Holding the Fifth Conference on Childhood Studies with a Focus on New Technologies

According to the Children and Youth service of the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA), the fifth biennial ‘Childhood Studies and Children’s Literature’ conference will be held on December 17th and 18th (26th and 27th Azar) focusing on ‘The Impact of New Digital Technologies’.

Hossein Sheikhrezaei, the scientific secretary of this conference, stated: This conference focuses on two key concepts: ‘literature’ and ‘childhood studies’, and each edition examines a special topic. In previous years, topics such as ‘the other’ and ‘adolescence’ were central, and this year, new digital technologies like artificial intelligence, metaverse, and social networks are the focus.

He identified the main goal of this edition as examining the impact of these technologies on the production and reading of children’s literature, changes in the definition of childhood, and offering policy suggestions to governing bodies.

The scientific secretary of the conference, in explaining the main axes, said: The axes are very broad and general, mainly addressing the impacts of digital technologies on the production, reading, and distribution of children’s literature. The role of artificial intelligence, metaverse, computer games, applications, and digital libraries are among the items that can bring about major changes.

Sheikhrezaei added regarding the paper submission process: After the call for papers was issued, approximately 55 abstracts were received, the quality of which had improved compared to previous editions. Given the limited time of the conference, about two and a half days, only 20 papers were selected for final presentation. The review process was such that if there was a difference of opinion, the abstract was referred to a third reviewer.

He then referred to the side sections of the conference and said: In addition to the four main specialized panels, we have a special international guest who researches the digital and AI impacts on children’s literature in countries like Japan and the US, and will join the conference online. Also, a discussion panel with specified guests will be held, details of which will be announced through the Children’s Book Council website.

These four specialized panels are organized around the following axes:

• Panel discussions on theoretical issues concerning digital technologies and topics such as the digital divide, justice in distribution, and globalization.
• Special panel on adolescents and the impact of digital technologies on novels, poetry, and literature in this field.
• Panel on practical topics such as digital libraries and personalized reading platforms.
• Panel on storytelling and the impact of digital technologies in this area.

The Biennial Conference on Childhood Studies and Children’s Literature, organized by relevant academic and research institutions, is recognized as one of the most important specialized events in this field.