The Role of Parental Digital Literacy in Supporting Online Learning Among Early Grade Students

Abstract

The rapid integration of online learning in education systems worldwide, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has highlighted the essential role of parental digital literacy in supporting students' academic success. This research aims to explore the impact of parental digital literacy on the ability of parents in Pakistan to support their children's online learning in early grades. A quantitative approach was employed, surveying 200 parents of early-grade students from private schools in Lahore, Pakistan. The study utilized descriptive statistics to assess the demographic profile of participants and their levels of digital literacy. Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between parental digital literacy and their level of support for online learning, while Chi-square tests explored the influence of educational background on digital competence. The findings revealed that higher levels of parental digital literacy were positively correlated with more effective support for children’s online learning. Moreover, parents with higher education levels demonstrated greater digital competence, which in turn facilitated better support for their children’s educational needs. However, the study also highlighted significant challenges, including limited access to digital tools and internet connectivity, particularly among lower-income families. These barriers hindered parents’ ability to actively engage in their children’s learning processes. The research concludes by recommending the implementation of targeted digital literacy programs to equip parents with the necessary skills to support online learning. Furthermore, policymakers must focus on addressing infrastructure issues to reduce the digital divide and ensure equitable access to technology. This study contributes to the growing literature on the role of parents in online education and offers valuable insights for enhancing parental involvement in Pakistan’s educational landscape.