Ihsane Bouaouida

I am Ihsane Bouaouida, a 28-year-old NVO educationalist, also known as an 'orthopedagoog’. This past September, I started as a PhD-student exploring "Parenting and Online Behavior of Children". I'm honored to have the guidance and expertise of Anne Tharner, Ina Koning, and Mirjam Oosterman in this project.

Growing up during the dawn of the internet era, I've seen the rapid evolution of technology and its profound effects on the way children learn, play, and connect with others. My experiences in the clinical field have deepened my interest in understanding how children, especially those who are neurodivergent, interact with both offline and online worlds around them.

In today's digital age, children grow up between offline and online experiences from an early age. While the digital space offers immense opportunities, it also presents risks, especially for neurodivergent children. Our research aims not just to increase children’s resilience against the potential risks associated with digital media use; we are also committed to exploring how the opportunities of digital media use can be leveraged to enhance children's well-being. Drawing from the Generations2 cohort study and the In Kaart registry, we aim to identify potential differences and similarities between children with (suspected) ADHD, autism, dyslexia, intellectual disabilities, visual impairments, DCD, and children from the general population.

And, on a lighter note, as a parent myself, I can vouch for the occasional "digital babysitting" at the end of an exhausting day. Haven't we all been there? Join us as we unravel the intricacies of parenting in a digitalized world, ensuring that every child, regardless of their neurodivergence, can thrive.