Better Internet for Kids

For developing the large-scale national project on young children’s media literacy, the Media Council sought the knowledge and input from parents of 0-6-year-old children. All material published in 'The first digital steps' project is therefore based on the results of a quantitative survey, which was disseminated in April 2022 with the report '0-6-year-old use of digital media'. 
‘The First Digital Steps’ project contains information, guidance and concrete activities covering a variety of target groups and has been developed and tested in collaboration with children, parents, and professionals across different municipalities in Denmark. The project was realised with the support of the Danish philanthropic foundation Nordea-fonden.
'The First Digital Steps' is intended to encourage dialogue and collaboration between families, healthcare services, and daycare centres with the aim of strengthening children's critical understanding, confidence, creativity, and agency in their use of digital technologies. 

Targeted material for both parents and professionals

'The First Digital Steps' focuses on training professionals working with 0-6-year-olds and providing accessible information to parents and caregivers. The project is structured around a website for parents and a website for professionals. The platforms dedicated to parents offer short explainer videos on media literacy and text-based tips concerning several themes such as data collection and parents as role models. The website dedicated to professionals also offers various materials covering themes on media literacy, digital well-being, and cooperation with parents. Finally, the initiative also includes a guide to various physical awareness activities that can be done using digital media, or activities concerning digital media themselves.

Survey: 0-6-year-olds’ use of digital media

As a part of the project, the Media Council conducted a survey among parents of 0-6-year-old children, enquiring how they experience and relate to digital media. The survey received 1,002 responses and the data was gathered in October 2021.
In short, the survey revealed that approximately half of Danish 0-6-year-olds (48 per cent) use digital media daily or almost daily. Their parents are often involved in such digital media use. It also reveals that six out of ten parents find it hard to assess what is appropriate content (for example, apps, videos, games), before letting their child use it.
Finally, the survey revealed that one in two parents speak with their child about the use of digital media, especially for what concerns the topics of screen time and children’s experiences online. 

Political focus on young children and digital media

In Denmark, there continues to be an increased political focus on the topic of young children's screen time. In October 2023, the Danish Health Authority published new and revised recommendations on, among other things, young children’s screen time. The Ministry of Children and Education has also focused on this area, resulting in a proposal for a law amending the Danish Daycare Act, which states that digital tools should only be used in daycare centres if it can be professionally justified. 
'The First Digital Steps' addresses this agenda by contributing both knowledge and activities that are based on empirical data. Therefore, the project continues to be relevant in the Danish context.
The material is available in the resource gallery (login into the BIK community first).