UNDERSTANDING PARENTAL AWARENESS AND MONITORING OF MOBILE PHONE USE: A STUDY OF SIXTH-GRADE STUDENTS' RISKS AND BENEFITS

The study utilized a quantitative research design to assess parental awareness of the impacts of mobile phone use on their children, employing a structured survey questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument. Conducted at Loo Elementary School in Loo, Benguet, and Buguias, the study targeted parents of sixth-grade students for the 2023-2024 academic year, focusing on this cohort due to their impending transition to high school, where mobile phone use typically intensifies. A total of 40 parents, selected from two sections of the sixth grade, participated in the survey, which was adapted from existing research (Alesandraki et al., 2023) and translated into a local language to ensure comprehensibility. The survey comprised two sections: one evaluating the risks associated with unsupervised mobile phone use and the other assessing the benefits of parental monitoring. Data collection occurred during school events, with the completed questionnaires collected anonymously to maintain privacy. The gathered data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean scores, and a Likert scale ranging from 1 (Not Aware) to 4 (Highly Aware) to measure parental awareness levels. This approach facilitated a thorough understanding of parental perceptions regarding mobile phone use, helping to identify gaps in awareness and areas needing intervention. By analyzing these responses, the study aimed to provide insights into how well parents understand both the risks and benefits of mobile phone usage, informing potential strategies for better management and guidance.