Identifying the Moderating and Mediating Variables in Parental Mediation Practices in Nigerian Families in the Digital Age

Abstract

This study examined the moderating and mediating variables in parental mediation practices in Nigerian families in the digital age. This study applied a multi-stage sampling technique to achieve an adequate representation of the population in six educational districts in Lagos, Nigeria. The study included 1,270 adult sample. Data were obtained through questionnaire from parents of children in the selected schools. Findings of the study showed that a strong and positive relationship exists between parent’s age and educational level and parent’s gender and educational level. These relationships were evident as strong moderating variables for the four mediation strategies measured in this study. It was found that, relating to the digital literacy of parents, the hierarchical regression analyses showed that only 7% of variance in parental mediation practice, in the case of participatory learning, was explained. By implication, the constructs of digital literacy are more relevant to participatory learning mediation practice compared to other parental mediation practices in the context of Nigerian families.