The challenges of media ecosystem to childhood

Abstract

Virtual environment occupies a notable and expanding place in the interests of children. The proposed text refers to the challenges posed by the media ecosystem (the blending between traditional and new media) to the children in Bulgaria. The paper is developed in three major topics. Firstly, some significant children's issues (educational, social, media) in a country with an ageing population are explored. Secondly, some basic aspects of the dynamics of the media system (press, radio, television, and Internet) are analyzed. Thirdly, the impact of the virtual reality on children is examined. The paper also covers some of the regulatory practices of the Bulgarian Council for electronic media. Finally, several issues which are important for the future correlation of children' welfare with the media ecosystem are outlined.