The Impact of Digital Technologies on Children and Adolescents in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Case for the Development of Best-Practice Recommendations for Schools
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| Title: | The Impact of Digital Technologies on Children and Adolescents in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Case for the Development of Best-Practice Recommendations for Schools |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Julie Cullen, Samantha Marsh, Lorna Simmonds, Scott Duncan |
| Source: | Waikato Journal of Education. 2025 29(1):75-92. |
| Availability: | Wilf Malcolm Institute of Educational Research. Division of Education, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand. Tel: +64-7-858-5171; Fax: +64-7-838-4712; e-mail: wmier@waikato.ac.nz; Web site: https://wje.org.nz/index.php/WJE |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 19 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Technology Uses in Education, Influence of Technology, Children, Adolescents, Outcomes of Education, Student Behavior, Health Behavior, Handheld Devices |
| Geographic Terms: | New Zealand |
| ISSN: | 1173-6135 2382-0373 |
| Abstract: | The use of digital technologies is increasing in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) schools to support futurefocused learning and allow students to gain 21st century skills that can enable them to participate and thrive in a digital future. NZ students have among the highest use of digital technologies in the world, and digital devices present both opportunities and risks to educational outcomes and health/well-being. Pragmatic guidelines have been developed internationally to support the safer use of digital technologies in education settings, and a review was carried out to examine the need for such guidance in a NZ context. While studies present mixed results, emerging evidence from analysis of international and national standardised assessments indicates that the impact of digital technologies on learning outcomes is not neutral, and while some use can benefit learning, frequent use has been associated with reduced learning outcomes. Conditions and context of use seem important, including factors such as task selection, length of use, and whether device use is teacher-led or independent. Further research is needed to better understand the most effective ways to use digital technologies for learning. Additionally, emerging evidence highlights numerous negative health impacts that are associated with frequent and extended use of digital devices. Informed recommendations for the use of digital technologies in NZ schools may allow students to get the best that digital technologies can offer to learning, with lower risk. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1490445 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The use of digital technologies is increasing in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) schools to support futurefocused learning and allow students to gain 21st century skills that can enable them to participate and thrive in a digital future. NZ students have among the highest use of digital technologies in the world, and digital devices present both opportunities and risks to educational outcomes and health/well-being. Pragmatic guidelines have been developed internationally to support the safer use of digital technologies in education settings, and a review was carried out to examine the need for such guidance in a NZ context. While studies present mixed results, emerging evidence from analysis of international and national standardised assessments indicates that the impact of digital technologies on learning outcomes is not neutral, and while some use can benefit learning, frequent use has been associated with reduced learning outcomes. Conditions and context of use seem important, including factors such as task selection, length of use, and whether device use is teacher-led or independent. Further research is needed to better understand the most effective ways to use digital technologies for learning. Additionally, emerging evidence highlights numerous negative health impacts that are associated with frequent and extended use of digital devices. Informed recommendations for the use of digital technologies in NZ schools may allow students to get the best that digital technologies can offer to learning, with lower risk. |
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| ISSN: | 1173-6135 2382-0373 |
