Views of Parents on Digital Parenting Competencies

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the views of parents on digital parenting competencies and experiences. Phenomenology was chosen as a research design. The study group consisted of 13 parents, selected according to criterion sampling. A semi-structured interview form was used as a data collection tool. Content analysis was used in the analysis of the data. Parents stated that they are most uncomfortable while their children are watching videos and surfing social media. Most parents set a period to reduce the time their children spend with digital technologies. We found that the majority of parents do not accompany their children while using digital technologies, and some children do not want their parents to accompany them. Moreover, majority of parents felt inadequate to protect their children against digital risks, and followed different ways to ensure the safety of their children in digital environments.