As the United Nations prepares to mark the International Day of Play on 11 June, early childhood experts are urging a shift in how we view children’s digital engagement. Far from being a passive distraction, thoughtfully designed media and emerging technologies can act as vital tools to enrich digital literacy, lower learning barriers and foster profound intergenerational connections.
Professor Lisa Kervin AM, a leading researcher from the School of Educational Psychology and Inclusion at Monash University, argues that integrating play with technology nurtures opportunities for connection, language, social skills and imaginative exploration.
Through initiatives like the Play for Wellbeing project, her work highlights how play encourages risk-taking and experimentation, helping children (and adults) internalise positive behaviours while bridging connection across generations. In her work as Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, her work shows how digital technologies can be used to transform opportunities for connection, play and learning through quality interactions.
Professor Kervin will join a panel of experts at ACMI on Wednesday 17 June for the Play School Talks: Children’s Media and Technology as a Tool in Playful Parenting/Caring event, exploring how families and educators can guide children’s digital experiences with confidence and care.
Professor Lisa Kervin AM, School of Education, Culture and Society, Monash Education
