Maximising the Use of Digital Technology in Contemporary Parenting: Perception of Parents Residing in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and Practice Considerations for Social Work

Digital technology has become an integral part of everyday life, found in families and used by parents in running the activities of their households. However, little is known about how digital technology can be maximised in contemporary parenting practices. Therefore, the study examined maximising the use of digital technology in contemporary parenting: perceptions of parents residing in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and practice considerations for social work. An in-depth interview was used to collect data from 12 parents (6 fathers and 6 mothers). Three key themes stood out from the data collection guides. The findings revealed that digital technology enhances parent-child communication, improves access to information and facilitates child monitoring. Findings also highlighted that parents use digital technology to automate household tasks, facilitate remote family engagement and monitor health. Further findings also highlighted the challenges parents encounter in integrating digital technology, the high cost of devices, limited digital literacy skills and concerns over online safety. In conclusion, it is the responsibility of social workers to incorporate technology-mediated family support services into professional practice. Social workers must leverage digital tools to reach out to families and parents with limited access to direct services. Also, social workers working with children, families, communities and schools must understand how family functioning and parent–child interactions are shaped by digital tools; they must champion digital inclusion initiatives, consisting of access to digital technologies that are affordable, education on child online safety and community-based digital literacy for parents.