Bulgarian Parents’ Attitudes to Literacy Activities Through Digital Devices and Relevant Sociodemographic Factors at The Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study aims to establish correlations between the use of digital devices for literacy activities and the demographic and socio-cultural characteristics of parents, children and the family during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Bulgaria. Thе study includes parents of 172 children aged 2 to 8 who completed online questionnaires related to home learning activities and the use of digital devices by families and children. The findings show that parents have a positive attitude towards engaging in literacy and reading activities through digital devices with their children, but do not support the excessive use of digital devices by children. We found that older children, girls, and children who use digital devices to communicate with family members and friends are more likely to engage in literacy activities through digital devices. Our findings corroborate other recent studies in underscoring the importance of partnership between children and their parents for children's development in today's environment.