I am inspired by robust debates in the public sphere over how to resolve societal problems connected with mediation, datafication and digitalisation. I try to bring theory, evidence and critical thinking to these debates, with a particular focus on questions of human (especially children’s) rights, inclusion and voice, and educational, regulatory or design ‘solutions.’
My research centres on some of the challenges of growing up in a digital age – children’s privacy and protection, youth mental health vulnerabilities, commercially-exploitative business models, the EdTech takeover of education, parental ‘controls’ in the family, screen time and the potential for digital play. The underlying inspiration draws from my long-standing interest in the mediation of everyday life and listening to the voices of audiences as agents, citizens and publics. I have found this a rich source of critical insights for engaging with stakeholders to try and promote rights-focused impact.
Researchers are often trained to write complex academic texts published in paywalled journals that are largely inaccessible to stakeholders and the public making significant decisions for society. There are many practical challenges in changing our modus operandi, but the key challenge is to accord value to the very goal of research impact, and to respect the intellectual insights that can result from impactful research as well as navigate the politics in the public interest.
