Revised ECA Statement on young children and digital technologies

Early Childhood Australia (ECA) has launched a revised version of its influential Statement on young children and digital technologies, offering updated guidance to support educators navigating the evolving digital landscape in early childhood settings.

Unveiled at the 2025 ECA National Conference in October, the updated Statement builds on its original 2018 publication and reflects the latest research, expert insights and sector-wide consultation. It provides a contemporary framework to guide early childhood educators working with children from birth to eight years in settings including long day care, preschool, family day care and outside school hours care.

The revision was informed by the ECA Digital Policy Advisory Group and a broad consultation process involving a national online survey and a dedicated workshop at the 2024 ECA National Conference. Contributors brought deep expertise in early learning and digital technologies, ensuring the Statement reflects both academic knowledge and current sector practice.

The updated Statement continues to emphasise four key areas of practice:

• Relationships – fostering connection and communication in a digital world
• Health and wellbeing – promoting balanced, developmentally appropriate technology use
• Citizenship – supporting children to develop respectful and responsible digital behaviours
• Play and pedagogy – integrating digital technologies into learning in meaningful, purposeful ways

Developed as a professional learning and reflection tool, the Statement is designed for educators, early childhood teachers and support staff who work directly with children. It may also be of value to professionals in health, social and community services working with young children and families.

The revised Statement aims to help early childhood professionals make informed, ethical and inclusive decisions about technology use – always with children’s learning, development and wellbeing at the centre.

Access the full statement and summary:

• Download the ECA Statement on young children and digital technologies (PDF)
• Download the summary of the Statement (PDF)