Can We Enhance Respectful Behaviors toward Parents with Gamification? An Observational Study of Gamification Elements and Child Attitudes toward Parents

Abstract

The use of gamification has gained important attention when it comes to developing desired behaviors in children. However, few studies have used this approach to increase respectful behaviors toward parents in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to propose a gamified application by investigating the game element preferences of children and the children’s practices toward parents, and to use the interactive gamification app to enhance respectful behaviors toward parents in children aged 5 to 7 in Saudi Arabia. An interactive gamification app was conceived in order to encourage respectful behaviors in children. Parents observed their children and assessed them with a survey containing questions about respectful behaviors and application elements preferred by children. The questions had an internal consistency reliability above 0.85. There was a difference in gamification elements based on demographics, but no difference in respectful behaviors toward parents. Three gamification elements emerged as important contributors of respectful behaviors toward parents in children: points, rewards, and interaction with others. However, the time the child spent using a smart device was negatively related to respectful behaviors toward parents. A gamified application with two interfaces can be used to enhance respectful behaviors toward parents. Programs that focus on enhancing desired behavior in children aged 5 to 7 should use gamification approaches and direct particular attention to the three aforementioned elements. Moreover, parents should control the time their children spend using smart devices.