June 26, 2025
Young minds, big impact: children help shape the future of the digital world
Researchers invite local children to explore online challenges, digital wellbeing in two-day workshops
This school holidays, children are invited to become digital explorers in a groundbreaking series of interactive workshops designed to uncover how young minds engage with the challenges and opportunities of the online world.
Led by and , both Research Fellows in the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp’s (UOW) School of Education, these fun and engaging sessions will give children a voice in the ongoing conversations about their digital life and help shape future research on how they can be best supported in a connected age.
The research team, who are part of the , is seeking a small group of enthusiastic participants to take part, with findings set to inform vital new insights into children’s digital experiences. Children must be aged between six and eight years old, and available on 17-18 July.
The workshops, held at the Children’s Technology Play Space at UOW’s Early Start Discovery Space, will run for two days as participants are immersed in a world of creativity and discovery.
Dr Ng said children have the right to be heard and actively involved in shaping their digital experiences, especially with the introduction of the Social Media Minimum Age coming into effect this year and the Children’s Online Privacy Code in 2026.
This research aims to empower children by giving them a voice to talk about and prioritise the challenges they face and help shape the solutions that reflect their digital realities.
“Children are active participants in the digital world, and as they learn to navigate that, they will come up against a number of thorny issues and challenges,” Dr Ng said. “So often the conversations about their digital rights are led by their parents, but it is essential that we explore this world from their perspective, too.
“In doing so, we can better understand their needs and rights, what captures and keeps their interest, and the resources, tools, and policy that truly support their wellbeing.
“This is a unique opportunity for children in the Illawarra to help shape the future of the digital world for children everywhere.”
The researchers will work with the children to explore their digital rights, identify the key issues facing them online, and collaborate to develop real solutions that can help their communities access digital technologies in a safe and engaging way.
Dr Ng hopes that the findings from these workshops can inspire other children and our community to advocate for safer and more engaging digital spaces for children at a policy level.
Each participant will receive a $50 book voucher as a thank you for their valuable time and contributions.
UOW is one of six university partner nodes involved in the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child and is host to the Children’s Technology Play Space.
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