DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

This article explores the risks and opportunities associated with the use of digital technology in early childhood education. As digital tools become increasingly present in children's daily lives, educators face the challenge of integrating these resources in a pedagogically intentional and developmentally appropriate way. The study highlights how digital technologies can enhance creativity, inclusion, and communication when properly mediated, while also warning against excessive screen exposure, early dependence, and the reduction of sensory and social experiences. Through practical examples and theoretical reflections, the article emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with respect for childhood, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for meaningful, ethical, and humanized education.