Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop and test the reliability and validity of a scale to assess the perceptions of parents of younger children (3 to 5 years old) regarding the risks and benefits of using information and communication technologies (ICT). A questionnaire survey was administered to 210 such parents. Exploratory analysis of the responses showed that a 24-item model could be used for the scale with six factors: developing ICT dependence, enhancing intellectual curiosity, enhancing perception/cognitive functioning, accessing inappropriate content, problems occurring in the absence of a parent, and staying abreast with current affairs. In addition, parents’ perceptions of these risks and benefits were compared by classifying respondents by whether they had used an online educational program at home for their child during the COVID-19 crisis. The results suggested that the way parents perceive risks and benefits of ICT for their children may vary depending on how ICT is used. The importance of letting children use appropriate ICT as well as of educating parents is discussed.
