Online Parenting Information Through the Lens of Child Abuse Prevention: A Content Analysis

This paper examines the quality of online parenting information produced in response to an internet search query, "How do I discipline my child." To that end, the content of 236 internet posts--self-contained text articles on a single topic from the 15 most popular websites written by prof...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Child welfare 2022-09, Vol.100 (5), p.53
Main Authors: Baker, Amy J.L, Brassard, Marla R, Kagan, Julia, Stormer, Bri, Adkins, Kevin Lee, III, Rosenzweig, Janet, Chandler-Ofuya, Naomi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Child abuse
Corporal punishment
Database searching
Evaluation
Information management
Information services
Internet/Web search services
Online information services
Online searching
Online services
Parenting
Prevention
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Summary:This paper examines the quality of online parenting information produced in response to an internet search query, "How do I discipline my child." To that end, the content of 236 internet posts--self-contained text articles on a single topic from the 15 most popular websites written by professional parenting experts--was coded to determine the extent to which they endorsed: (a) eight different evidence-based discipline alternatives to psychological aggression and corporal punishment; (b) six different aspects of parental acceptance and warmth; and (c) five positive parenting behaviors; and the extent to which the post offered at least one piece of advice within each of these three categories. Each post was coded for presence/absence of each of these 19 variables. Each post was coded by two independent coders (average Kappa = .81). Findings revealed that in general, the posts are consistent with evidence-based parenting practices. However, there were some notable gaps and areas for improvement. Posts mentioned on average only one discipline strategy, with a strong preference for time-out and logical consequences over the other strategies. One fourth of the posts did not mention any aspect of parental acceptance, which is a vital component of parenting, and one third of the posts did not mention any aspect of positive parenting. Fewer than half of the posts had at least one element of all three. Parents seeking assistance with child-rearing would need additional guidance and support than what is offered in these posts.
ISSN:0009-4021