Parent experiences of children using digital technology for learning at home

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.