Managing Digital Innovations in Parenting: A Case Study of Kinedu’s Role in Children Development

Abstract

Digital parenting has become increasingly important in supporting early childhood development, particularly in rural communities where access to parenting information and digital literacy remains limited. This study examines the use of the Kinedu application as a form of informal educational management in supporting parents’ roles in child-rearing.A qualitative case study design was employed in Gilang Village. The participants consisted of 10 young parents with children aged 0–7 years who had used Kinedu for more than three months. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field observations of parent–child interactions, and document review. The data were analyzed thematically by focusing on parenting planning, activity organization, stimulation implementation, developmental evaluation, digital literacy challenges, internet access, cultural acceptance, and community support. Data credibility was strengthened through triangulation of interviews, observations, and documentation.The findings show that Kinedu helped parents make parenting practices more structured, developmentally oriented, and confidence-building. Parents used the application to plan daily activities, select age-appropriate stimulation, accompany children during activities, and informally evaluate children’s responses. However, its use was limited by low digital literacy, unstable internet connectivity, partial use of application features, and cultural hesitation toward technology-based parenting.Kinedu functioned as a supportive parenting guide rather than a replacement for parental roles. The study suggests that digital parenting innovations in rural communities require contextual adaptation, community-based mentoring, and digital literacy support. Future research should involve larger samples, multiple settings, and longitudinal designs to examine long-term impacts on parenting practices and child development.