This chapter focuses on the role media can play in bettering the lives of young children globally. Although media can have negative influences on child development, we emphasize the positive potential that holistic and developmentally appropriate communication can have on young children and caregivers. Communication for, with, and about young children that is inclusive and culturally sensitive can help them develop cognitively, socially, and emotionally, especially the most disadvantaged and vulnerable. It can also strengthen, be supportive of, and complement broader integrated early child...

This chapter focuses on the role media can play in bettering the lives of young children globally. Although media can have negative influences on child development, we emphasize the positive potential that holistic and developmentally appropriate communication can have on young children and caregivers. Communication for, with, and about young children that is inclusive and culturally sensitive can help them develop cognitively, socially, and emotionally, especially the most disadvantaged and vulnerable. It can also strengthen, be supportive of, and complement broader integrated early child development strategies and specific development goals. We review research and suggest four principles and supporting guidelines for using communication to achieve these goals. The chapter describes several examples of successful communication for young children from low- and middle-income countries. We conclude with recommendations for policymakers and programmers who wish to support similar initiatives.