The Influence of Parenting Styles on The Use of Digital Technology among Children: A Case of Pentecostal Assemblies of God (P.A.G) Bahati Church, Nairobi City County, Kenya.

Abstract

The rising integration of digital technology into everyday life has presented new challenges to family dynamics and parenting practices. This study investigated the influence of parenting styles on digital technology use among children in the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (P.A.G) Bahati Church, Nairobi City County, Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the prevalent parenting styles among parents, establish the form and use of digital technology among children, examine the relationship between parenting styles and digital technology use, and propose strategies to facilitate responsible technology use among children. The study was grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and Prensky’s Digital Natives vs. Digital Immigrants Theory. A quantitative descriptive correlational research design was adopted. The target population comprised parents of children aged 6–15 years, and a sample of 74 parents was selected using a mixed sampling method, combining random and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to generate descriptive and correlational statistics. Findings revealed that the authoritative parenting style was most commonly used, followed by the authoritarian style, while the permissive style was least used. The most common digital devices among children were televisions and smartphones, with most children using them for one to two hours daily and beginning regular use between ages six and ten. A significant positive relationship was found between authoritarian and permissive parenting styles and children’s digital technology use. Respondents proposed strategies such as fostering open communication, setting clear digital boundaries, modelling healthy digital habits, and encouraging educational and safe online engagement. The study recommends that parents should foster open communication, set clear digital boundaries, and encourage educational and safe online engagement. The study concludes that intentional and informed parental involvement is key to promoting responsible digital technology use among children.