Abstract

Handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets are found in most North American households and are being used by preteens to communicate with peers, watch videos on YouTube, play videogames, and become familiar with social media. Social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat are attracting children’s attention with the onsetting age of social media use becoming younger every year. The aim of the following study was to better understand how preteens (1) engage with handheld devices and (2) perceive handheld devices and the social, emotional, and physical impact they might have. I conducted a multiple case study where multiple sources of information were gathered to illustrate two preteens’ real-life experiences owning a hand-held device. Semi-structured interviews, journal entries and digital technology were used to gather data from a preteen, their parent(s), and teacher. Findings revealed that devices are mostly used by preteens to play games and stay connected with friends and family. Preteens, parents, and teachers all shared conflicting feelings and were able to recognize both the positive and negative in preteen’s use of handheld devices. Better understanding how preteens are impacted by our digital world will hopefully better equip us to create well-developed programs to enhance children’s media literacy habits and awareness.