It’s difficult these days to read something positive about digital devices and social media. Public discourse is largely fixated on how runaway exposure to digital devices/screens and social media is ruining children’s focus and mental and emotional well-being. Doomsday predictions are rife, warning against children becoming victims of digital media addiction and brain-numbing reels. Some countries such as Australia have banned the use of social media by children below 16 years with others such as the UK, US, and China restricting children’s access to smartphones and/or regulating social media content.

Yet, while there’s no denying that digital media addiction among children is a new age danger to their mental and emotional well-being, when used mindfully, smartphones, laptops and tablets open windows to knowledge, creativity, and academic collaboration that were unimaginable two decades ago.

For instance, for the first time in the history of humanity, real time internet and telecom connectivity and social media are enabling people including children and youth, to voice political, economic and social opinions, showcase talent, and collaborate with peers beyond geographic boundaries. In a historic paradigm shift from being passive recipients of knowledge, children and youth are turning into knowledge content creators — coding apps, editing videos, launching podcasts, and propagating political, economic and social reform causes around the world. 

In our cover story this month, we make the case that parents shouldn’t instinctively and mechanically restrict the digital media activities of children as waste of time. The reality is that in the new AI age, millions of children are acquiring useful knowledge and learning valuable 21st century life skills by engaging in co-curricular activities such as podcasting, online gaming, vlogging and urban photography/video production. In this issue of PW, we present some fun and learn digital co-curricular activities that children can engage in to supplement academic learning. These enjoyable co-curricular activities have the potential to enhance children’s artistic capabilities, entrepreneurial energy, and perhaps open up new career pathways. 

There’s much else in this issue. Check out our Middle Years essay in which US-based Shireen Joanna shares a personal account of how she manages and nurtures her neurodiverse son; the Special Essay in which US-based Prof. Nancy Weaver questions the efficacy of rewards and punishment parenting. Also recommended is our Health column in which Delhi-based neonatologist Snigdha Samanta shares valuable home remedies to treat the common cold.