A new webinar series will bring together UK and international experts to explore some of the most pressing issues affecting babies and families, beginning with the impact of digital technology and AI.
University of Northampton (UON) will host the webinars – starting this month – in collaboration with The International Journal of Birth and Parent Education (IJBPE) and powered by the 1001 Critical Days Foundation.
The first event – on Tuesday 27 October, 6:30pm-8pm – will cover the opportunities, challenges and impact of growing up in a digital world for families.
The webinar is open to people from all sectors or who have an interest in families and digital technology. The speakers will be:
- ‘Screen Smart and Screen Safe from the Start’. Will Maurer, Executive Director of the Children’s Media Research and Reform Lab (USA).
- ‘Empowering Parents through Empowering Practitioners’. Professor Eunice Lumsden OBE, Emeritus Professor of Child Advocacy at UON and Editor of IJBPE.
- ‘The Impacts of AI in Infancy Are Everyone’s Business’. Dr Emily Goodacre and Professor Jenny Gibson, from the Play and Education Development and Learning Centre at the University of Cambridge.
UON’s Dr Helen Simmons, Course Leader of the MA Infant and Family Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Deputy Editor of IJBPE, will open and chair the webinar. She said: “There is a wealth of knowledge out there about babies, children and families, which can seem a little overwhelming at first. For this new series of webinars, we will focus on some of the most pressing issues for families.
“We look forward to an engaging evening regarding the opportunities and challenges of growing up in a digital world and to welcoming you back for the next in our planned series of webinars, in early 2027”.
Will Quince, Chief Executive of the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, will give the welcome address at the first webinar. He added: “This is about much more than screen time. Babies are growing up in a world shaped by digital technology, and we need to understand what that means for their development and the relationships they depend on.
“The 1001 Critical Days, from pregnancy to age two, lay the foundations for lifelong health and wellbeing. Bringing researchers and practitioners together will help us turn the evidence into practical, realistic support for families, without judgement.”
Attendees will also be sent a code for a discounted subscription to The International Journal of Birth and Parent Education.