Children today are growing up in a highly digitalised world, with nearly all 15-year-olds in OECD countries having access to smartphones and other digital devices. While digital technologies offer valuable opportunities for learning, socialisation, and entertainment, they also present significant risks, including exposure to harmful content, problematic media use, and online safety concerns. This Policy Insights highlights some of the key findings from the OECD report How’s Life for Children in the Digital Age? (2025) that explores these dynamics and shows a wide variation in digital use patterns across countries. It also emphasises the need for comprehensive policies to promote children's digital well-being, including stronger regulations, cross-sectoral collaboration, and guidance for parents and educators. It also calls for the integration of children's voices in policymaking and a better understanding of how online and offline factors interact. Evidence-based strategies must be built on solid data and expert input to ensure digital environments are safe, supportive, and aligned with children’s rights and developmental needs.
From playgrounds to platforms - childhood in the digital age
