Young children are increasingly surrounded by a variety of technologies including television, computers,
iPads, and mobile phones. This small qualitative study explored how Chinese immigrant families living
in Australia viewed their children’s use of technology at home. Six parents and three grandparents
representing nine different families with children aged three to six years were interviewed. Data were
analysed using Rogoff’s (2003) personal, interpersonal and cultural-institutional planes of analysis. We
found that these children lived in technology-rich environments, however strongly held values and
beliefs associated with academic learning resulted in the creation of family rules and practices that
limited children’s access to, and use of, different technologies. We argue that an understanding of family
values, beliefs, practices and culture will assist educators to build partnerships effectively with families,
and enhance learning opportunities for young children.