Violent discipline and parental behavior: Short- and medium-term effects of digital parenting support to caregivers

Approximately 75% of children aged 2 to 4 worldwide are regularly subjected to violent discipline. We study the impact of a digitally delivered intervention on positive parenting practices in Jamaica using a randomized controlled trial. Results show that the intervention improves caregiver knowledge (0.52 SD), attitudes toward violence (0.2 SD), and reduces caregiver violence against children (0.12 SD). Treatment children experience fewer emotional problems (0.17 SD). We also find reductions in caregiver depression (0.12 SD), anxiety (0.16 SD), and parental stress (0.16 SD) for treatment caregivers nine months later. The digital delivery has important scalable policy implications that could help decrease violence against children worldwide. • RCT of a digitally delivered intervention on non-violent parenting in Jamaica. • Content was delivered through SMS, an app, and online group parenting sessions. • Document ITT improvements in caregiver knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. • Findings show reductions in caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress nine months later. • Scalable policy implications could help decrease violence against children worldwide.