Experts’ discourses of children in the context of datafication of education

This study investigates experts' discourses of children in the context of the datafication of education in Finland. Drawing on interviews with 25 experts from education policy, educational technology, and data justice sectors, the present research identifies four key discourses: the “agentic child” as an active participant in data practices; the “juridical child” requiring protection under data laws; the “citizen-child” prepared for future societal roles through data literacy; and the “learning child” benefiting from personalized, data-driven pedagogy. These discourses reveal a complex, multifaceted conceptualization of children, shaped by ethical, legal, and pedagogical considerations, highlighting the interplay between childhood agency, rights, and education in a data-driven society.