We are excited to announce the proposed formation of a Temporary Working Group (TWG) on Children, Adolescents, and Media (CAM). The prospected CAM TWG will address critical societal questions regarding the role of media in the lives of children and adolescents, who are in a unique and formative developmental stage.
The TWG encourages research on several key themes, including how children and adolescents are represented in media, their roles as consumers and producers of content, and how these dynamics shape youth identities. Other key areas of focus include the broader societal, educational, and cultural contexts that influence media engagement, such as the roles of peers, parents, and educators, as well as the effects of media on youth development, particularly their physical, mental, and social well-being, which are critical to understanding the broader impact of media on their lives. In addition, the CAM TWG will provide a platform for addressing societal challenges in the digital age, such as youth exposure to biased or misleading information and the protection of their rights in digital spaces. The TWG will foster dialogue on interventions that support digital resilience and amplify youth voices, ensuring children and adolescents are empowered to actively participate and express their agency in media spaces. The TWG ultimately aspires to create a robust network that bridges academic research and practical applications, ensuring that insights gained from research directly inform and benefit society.
If you would like to endorse the formation of a CAM TWG, you can do so through this link. During the General Assembly at Etmaal 2025 there will be an official vote regarding this TWG.