Parental perceptions on children's use of digital technology: A systematic review

Abstract

Understanding the extensive use of digital technology among modern children and its growing importance in education is essential for higher education institutions to prepare educators who can effectively collaborate with parents to integrate digital technology into early childhood education. Based on ecological systems theory, parental perceptions significantly influence children's digital usage. This paper undertook a systematic review, employing the PRISMA criteria to gain insight into how parental perceptions shape attitudes towards digital adoption to understand how this may influence teachers' integration within the ECE context. It reviewed articles from January 2015 to March 2023, utilising three databases: ERIC, Education Source, and Scopus, resulting in the inclusion of 24 articles. The findings demonstrated that parents possess a comprehensive awareness, considering not only the potential advantages and disadvantages that digital technology brings to their children but also the benefits and drawbacks for parents themselves. Additionally, parental perception is influenced by various factors stemming from both the child and the parent.