Digital Parenting in Early Childhood: A Systematic Review of Strategies, Risks, and Recommendations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v18i4.10457Keywords:
digital parenting, early childhood, parental mediation, systematic review, digital ecosystemsAbstract
Digital parenting plays an increasingly important role in shaping young children's digital experiences. However, existing research remains fragmented across disciplines, with limited integration of parental mediation strategies, implementation challenges, and ecosystem-level recommendations. This study systematically synthesizes research trends, digital parenting strategies, associated risks, and implications for early childhood education. A systematic mixed-evidence review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Scopus-indexed publications from 2016 to 2026 were screened, yielding 41 eligible sources. Descriptive analysis, VOSviewer-based bibliometric mapping, and thematic synthesis were employed. Methodological quality was appraised using design-appropriate JBI tools, MMAT 2018, and COSMIN principles. Research activity increased substantially after 2020, with 53.7% of included sources published between 2024 and 2026. Seven digital parenting strategies were identified: restrictive mediation, active mediation, co-use, joint media engagement, monitoring, parental role-modeling, and digital parenting education. Major challenges included problematic media use, parental digital literacy limitations, socioeconomic inequalities, developmental concerns, and platform-related risks. The evidence predominantly supported descriptive and associational conclusions, while causal evidence remained limited. An integrative ecological model highlighted the interconnected roles of family circumstances, parental competencies, mediation practices, and children's digital experiences. Effective digital parenting requires more than screen-time restrictions. Developmentally appropriate guidance should integrate responsive parent–child interaction, digital literacy, equitable family support, educator collaboration, and platform accountability. These findings provide an evidence-informed framework for strengthening family–school partnerships and developing healthier digital ecosystems in early childhood education.
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