Digital Parenting Program: Enhancing Parenting and Reducing Child Behavior Problems

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Digital parenting programs using smartphone apps can support families in positive parenting and require evaluations of their effects, mainly in low- and middle-income countries with caregivers experiencing psychosocial vulnerabilities. The study evaluated the “Born Learning” digital parenting program on improving parenting practices, child prosocial behavior, and reducing the children’s externalizing behavior problems. Additionally, participants’ satisfaction and engagement with the program were evaluated. Methods: Brazilian primary caregivers of 3- to 6-year-old children totaling 91, participated in the “Born Learning” program and pre-, post-intervention, and five-month follow-up evaluations. Results: Most participants received cash transfers (64%) and reported some level of food insecurity (78%). The parenting coercive practices decreased from pre- to post-intervention, with maintenance in follow-up. Satisfaction with the role of parenting increased, and child conduct behavior problems decreased from pre-intervention to follow-up. Most participants found the program content very interesting and engaged adequately with the program strategies, such as messages and videos. Conclusions: The digital parenting program can support caregivers by enhancing parenting and decreasing child behavior problems, highlighting the potential for broader implementation in similar contexts.

Keywords

• parenting program
• positive parenting
• digital parenting intervention
• children’s behavior