Care and surveillance of children through domestic Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a range of technologies through which mundane objects are connected to the internet, collecting data about their environment and being able to be remotely operated. In domestic settings, they can be used to provide care for children but devices can also be used by them. This article aims to present an integrated analysis of IoT uses within the family context, particularly with regard to caring for and surveilling children. It is based on interviews conducted in Portugal. The analysis sheds light on the nuanced ways in which families integrate IoT technologies into their lives and caregiving responsibilities, shaping and reshaping their domestic practices. It also provides insights into the different configurations of IoT-related children’s care that take place within the family context and how it transforms over time, adjusting and evolving in response to the changing needs and skills of children.