Peer-reviewed article
Examining Parents Perception on Elementary School Children Digital Safety
Florence Martin, Tuba Gezer, Jimmeka Anderson, Drew Polly, Weichao Wang ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study surveyed 113 parents of elementary school children about their perceptions of digital safety. Parents reported that children primarily use tablets and laptops to watch videos, play games, and do schoolwork. Most parents set some time limits on device use, with 40% allowing 1-2 hours daily. Parents expressed concern about exposure to sexual content and contact with strangers online, and generally felt knowledgeable about digital safety topics.
Key points
- 40% of parents allow children 1-2 hours of daily internet use; 47% of parents set time limits
- Parents' primary concerns about digital safety are children's exposure to sexual content and contact with strangers
- Parents perceive themselves as knowledgeable about most digital safety topics discussed
- Children primarily use tablets and laptops for videos, games, and schoolwork
- Parents recommend age restrictions and identity verification on websites and games
Limitations
This study only captures parents' perceptions and reported practices, not actual child behaviour or exposure to digital risks. The findings are limited to 113 parents in the US and do not evaluate the effectiveness of any safety practices or interventions.
Abstract
Children are exposed to digital devices at an early age. This study examines parents’ perception of student digital safety on technology use, time spent, parent concerns and knowledge on various digital safety topics. Through a survey-based study, we analyzed data collected from 113 parents. Parents mentioned that their kids use Internet via tablets and laptops primarily to watch videos, play games, and for schoolwork. Parents were knowledgeable about apps and gaps their children used for education and entertainment. Regarding time limits and restricting access, 40% of parents let their kids online for 1–2 hours in a day and 47% of parents set time limits. Parents are concerned all the time about their child’s digital safety with the biggest concern being their kids being exposed to sexual content and them talking to strangers. Parents perceive themselves to be knowledgeable on most of the digital safety topics discussed in this study. Parents recommend to ensure age restrictions and identity verification when using various websites and games. This study has implications for parents of elementary school children.