Yasuko Inoue

The purpose of this research is to assess the usage status of ICT (information and communication technology) in child welfare facilities and to clarify the possibility of its practical use in childcare. At present, children living in facilities do not have financial support, so it is difficult for them to acquire smartphones. Additionally, because children have issues with attachment formation and development, they are more likely to get into trouble online. Therefore, it is important to provide financial support from the government and provide literacy training to staff that incorporates these issues. Furthermore, children need education that allows them to independently utilize ICT. Possibilities for practical use of ICT in childcare include improving work efficiency, interacting with children after leaving the facility, and as a means of disseminating information in the community. Therefore, ICT has the potential to break down the closed nature of facilities and transform them into places for interpersonal interaction. The question is how to make full use of the double-edged sword of ICT from the perspective of child-rearing.