Digital Age and Social-emotional Learning: Evolving Pathways for Children and Adolescents

Description

Page: 323-329

Pallavi and Jaspreet Kaur (School of Business Studies, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab)

The advent of digital technologies has significantly affected learning, particularly the development of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in youth and children. SEL, such as self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills, is vital to establish emotional intelligence, resilience, and social competence. Educational games, social media, and artificial intelligence-based learning software are new media that offer alternative means to reinforce SEL by enabling collaboration, empathy, and ethical decision-making. Wearable tech also assists emotional regulation via tracking stress levels and mindfulness techniques. Although it has its benefits, technology integration in SEL comes with some challenges, including overreliance on technology, ethical considerations, and the need for systemic implementation. Educators, parents, psychologists, and technology designers must collaborate to ensure that digital technologies are implemented responsibly in SEL initiatives. A balanced approach that combines technology and human interaction can optimize learning results and equip young people with competencies to address future social and emotional challenges. This paper emphasizes the role of digital technologies in SEL, their potential as well as dangers, and potential directions for responsible use in education.