Kolotouchkina Shvedova, OlgaRángel Pérez, CeliaNúñez Gómez, Patricia2025-05-292025-05-292023-11-16Kolotouchkina, O., Rangel, C., Núñez-Gómez, P. (2023). Digital Media and Younger Audiences. Media and Communication, 11 (4), 124-128. https://doi.org/10.17645/mac.v11i4.76472183-243910.17645/mac.v11i4.7647https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/120648This article is an editorial for a Special Issue "Digital Media and Younger Audiences: Communication Targeted at Children and Adolescents", edited by the authors.The active digital engagement of children and teens from a very early age makes them the most prolific digital users and online content creators. Simultaneously, this high level of digital exposure enhances their vulnerability to online risks and the potential for them to encounter harmful online content. This dynamic has profound implications for all dimensions and stakeholders within the digital ecosystem. This thematic issue presents a comprehensive review of the significant advantages, critical risks, and challenges arising from the extensive online engagement of children and adolescents. This body of research provides valuable insights and identifies future research avenues related to emotional well-being, identity development, perceptions of social success and self-esteem, as well as examining the critical aspects concerning digital literacy and the regulatory frameworks governing digital content providers.engAttribution 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/journal articlehttps://doi.org/10.17645/mac.v11i4.7647https://www.cogitatiopress.com/mediaandcommunication/article/view/7647https://www.cogitatiopress.com/mediaandcommunication/issue/view/368open access37.013159.931617AdolescentsChildrenDigital literacyDigital mediaDigital vulnerabilitiesInfluencersOnline contentSelf-regulationVideo-sharing platformsPedagogíaPsicología (Psicología)SociologíaSociología de la educación (Educación)Ética58 Pedagogía61 Psicología63 Sociología71 Ética