Beyond The Surface: A Parental Examination of Elementary Students' Social Media Usage

This qualitative phenomenological study investigates the perspectives of parents regarding their children’s engagement with social media, particularly its academic and personal implications. The study aims to explore the lived experiences of elementary-grade students on social media, the coping mechanisms employed by their parents, and the insights derived from these experiences. Ten parents of students from the Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews, serving as the primary research instrument. The research problem addresses growing concerns over the risks of early and unmonitored social media exposure, including behavioral imitation, emotional vulnerability, academic decline, and online safety threats. Using Colaizzi’s method for data analysis, three major themes emerged: imitation of inappropriate digital content, emotional and cognitive effects of online validation, and concealed dangers such as cyberbullying and digital addiction. The findings revealed that parents actively navigate these challenges through digital restrictions, open communication, and value-driven interventions. The study concludes that while social media presents both opportunities and threats, increased parental awareness and strategic mediation are vital to safeguarding children’s well-being. These insights contribute to the development of responsible digital practices and inform educational policy and future research.