Page No.69-79 Sonam Chandhok
University of Delhi, Delhi
Suruchi Bhatia
Shyama Prasad Mukherji College, University of Delhi, Delhi
Digital socialization brings novel challenges for parents. Parenting practices evolve
with each generation as the socio-cultural contexts change over time. The present
study explored the challenges and practices of new-age parenting. Data was collected
from Indian parents having adolescent children within the age range of 13 to 18 years
(N=10) using semi-structured interviews. Analysis of the data was done using qualitative
thematic analysis. Some of the key challenges were pacing up with the digital generation
and uncertainties due to the COVID pandemic. The analysis also revealed practices
adopted by the parents to deal with these challenges that included making cyber space
a safe space, nurturing hobbies and interests and balancing control and responsiveness
towards adolescents. The analysis also brought to light the evident changes in parentchild
relationships across generations, for instance, a shift from authoritarian to
authoritative parenting, changes in family structure and culture, and exposure to
technology.