"Based on an evidence-focused literature review, the first part of this paper examines existing knowledge on how the time children spend using digital technology impacts their well-being across three dimensions; mental/psychological, social and physical. The evidence reviewed here is largely inconcl ... usive with respect to impact on children’s physical activity, but indicates that digital technology seems to be beneficial for children’s social relationships. In terms of impact on children’s mental well-being, the most robust studies suggest that the relationship is U-shaped, where no use and excessive use can have a small negative impact on mental well-being, while moderate use can have a small positive impact. In the second part of the paper, the hypothetical idea of addiction to technology is introduced and scrutinized. This is followed by an overview of the hypothetical idea that digital technology might re-wire or hijack children’s brains; an assumption that is challenged by recent neuroscience evidence. In conclusion, considerable methodological limitations exist across the spectrum of research on the impact of digital technology on child well-being, including the majority of the studies on time use reviewed here, and those studies concerned with clinical or brain impacts. This prompts reconsideration of how research in this area is conducted. Finally, recommendations for strengthening research practices are offered." (Abstract) more

"Being bullied has been found to have a significant impact on children’s physical and mental health, psychosocial well-being and educational performance, with lasting effects into adulthood on health, well-being and lifetime earnings. Little is known about bullying in low- and middle-income countr ... ies, however. This study uses a mixed methods approach combining survey analysis of the predictors and associations with being bullied, with qualitative data to explore the context in which bullying occurs and the social processes that underpin it. Findings show that better data collection and increased resource allocation to bullying prevention are needed. The development and evaluation of different types of effective, sustainable and scalable bullying prevention models in low- and middle-income country contexts are priorities for programming and research." (Abstract) more

"This brief discusses the concept of theory of change in the broader sense of the term, while recognizing that it is sometimes defined more narrowly. A theory of change can be used for strategic planning or programme/policy planning to identify the current situation (in terms of needs and opportunit ... ies), the intended situation and what needs to be done to move from one to the other. This can help to design more realistic goals, clarify accountabilities and establish a common understanding of the strategies to be used to achieve the goals. For example, the UNICEF Strategic Plan 2014–2017 is based on a theory of change that builds on UNICEF’s comparative advantages, and encompasses identifying and scaling up effective technological, scientific and programmatic innovations; improving organizational capacity for the implementation of policies and national laws; developing the capacities of children, families and communities to act as agents of change; and working in national and global partnerships. A theory of change can also be used during implementation to identify which indicators must be monitored, and to explain to staff, funders and partners how the programme or policy works." (Page 2) more