Abstract:
Digital technology is changing rapidly and so is the increased use of interactive screen media
such as smartphones and tablets by young children from all income groups. Research
concerning young children and the use of digital technologies has lagged considerably behind
the rate of technological advancement. Furthermore, gaps in the literature point to a need to
understand parental awareness of, and engagement with, the technology that is increasingly
available to young children in South Africa.
My study focused on how parents experience the use of digital technology by young children
at home within the South African context. The purpose of this study was to investigate and
establish a basis for understanding how parents experience young children using digital
technology for learning at home. I conducted a quantitative study making use of an online
survey designed and created using Survey Monkey. The online survey included parents in
South Africa and was distributed through various social media platforms, such as Facebook,
Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest. My sample size was less than 40% of the South African
population. The theory of Social Construction of childhood in conjunction with the concept
of Prolepsis was used as the theoretical framework. The results of the online survey were
analysed and the findings indicate that:
The majority of the children younger than 8 years interacted with digital technologies such as
smart phones in their homes with the support of their parents. The age of parents does not
seem to have an influence on young children’s use of digital technology, but rather the level
at which parents themselves feel comfortable using technology. More than 90% of parents
limit the amount of time their children are allowed to spend using digital technology. The
majority of parents believe that technology can be beneficial rather than harmful for their
child’s education and development. Most parents also believe that a child should be between
the ages of 2 and 3 before they start using a digital device.
