The Federal Government has put up $34.9 million for a research centre focused on kids in the digital era.

It will conduct studies to understand the impact digital technology is having on the first eight years of life.

“Our children are growing up with unprecedented access to technology and we need to better understand the effect it is having on them,” Education Minister Dan Tehan said on Sunday.

“The results of this research will benefit parents and inform improvements to children's health and education policy.”

The new ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child has also received $32 million from partner organisations in Australia, Europe, Asia and America.

The centre hopes to create new resources to reduce harm children experience from technology.

Lead researcher Susan Danby says there are a lot of mixed messages about the digital impact on children.

“Australia will inform international agendas in minimising children's digital risks and maximising positive digital engagement,” Prof Danby said.

The centre – to be located at the Queensland University of Technology - will look at problems related to screen time, social media use, gaming, and online safety.