The development of a serious game to enhance digital well-being awareness

Abstract

Today, children are widely exposed to digital technologies, including smart phones, tablets, televisions, and video games, largely due to their accessibility within households. These technologies offer new modes of development and interaction, providing numerous benefits. However, they also present potential risks, as young children often lack the experience, maturity, and necessary knowledge to navigate digital environments safely, which is critical for maintaining positive digital well-being. The primary aim of this study is to develop a serious game, guided by the digital well-being framework of B¨uchi, as an intervention to enhance digital well-being and cybersecurity awareness among preschool children. The game is designed as a collaborative tool for children and their caregivers, encouraging discussions and activities that extend beyond merely restricting technology use. The serious game implements optimal game elements, as well as elements tailored specifically for preschool children. A design science research approach was employed, and experts in the fields of preschool and primary education, caregivers, and academic researchers reviewed the game to validate the implemented elements and evaluate its effectiveness. The findings revealed that experts perceive the game as a valuable potential tool for enhancing digital well-being and cybersecurity awareness, raising awareness among children and their caregivers, and promoting positive wellbeing and responsible technology use. Experts recommended the game as a resource for educators and caregivers working with young children. These findings led to an extension of B¨uch's digital well-being framework in the context of preschool-aged children.