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The launch event, held in the Entel Room at the Errázuriz campus, brought together authorities, experts, and representatives from the public, private, and academic sectors, highlighting the importance of addressing the digital reality of the new generations.
Luis E. Santana, director of the Building Digital Citizenship program and head of the research, presented the main findings of the study. His presentation focused on the dynamics of pre-adolescents’ interaction with technologies, the inherent risks, and the learning that stems from their online experiences.
The commentary panel was composed of distinguished figures:
Verónica Silva, Undersecretary for Children, emphasized the depth of the research, stating that “it is a very interesting study, not only for its conclusions but also for the proposals it contains. I believe that events like this help in making better decisions, and we can continue working with this material, this evidence, and with the work the university has been doing.”
Magdalena Claro, director of CEPPE at the Catholic University, highlighted the report’s value in understanding the experiences of young people: “The report contributes greatly to understanding in more detail what the new generations are experiencing with digital technologies. It helps us move away from a deterministic view and understand the broader social and cultural dynamics in which students’ digital practices are being integrated.”
Cyntia Soto, Manager of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at CLARO Chile and VTR, called for shared responsibility: “For us, it is very important to be part of this event, where, through this study, we can understand what children think and, most importantly, feel regarding the use of technology. Children are alone in this digital world; we need parents to learn, understand, and accompany them, and also a public policy that safeguards their rights.”
The study was led by principal investigator Luis E. Santana, a professor at the UAI School of Communications and Journalism. The research team also included the collaboration of Amaranta Alfaro (Universidad Alberto Hurtado) and Rosemberg Franco (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile), demonstrating a collaborative and interdisciplinary effort to address a complex issue.
The event reaffirmed the commitment of the Building Digital Citizenship program and UAI to the formation of an informed, critical, and participatory digital citizenship, laying the groundwork for future research and the development of public policies aimed at protecting and empowering children in the technological environment.
Download the report here.