Praktik Digital Parenting pada Anak Usia Dini di Era Digital: Studi Kualitatif di Dusun Malaka Timur

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technology has increased young children's exposure to smartphones and internet-based media, making parental guidance essential in ensuring safe and developmentally appropriate digital experiences. This study aimed to describe the implementation of digital parenting practices among parents of early childhood children in East Malaka Hamlet, Jaddung Village, Pragaan District. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed involving parents of children aged 4–6 years as the main informants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation, and were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, including data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings revealed three major forms of digital parenting. First, parents regulated children's screen time by limiting the duration of smartphone use and accompanying children while using digital devices. Second, parents selected age-appropriate educational content and implemented household rules regarding smartphone use, such as requiring children to complete learning or religious activities before accessing digital media. Third, although most parents relied on direct supervision, only a few had utilized parental control applications due to limited digital literacy. These findings indicate that digital parenting in East Malaka Hamlet emphasizes active parental involvement through supervision, guidance, communication, and rule-setting rather than relying solely on technological control. Strengthening parents' digital literacy is therefore essential to optimize digital parenting practices and promote the healthy use of digital technology among young children.

Keywords: Word 1; digital parenting; early childhood; parental supervision; gadget use; qualitative study