Representations of technology in picturebooks for young children: a content analysis in Türkiye

This study examines how technological elements are represented in picturebooks for young children. The increasing exposure of children to digital technologies in early childhood, together with the growth of preschool publications in Türkiye, makes it important to explore these representations. The study was conducted within a qualitative research paradigm using document analysis. A total of 10 picturebooks containing technological elements, selected from classrooms and school libraries of six independent preschools in Denizli through purposive sampling, were analysed. Data were collected using the ‘Evaluation Form for the Treatment of Technology in Picturebooks’ developed by the researchers and analysed through content analysis. The findings were organised under three categories: (1) the presentation and purpose of technological elements, (2) narrative and interaction patterns, and (3) their relationship with children’s developmental domains. The results indicate that technological elements are predominantly presented in relation to entertainment and excessive use, while only a limited number of books portray technology as supporting curiosity, learning, and exploration.