Digitisation of Sibling and Social Relationships of Vulnerable Children in the Czech Republic: Implications for Digital Social Work

Abstract

The aim of the research was to determine the impacts of digital technology use on the sibling and other social relationships of vulnerable children from their perspective as well as from the perspective of their parents and social workers. The research employed a qualitative research strategy and thematic analysis. We carried out semi-structured interviews with 10 children and their parents (7) and 10 social workers. The main topics related to the impact of digital technology use were identified as (1) children's addiction to digital technology, (2) digital technology and the online environment as an unlimited leisure and socialisation tool, (3) the shift of risky behaviours to the online environment and the threat of other online ‘risks’ and (4) digital technology as a modern tool for communication with children or their parents. Discussion provides recommendations on how digital technology can be used in social work practice with vulnerable children and their families.