Istanbul: Childhood is being reshaped at a historic scale as digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and global connectivity redefine how young people learn, socialize, and develop, experts told Anadolu.

According to Anadolu Agency - English, speakers at the TRT International Children's Media Summit 2025, which took place on Saturday in Istanbul, emphasized the dual nature of digital tools. While these tools present unprecedented opportunities for creativity and learning, they also introduce new risks that require coordinated action by governments, schools, families, and technology companies.

Douglas K. Hartman, a writer and professor of education, described the current moment as a transformative turning point with no historical precedent. He highlighted the speed and ease of online connections as a major factor in this transformation. Hartman stressed the importance of coordinated policies and shared responsibility among digital platforms, schools, and governments to ensure that digital ecosystems contribute positively to children's long-term well-being.

From a policy perspective, Chi Kim Cheung, an academic and media researcher, emphasized the need to balance protection with empowerment for children. He underscored the importance of informed regulation and the education of adults around children to become media- and AI-literate. Cheung pointed out that children are digital natives, while many parents need to understand the digital landscape to help protect their children.

Jennifer Kaberi, founder of Mtoto News and an academic, warned that technological change is outpacing families' ability to adapt. She noted that technology has replaced traditional forms of bonding within families, leading to children potentially trusting technology more than human relationships. Kaberi emphasized the importance of including children in shaping their digital futures and called for collaborative efforts to integrate culture, values, and religion into digital policy discussions.

Source: Anadolu Agency - English