Exploring digital parenting awareness, self‐efficacy and attitudes in families with special needs children
Authors: Altindağ Kumaş Özlem , Sardohan Yildirim Adile Emel 
Published: March 2024

This study was conducted to measure the digital parenting awareness, attitude and self‐efficacy perceptions of parents of children with special needs and to determine whether they differ according to the disability status of their children. A total of 180 parents of children with special needs from various regions of Turkey participated in the study. This study was conducted using a relational screening model. Data were collected using digital parenting awareness, attitude and self‐efficacy perception scales and analysed using descriptive and correlational statistical methods. The findings revealed that parents had moderate levels of awareness, positive attitudes and self‐efficacy perceptions regarding digital parenting, but these variables showed significant differences according to the disability status of the children. In particular, parents of children with learning disabilities had higher digital parenting awareness than parents of other disability groups. In addition, a positive and significant relationship was found between parents' digital parenting awareness, attitudes and self‐efficacy perception. The findings of this study are important and contribute to both the practical and theoretical perspectives. In applicable terms, this study revealed the needs and expectations of parents of children with special needs regarding digital parenting. Theoretically, this is a rare study that examines the situation and experiences of parents with children with special needs in digital parenting. This study emphasizes the need for further research on digital parenting.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Existing research underscores the importance of digital parenting in the contemporary era, highlighting the need for parents to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in child‐rearing.

Parental self‐efficacy in managing digital resources has been identified as a crucial factor in promoting children's effective and safe use of technology.

Positive parental attitudes towards technology have been associated with healthier digital habits and development in children.

What this paper adds

This study contributes to the literature by specifically focusing on parents of children with special needs and recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities they face in the realm of digital parenting.

Findings revealed that parents of children with learning disabilities exhibit higher levels of digital parenting awareness, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions and support for different disability groups.

The positive and significant relationship identified between digital parenting awareness, attitudes and self‐efficacy underscores the holistic nature of these factors and highlights the potential impact of comprehensive digital parenting programs.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Develop targeted digital parenting support programmes that address the specific needs of parents with children with special needs, considering the variations among different disability groups.

Advocates of inclusive education policies that incorporate digital parenting education as a vital component, recognizing its significance in the overall well‐being.

Recognize the role of both mothers and fathers in digital parenting and design interventions that consider the unique perspectives and challenges faced by each gender.

Facilitate collaboration between digital parenting experts and special education professionals to create comprehensive resources and training materials that cater to the diverse needs of children with special needs.

Conduct longitudinal studies to assess the long‐term impact of digital parenting interventions on the development, well‐being, and digital literacy of children with special needs. This can inform the refinement of future programs and policies in this domain.