Access and Use of Digital Technologies in Early Childhood: A Review of Mixed Messages in Popular Media

This paper reports on an analysis of 60 print and online articles collected in a metropolitan area Canada that describe children’s digital engagement through focus ‘early literacy’ or ‘digital literacy’. Findings reveal mixed messages about use technology create competing frames for adults supporting (or not) young literacy practices. Digital was often characterized as something to limit/control, except school, where holding proper place when controlled by educators. Consistent across media messaging the promotion traditional, print-based texts essential early practice.