to 18 years. Utilizing the PRISMA protocol, a decade's worth of literature was reviewed, analyzing 128 articles from WOS and Scopus databases. The research highlighted five key areas where digital connectivity can exert a positive impact on children: 1) Entertainment, information, and communication; 2) Emotional and social development; 3) Healthy lifestyle; 4) Citizen participation; and 5) education. Recent trends show a rise in studies related to education and training, mainly employing qualitative methods, and predominantly focusing on European adolescents (12 to 18). The research's goal is to understand which are the salient trends on recent academic research on potential benefits of ICT among children and teenagers, especially in vulnerable populations, and advocate for media literacy that promotes critical thinking, content creation, values, and helps combating disinformation.