Parents` perspectives on the use of digital devices among primary school children

Abstract

This research aimed to explore parents’ perspectives in the use of digital devices among their primary school children. The main focus of this research is to examine the impact of digital devices towards children either from the emotional, psychological, or physical aspect. This study also seeks to identify strategies utilized by parents in monitoring their children’s use of digital devices. A qualitative research method was utilized using semi-structured questions that conducted through the use of face-to-face interviews in natural settings. Using purposive sampling, five parents were selected. Parents, either a father or a mother, who have children between the ages of 7 to 12 years old and have experiences dealing with children who are digital device users were chosen as the study’s participants. Three children from the five parents were selected and interviewed with the aim to corroborate findings. The results revealed that parents used four different styles or ways to monitor their children’s use of digital devices. These included having an active conversation, frequently reminding the children, using approaches that were appropriate for their children’s age, and lastly, reasoning with their children. The findings showed that parents had two perceptions with regards to their children’s use of digital devices. They thought that though there are advantages for their children to use digital devices there is also the negative impact of digital devices on their children. The results revealed that there were five techniques that parents used to monitor their children’s use of digital devices and these included having the time limitation, monitoring the use of social media, setting the location of use, using the ‘pause’ period, communicating with the children, and lastly, giving rewards. Implications of the study, as well as some recommendations, were given and these included the study should be more extensive by involving other participants from other states in Malaysia as well as having different demographic backgrounds. Hence, parents have to play a more important role in monitoring their children’s use of digital devices so as to develop the “unplugged family” environment.