Parent ICT use, social capital, and parenting efficacy

The current study investigated how use of various information and communication technologies (ICTs) was related to social capital and parenting efficacy among parents of youth. Specifically, using structural equation modeling we examined direct and indirect associations between ICT use, social capital, and parenting efficacy using data from 431 parents of youth in the U.S. Parents' ICT use was directly associated with their social capital, but the direction of the association differed by ICT. Parenting efficacy was positively associated with parents' social capital. Also, parents' ICT use was directly and indirectly associated with parenting efficacy. Parents who were using email and checking news and events online frequently were likely to report higher parenting efficacy, but the use of blogs was negatively associated with their parenting efficacy. Results suggest that parent and family life educators can optimize education programs by utilizing different ICTs based on the purpose of the program.