The Australian Children of the Digital Age (ACODA) Longitudinal Study
Exploring how digital technologies are utilised by families across Australia, particularly focusing on children aged six months to five years.
Providing and overarching view of how digital technologies are used by Australian families and young children.
Client Background
The ACODA study is a comprehensive longitudinal research initiative undertaken by Wallis Social Research in partnership with the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child (the Digital Child). This study seeks to explore how digital technologies are utilised by families across Australia, particularly focusing on children aged six months to five years. By capturing a broad spectrum of data over time, the research aims to inform policies and practices that foster child wellbeing in an increasingly digital world.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the ACODA study are multi-faceted:
Population-level patterns: To provide an overarching view ("the big picture") of how digital technologies are used by Australian families with young children.
Content and context measurement: To assess what types of digital technology are used and in what contexts, examining both the frequency and nature of usage.
Integration into children’s worlds: To understand how digital technology fits within the everyday lives of young Australians and its role within their developmental environments.
Parental perspectives: To identify aspects of children's technology use that concern or benefit parents and caregivers, offering insights into familial attitudes and perceptions.
Potential issues identification: To highlight potential problems, inequities, and opportunities related to young children’s interaction with digital technologies.
Methodology
The ACODA study employs a longitudinal design, collecting data annually over four years. This approach allows researchers to track changes in technology use and its impacts on child development and family dynamics over time. Participants are parents and caregivers who complete an online survey each year, providing information about their children’s engagement with digital technologies.
Survey Components
The survey covers several key areas:
Types of technologies: Identifying which digital devices and platforms families use.
Frequency and context of use: Understanding how often and in what situations these technologies are used by young children.
Caregiver perspectives: Gathering insights from parents and caregivers about their views on the influence of technology on health and wellbeing.
Demographics: Collecting data on age, gender, geographic location, and other relevant demographic factors.
Wave 1 (2023-2024) Methodology
Wave 1 of the study consisted of three stages: Recruitment, Survey Completion, and ‘Thank You’ Calling. Wallis Social Research collaborated with the Digital Child to recruit partner organisations who promoted the survey to eligible families across Australia. Partner organisations were provided with unique survey links to enable the project team to track the source of participant completions.
The 'Thank You' stage involved CATI-only surveys conducted concurrently with the main survey to verify participant eligibility and details, ensuring accurate data collection and incentive distribution. Reminder calls were also made to encourage completion among participants who had partially completed the survey or preferred phone-based responses.
Wave 2 (2024-2025) Methodology
For Wave 2, Wallis Social Research utilised the database of respondents from Wave 1. Approximately twelve months after completing the first survey, the parents and caregivers were invited to participate in the second wave. They were given the option to complete the survey either online or over the phone, accommodating different preferences for engagement.
This phase continues to build on the initial data set, offering deeper insights into how technology use is evolving within these families and its ongoing impact on young children's development. By maintaining contact with the original participants, researchers aim to ensure continuity and depth in their longitudinal analysis.
Challenges
Managing a longitudinal study of this scale presents several challenges, particularly in maintaining consistent engagement from families over four years. Effective communication strategies and appropriate incentives are crucial for retaining participants throughout all waves.
In summary
The ACODA study represents a significant undertaking to learn more about the role of digital technologies in early childhood development across Australia. By providing evidence-based insights, this research aims to support the creation of informed policies and practices that promote healthy child development in a digital age.
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