Parents' Perspectives on Digital Literacy, AI, and Crisis Preparedness: Insights from the DRONE Project

The Erasmus+ Research Project DRONE (Disinformation Resilience Online Education) aims to strengthen digital literacy and combat disinformation among vulnerable adolescent groups through a holistic ecosystem approach. A crucial part of this project involves understanding parents’ perspectives, as they play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s digital skills and resilience.

The recently completed Parents’ Synthetic Report on the Thematic Analysis, developed by IPA, synthesizes insights from qualitative interviews with 135 parents across six European countries: Hungary, Cyprus, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Greece. The report provides a valuable comparative analysis of parents’ views on digital literacy, artificial intelligence (AI), school engagement, and crisis preparedness, revealing both shared concerns and national differences.

Demographics and Digital Access

The study highlights significant variations in parents’ educational backgrounds. In Cyprus and Greece, university degrees are more prevalent, whereas Hungary, the Netherlands, and Italy present a broader spectrum of educational levels. These differences impact parents’ ability to engage with digital literacy initiatives and support their children’s online learning.

Linguistic diversity further influences parental involvement. While most parents in Hungary and Germany speak the national language at home, a substantial number of parents in the Netherlands use a different language. This poses challenges in accessing school communications and national education policies. Additionally, minority groups and families from low socioeconomic backgrounds, particularly in Italy and the Netherlands, face additional barriers to educational resources and digital tools.

School Priorities and Bullying Experiences

Parents across all six countries highlight the need for:

Stronger parental engagement in school activities.
Better support for linguistic diversity in education.
Improved school resources, including food quality, outdoor learning opportunities, and teacher availability.
Mental health support and reduced homework loads to create a balanced academic environment.

Bullying remains a widespread concern, with parents reporting experiences of physical, psychological, and online bullying. In some contexts, bullying is associated with physical appearance, socioeconomic status, and hygiene, making certain student groups more vulnerable. The report underscores the necessity of effective intervention strategies that account for cultural and systemic differences.

Trust, Decision-Making, and Digital Literacy

Parents rely heavily on teachers and family members as their primary sources of trusted information. However, while teachers and school leaders are seen as reliable for school-related topics, parents demonstrate diverse media consumption habits. Some favor traditional news outlets, while others rely increasingly on online platforms, highlighting the importance of media literacy and critical thinking skills.

When it comes to digital literacy and AI, the report reveals that awareness and understanding vary significantly. While some parents are familiar with AI technologies and their potential benefits, others express concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and job automation. The findings emphasize the need for targeted educational initiatives to enhance parents’ understanding of AI’s societal implications.

Crisis Preparedness and Students with Disabilities

The study also examines parents’ awareness of crisis preparedness in schools. Findings suggest that levels of awareness and confidence in crisis response strategies differ widely. Some parents raise concerns about communication and coordination during emergency situations, emphasizing the importance of clear school protocols and parental involvement.

In addition, the report explores the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities in the digital space. Parents stress the need for:

Accessible digital education tools.
Inclusive learning environments.
Stronger protections against online disinformation and cyberbullying for vulnerable students.

Conclusion

The DRONE project’s Parents’ Synthetic Report provides a comprehensive, cross-national analysis of parental perspectives on digital literacy, AI, school engagement, and crisis preparedness. The findings highlight the importance of addressing diverse parental concerns to foster digital resilience and combat disinformation among young people.

By strengthening collaboration between parents, schools, and policymakers, the DRONE project aims to build a more inclusive and equitable digital education ecosystem—one that empowers all students to navigate the complexities of the digital age with confidence and critical awareness.