THE ROLE OF DIGITAL AND VIRTUAL PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT IN SHAPING SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of digital and virtual parental involvement on the academic achievement of secondary school students in the Khanewal district. With the growing integration of technology into education, the role of digital platforms in fostering parental engagement has become increasingly significant. This research aimed to analyze the effects of digital parental engagement on students’ academic performance from the perspectives of both teachers and students, as well as to examine the influence of such engagement on the basis of gender comparison. A quantitative approach was adopted to collect and analyze data using questionnaires. The sample consisted of 388 participants, including 64 teachers and 324 students from 16 secondary schools in Khanewal district, selected through stratified random sampling. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), focusing on descriptive statistics. The study highlights that digital communication tools, such as online portals, virtual meetings, and educational apps, enable parents to monitor their children's academic progress, address challenges, and support learning in real-time. The findings reveal that while digital parental involvement generally contributes to improved academic performance—through higher grades, better attendance, and more consistent completion of assignments—excessive or poorly managed digital engagement can also have detrimental effects. The study concludes that the strategic use of digital tools by parents can significantly enhance the academic success of their children, underscoring the importance of balanced and effective digital engagement in the educational process.