An illuminating study of the complex relationship between children and media in the digital age

Now, as never before, young people are surrounded by media—thanks to the sophistication and portability of the technology that puts it literally in the palms of their hands. Drawing on data and empirical research that cross many fields and continents, authors Valkenburg and Piotrowski examine the role of media in the lives of children from birth through adolescence, addressing the complex issues of how media affect the young and what adults can do to encourage responsible use in an age of selfies, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This important study looks at both the sunny and the dark side of media use by today’s youth, including why and how their preferences change throughout childhood, whether digital gaming is harmful or helpful, the effects of placing tablets and smartphones in the hands of toddlers, the susceptibility of young people to online advertising, the legitimacy of parental concerns about media multitasking, and more.

Patti M. Valkenburg is a university distinguished professor of media, youth, and society at the University of Amsterdam. She has published over 160 academic articles on children, media, and technology. Her work has received numerous awards in both Europe and the United States. Jessica Taylor Piotrowski is an associate professor of youth and media entertainment and the director of CcaM, the Center for Research on Children, Adolescents, and the Media, at the University of Amsterdam. She is a consultant for the children’s media industry. Her work appears regularly in communication, psychology, and education journals.