The effect of parent media awareness training on parents' digital parenting attitudes and digital game parenting guidance strategies

Objective: This study examines how parent media awareness training influences parents' digital parenting attitudes and digital game parenting guidance strategies. Materials and Methods: This quantitative research used a quasi-experimental design with pre-test, post-test, retention tests in experimental (n=23), control (n=23) groups. In total, 46 parents participated, forming equally sized cohorts. Over eight weeks, Parent Media Awareness Training Program was developed to strengthen parents' digital parenting guidance skills. The intervention provided essential knowledge on strategies to manage screen time, mitigate online risks, foster responsible digital engagement. Data were collected using Personal Information Form, the Digital Parenting Attitude Scale, Digital Gaming Parent Strategies Scale. Statistical analyses (Shapiro-Wilk, Spearman Correlation, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks) were performed with SPSS 25. All participants voluntarily joined the study. Results: Significant correlations emerged between parents' digital parenting attitudes, digital game guidance strategies. The experimental group showed a notable pre-test to post-test difference, especially in protective attitudes against digital risks, active parenting, technical guidance strategies. The training program significantly enhanced digital parenting attitudes and strategies among participants. Conclusion: Children of parents who received the training had reduced screen time, while those parents set, enforced rules more consistently. Program positively affected parents' digital parenting attitudes and parental guidance strategies. Participants felt more confident guiding children's online experiences and addressing potential threats, indicating a lasting impact on family technology use and safety. These findings underscore the value of structured media awareness interventions for parents. Future research can expand samples. Keywords: Digital games, Digital parenting, Parenting attitudes, Parent training, Media literacy.