Child Engagement with Digital Devices During the COVID-19 Epidemic in the Global South: Are our Parents and Children Equipped to Make the Best use of these?

Abstract

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the lives of children all over the globe have changed. Due to the social isolation and lockdown laws, the techniques of education, entertainment, communication, and many other areas of the home restricted children's lives have been transposed. Institutional education in Bangladesh has been halted and the country has shifted its focus to online learning environments. The use of digital devices by children has increased dramatically in recent years. Children who were restricted to their homes used technology not just for study, but also for social communication, amusement, and keeping themselves occupied in their spare time. This study investigates the impact of these interactions to determine the positive influence as well as potential hazards and threats to children when they utilize digital technology. This article offers qualitative research with a total of 41 participants from Sylhet, Bangladesh's northern town, that examines how technology has influenced the lives of children and their families as a whole. The project demonstrated the difficulties that children and parents faced while using digital gadgets and platforms. We looked at the areas where parents should be cautious to protect their children from having a negative experience with technology. Finally, this research has offered recommendations for children and their parents to utilize technology in a more meaningful way, particularly during the COVID-19 epidemic, and has provided guidelines for the safe use of online platforms and digital gadgets.