Discover how sociology can be used to inform topical debates visible in the media and what it is like to study sociology.
Online webinar led by Vicki Harman, Professor in Sociology suitable for Year 12 or Year 13 students. Should children in the UK be banned from having smartphones for their own wellbeing?
The rising use of technology has been hugely beneficial for many aspects of everyday lives, but issues of potential risk and harm have also been raised, particularly in relation to childhood. In the UK, a group of parents has put forward a campaign for ‘Smart Phone Free Childhood’, asking parents to sign a pact to withhold smartphones from children until they reach 14. Key questions can be identified around balancing children’s agency with parents’ concerns about risk and online safety including cyberbullying and children’s mental health.
Participants will be guided to understand different positions within the debate, apply sociological concepts and ideas to diverse perspectives, before taking part in a final vote at the end of the session.
Why attend?
Sociology engages with key issues about how people live and how society has changed, including the rise of technology and digital lives, the changing nature of the family and changing social connectivity and educational practices. By taking part in this session, you can find out more about how sociology can be used to inform topical debates visible in the media at the current time, and gain insight about what it is like to study sociology at the University of Reading.
Following the webinar there will be a Q&A session where you can ask us questions. If you sign up to the webinar, you will receive a recording of the webinar.