Prioritizing Parenting Competencies in the Digital Era
Keywords:
Digital parenting, parenting competence, digital literacy, emotional regulationAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to identify, categorize, and prioritize the essential competencies required for effective and responsible parenting in the digital era.
Methods and Materials: This research employed a sequential mixed-method design consisting of a qualitative and a quantitative phase. The qualitative phase involved an integrative literature review of studies published between 2015 and 2025, focusing on digital parenting frameworks, emotional regulation, online safety, and educational mediation. Data were analyzed through thematic content analysis using NVivo 14, resulting in eight primary competency categories. The quantitative phase involved a ranking survey completed by 205 Italian parents, who evaluated the importance of the identified competencies using a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive and ranking analyses were conducted with SPSS version 26, generating mean scores and standard deviations to determine the relative priority of each category.
Findings: The results revealed that Online Safety and Risk Management (M = 4.72, SD = 0.38) was the most highly valued competency, followed by Emotional and Psychological Support (M = 4.65, SD = 0.42) and Communication and Relationship Building (M = 4.53, SD = 0.47). These findings emphasize parents’ primary concerns with protecting children from digital risks, supporting emotional resilience, and maintaining healthy communication. Digital Literacy and Technical Competence (M = 4.44) and Ethical and Moral Guidance (M = 4.36) occupied mid-level positions, reflecting their continued relevance. The lowest-ranked but still significant competencies were Educational Mediation (M = 4.25), Time Management (M = 4.11), and Socio-Cultural Engagement (M = 3.94), suggesting varying perceptions of their immediate necessity.
Conclusion: The study concludes that digital-era parenting is multidimensional, encompassing safety, emotional, technical, ethical, and cultural competencies. Strengthening these integrated skills is essential for fostering children’s balanced development and responsible media engagement in contemporary digital environments.
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