Social Media and Digital Technology in Childhood and Beyond: Friend or Foe?

Speakers:

Dr Katie Thompson - Lecturer in Marketing, Manchester Metropolitan University

Julia Marcert-Alonso - Marketing PhD student, University of Liverpool Management School

Karyn Darragh - Chair of FOSMA, St Martin's Academy PTA, Chester

We are gathering experts from different areas of research in social sciences to raise awareness of the impact of technology and social media use in childhood and beyond. This insightful session is aimed at parents, carers, and teachers in primary and secondary education. We seek to foster a difficult but open and inclusive conversation to support parents, carers and teachers. 

Throughout the discussion, our speakers will share their expertise on how technology and social media affect young people’s development, eating behaviours and self-perceptions. Prof Julia Gillen from Lancaster University will share the findings of the ESRC project Toddlers, Tech and Talk that focuses on how the daily exposure of children under 3 years old to digital technologies influences how they speak and interact with others. Prof Emma Boyland will talk about unhealthy food and beverage marketing to children and childhood obesity in the digital age. Dr Katie Thompson will share her expertise about the use of social media and selfie-editing technologies and their impact on self-perception and body image among young people. 

By attending this session, you'll develop a deeper understanding of the impact of technology and social media in children’s development to make an informed decision when allowing your children to access/use social media and technology. Join us for a stimulating conversation that sheds light into the impact of the ever-present technology. 

Host or Publisher MIGS: Migration & Interdisciplinary Global Studies