Early years digital media literacy network

This project will establish a cross-sector network to address gaps in early years digital media literacy research and policy. 

Why is this important?

The Early Years Digital Media Literacy Review, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, found that, despite children engaging with digital media between birth and five, research on media literacy in the early years remains limited.  

There have been some developments in policy and practice. In March 2026 the Government shared guidance on screen time for parents of under-fives. The Curriculum and Assessment Review identified media literacy as a missing component in education in England. In response, the Department for Education has committed to including media literacy in the national curriculum from 2028. However, despite the House of Lords recommending that teaching of media literacy “should start from the early years phase” it is still missing from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework.  

What does it involve?

Through establishing the network and producing collective outputs and action plans, the following questions will be answered: 

1. How can a cross-sector early years digital media literacy (EYDML) network forge connections between researchers, practitioners, and non-academic actors? 

2. How do the connections made by the EYDML network enable capacity for new digital media literacy initiatives in early years? 

3. How should the EYDML network activity and outputs align with the existing UK media and information literacy field to ensure early years digital media literacy is included in future policy and practice? 

4. What is required to sustain the EYDML network, and how might this be best achieved? 

The project will begin with a scoping exercise to identify potential network members through interviews, focus groups, and a literature review. A theory of change will guide the network’s focus on short-, medium-, and longer-term impacts for children, families, and the professionals working with them. 

How will it make a difference?

The network will run for one year and members will be supported to develop their own action plans, aligned with the theory of change, helping translate learning into practical activities that strengthen the evidence-base and support families. After this initial year, Parent Zone will maintain the network. 

Findings will be directly shared with key stakeholders, including researchers; early years educators and family-facing professionals; parents and carers of 0-5-year-olds; and policymakers, regulators, funders, and digital service providers.   

Outputs will include four briefing papers on key priorities identified by the network, ten action plans for members, and an in-person event.