On the Issue of Digitalization of Preschool Childhood: Some Empirical Findings

The article presents the results of an empirical study aimed at identifying some trends in the use of digital devices by contemporary Russian preschoolers. The research was conducted using a survey (Google form) posted on social media. The study sample consisted of N = 6376 parents of preschool children. The data obtained in the study made it possible to reveal some preferences in the use of digital devices by Russian preschoolers, as well as to identify the expectations of parents and their willingness to follow the advice of specialists, while giving the child access to gadgets. The analysis of the data obtained showed that the majority of Russian preschoolers have access to such classic «adult» gadgets as smartphones, tablets and computers. Digital devices, specifically designed for children (toys connected to the Internet, books and games with augmented reality, etc.) are used in Russia much more rarely than gadgets that were originally created to solve «adult» problems. By providing a child access to digital devices, parents seek to use them to develop and expand the horizons of their children. However, for most parents, professional advice is not the basis for organizing their child’s interaction with digital media. Basically, in this matter, parents are guided by the desire of their child and rely on their own curiosity and intuition.

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