A rapid review of the evidence on children’s internet use and outcomes
Children’s lives are increasingly mediated by digital technologies. Yet, when it comes to understanding the long-term effects of internet use and online experiences on their well-being, mental health or resilience, the best we can do is make an educated guess.
Our need for this knowledge has become even more acute as internet use rises during COVID-19. This impressive synthesis of evidence was commissioned by the UNICEF Office of Research – Innocenti as part of the Disrupting Harm project, a key initiative of the End Violence Partnership to address children’s safety online.
The report explores what has been learned from the latest research about children’s experiences and outcomes relating to the internet and digital technologies. It aims to inform policymakers, educators, child-protection specialists, industry and parents on the best evidence, and it proposes a future research agenda.