Commentary: Technology, power and inequalities – achieving a humane approach to the digital divide – a commentary on Aboujaoude and Gega (2021)

• Published in: Child and adolescent mental health Vol. 26; no. 4; pp. 378 - 380
• Main Author: Holt, Kim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-11-2021
• Subjects: Child & adolescent psychiatry; child protection; Digital exclusion; inequalities; Surveillance
• ISSN: 1475-357X; 1475-3588
• DOI: 10.1111/camh.12508

This paper provides a critical reflection on how a myopic focus by researchers on internet addiction as a possible explanation for children’s behaviour has led to a missed opportunity to probe the impact of digital exclusion for children with a range of complex vulnerabilities. Holt reflects upon the work of Aboujaoude and Gega (2021), Missing the forest for the trees: How the focus on digital addiction diverted attention away from wider adverse effects. Screen time is far more complex; it’s use in child protection as a form of surveillance is linked to poverty, inequality and risk. Importantly, the focus of international research must explore both digital exclusion and how this can be managed, and the increased use of digital surveillance, to provide an important lens in respect of power and inequalities in society.