Master Early Childhood Digital Game Impacts with the Professional Diploma
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Effects of Digital Games is designed to provide learners with in-depth knowledge of how digital games impact the development of young children. Participants will explore the cognitive, social, and emotional effects of gaming, including attention, learning patterns, behaviour, and social interaction. The course emphasises evidence-based research, practical insights, and observational techniques to help educators, parents, and childcare professionals understand both the benefits and potential risks of digital game exposure in early childhood.
Learners will gain an understanding of different types of digital games, age-appropriate content, and screen time management strategies. The programme also covers how games influence creativity, problem-solving skills, and social behaviours, highlighting both positive and negative outcomes. Participants will engage with real-life case studies, practical exercises, and scenario-based learning to develop effective strategies for supporting healthy digital habits, promoting balanced play, and monitoring the impact of gaming on child development.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Effects of Digital Games equips professionals with the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions regarding digital game use in early childhood settings. The course is suitable for early years educators, childcare workers, psychologists, and parents who want to understand the influence of digital technology on children’s growth and wellbeing. It focuses on practical applications, ethical considerations, and strategies to create a safe, stimulating, and balanced environment where children can benefit from digital interactions while minimising potential risks.
Study Units
- Introduction to Digital Games and Early Childhood Exposure (3 hours)
- Cognitive Development and the Impact of Digital Play (3 hours)
- Emotional and Behavioural Responses to Gaming (6 hours)
- Social Interaction, Communication, and Screen-Based Play (6 hours)
- Educational Games: Opportunities and Limitations (3 hours)
- Screen Time Guidelines and Health Recommendations (3 hours)
- Identifying Age-Appropriate and Safe Digital Content (3 hours)
- Risk Factors: Attention, Impulse Control, and Sleep Disruption (3 hours)
Entry Requirements
To ensure learners gain maximum benefit from the OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Early Childhood Effects of Digital Games, the following entry requirements are recommended:
- Age Requirement: Learners should be at least 18 years old to ensure maturity and readiness for professional-level content related to child development and digital game impacts.
- Educational Background: A basic educational qualification is preferred. Completion of related diplomas or certificates in early childhood education, childcare, psychology, teaching, or child development can be advantageous but is not mandatory.
- Language Proficiency: Learners should have a good command of English to understand course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assessments effectively.
- Work Experience: Previous experience in childcare, early years education, teaching, or child development support is beneficial but not required.
Overall, this course is accessible to motivated learners from diverse backgrounds who wish to understand the influence of digital games on early childhood development and apply practical strategies to support healthy growth and learning.
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Digital Games and Early Childhood Exposure (3 Hours)
- Define digital games and classify different types relevant to early childhood
- Describe patterns of digital game exposure among children aged 0–8
- Explain the factors contributing to early engagement with screen-based games
- Recognise the societal and technological shifts influencing childhood digital use
Cognitive Development and the Impact of Digital Play (3 Hours)
- Identify key areas of cognitive development affected by digital gaming
- Evaluate the role of interactive media in early learning processes
- Distinguish between passive screen use and active digital engagement
- Interpret current research findings on memory, attention, and problem-solving skills
Emotional and Behavioural Responses to Gaming (6 Hours)
- Describe common emotional reactions of young children during and after gameplay
- Explain the link between game content and behavioural changes
- Assess the potential for dependency, aggression, or frustration in early players
- Explore coping strategies and emotional regulation through digital play
- Identify signs of overexposure and screen-related behavioural challenges
- Discuss methods for supporting healthy emotional development in digital contexts
Social Interaction, Communication, and Screen-Based Play (6 Hours)
- Analyse how digital games influence early social skills and peer interaction
- Examine the effects of solitary vs cooperative gameplay in early childhood
- Understand the impact of screen use on language development and communication
- Explore the role of digital play in imaginative and collaborative scenarios
- Assess the influence of virtual environments on empathy and social cues
- Develop recommendations for fostering face-to-face interaction alongside digital use
Educational Games: Opportunities and Limitations (3 Hours)
- Identify characteristics of high-quality educational games for young children
- Evaluate learning outcomes associated with game-based content
- Compare educational benefits across various types of digital platforms
- Discuss limitations and risks associated with over-reliance on digital learning tools
Screen Time Guidelines and Health Recommendations (3 Hours)
- Interpret UK and international screen time guidelines for early childhood
- Understand the health implications of excessive screen exposure
- Apply practical strategies to implement age-appropriate screen routines
- Promote balanced lifestyle habits through media use planning
Identifying Age-Appropriate and Safe Digital Content (3 Hours)
- Define criteria for assessing the suitability of digital games for young users
- Navigate child-friendly platforms and parental control features
- Identify harmful or misleading content in popular children’s games
- Develop skills to guide families in selecting developmentally appropriate media
Risk Factors: Attention, Impulse Control, and Sleep Disruption (3 Hours)
- Explain how digital game use can influence attention span and impulse control
- Describe the relationship between screen time and sleep quality in young children
- Recognise early warning signs of overstimulation or media dependency
- Recommend interventions and routines to support healthy neurological development
This course is designed for professionals and individuals who want to understand the effects of digital games on early childhood development. It is ideal for those working with young children, supporting families, or creating safe and balanced digital experiences in educational, childcare, or community settings.
Early Years Educators
- Nursery and preschool teachers
- Early childhood classroom assistants
- Curriculum planners for young learners
- Educators promoting safe digital practices
- Staff integrating educational technology in learning
- Professionals supporting cognitive and emotional development
Childcare and Daycare Staff
- Childminders and daycare supervisors
- Playgroup leaders and activity coordinators
- Professionals managing group play and learning environments
- Staff responsible for monitoring screen time and game use
- Childcare workers assessing behaviour and development
- Individuals implementing safe routines and engaging activities
Parents and Guardians
- Parents seeking guidance on digital media use
- Guardians aiming to manage screen time effectively
- Caregivers supporting healthy emotional and social growth
- Families introducing age-appropriate digital learning tools
- Individuals seeking strategies to balance play and technology
- Those wanting to identify safe and developmentally suitable games
Educational Psychologists and Support Professionals
- Specialists assessing digital impact on learning
- Counsellors advising families on technology and behaviour
- Social workers supporting early childhood development
- Professionals identifying attention, emotional, or behavioural concerns
- Advisors creating interventions for healthy screen use
- Practitioners promoting positive mental and cognitive growth
Students and Learners in Child Development
- Students studying early years education or psychology
- Learners gaining knowledge for professional childcare roles
- Individuals preparing for careers in education, psychology, or counselling
- Interns observing the effects of digital media on children
- Students developing applied skills in child wellbeing
- Learners interested in evidence-based approaches to digital game impact
Community and Youth Program Leaders
- Volunteers managing children’s programs or clubs
- Leaders designing activities incorporating digital tools safely
- Staff mentoring children in balanced technology use
- Coordinators promoting healthy play and social skills
- Individuals supporting children in recreational or educational settings
- Professionals creating guidelines for safe digital engagement
Overall, this course is suitable for anyone committed to understanding, managing, and guiding digital game use in early childhood, supporting healthy development, and promoting safe, balanced, and enriching experiences for young children.
