Greek parents' profile concerning the use of smart mobile devices and their educational applications by preschool and elementary school children

Abstract

This study examines Greek parents' attitudes towards using smart mobile devices and their educational applications by children aged 4-7 in an informal learning context. The research sample comprised parents whose children attended Crete's public kindergartens and primary schools during 2020-2021. A 30-item Likert-scale questionnaire assessed parents' attitudes toward smartphones and their educational applications. The factor and cluster analyses were conducted, and three parent profiles emerged: neutral, sceptical, and optimistic. Neutral parents value the use of educational applications by their children. Sceptical parents are the ones who attach great importance to the adverse effects that the use of digital technology can have on their children. Optimistic parents are the ones who consider the use of educational applications essential but also are the ones setting ground rules regarding its use. Parents' views regarding smart mobile devices' use are of immense importance, as well as their general perspective, commitment, and support towards their children, as they greatly influence the latter's learning experiences at home.