A Digital Home Playground: A Narrative Inquiry into Parents` Perspective on Early Technology Exposure in Children

Abstract

This study investigated parents’ experiences, perspectives, and decision-making around their children’s earliest exposure to digital technology at home. It investigated what parents thought about their children’s first interactions with digital devices, what variables influenced their choices about what sort of device to buy and how long to use it, and how they believed it would impact their kids’ behavior, learning, and growth. The results demonstrated that parents know both the good and bad things about utilizing technology. A lot of people indicated that digital devices help people learn, get more creative, and get better at things like reading, math, and problem-solving. People were afraid about too much screen time, changes in behavior, not getting enough exercise, and not being able to meet people in person as often. Parents made decisions based on their kids’ ages and stages of development, the content’s appropriateness, their kids’ behavior, family values, and advice from friends or professionals. Parents utilized things like limiting screen time, picking educational content, watching usage, and making sure rules were followed to assess the pros and cons. The study demonstrates that parents think technology is a double-edged sword. It can help kids learn and grow, but they need to use it responsibly, with help, and with parental mediation.