Using social media to share universal messages about early language and literacy development with parents and caregivers

Journal article


Dunstan, Kym, Smith, Helen, Melvin, Katelyn, Ziegenfusz, Shaun, Cronin, Anna and Scarinci, Nerina. (2024). Using social media to share universal messages about early language and literacy development with parents and caregivers. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2024.2398783
AuthorsDunstan, Kym, Smith, Helen, Melvin, Katelyn, Ziegenfusz, Shaun, Cronin, Anna and Scarinci, Nerina
Abstract

Purpose
Health promotion and prevention interventions to support children’s early language and literacy development are essential, however little is known about how social media can be used in this context. This study evaluated an intervention which aimed to build capacity of parents in supporting children’s language and literacy skills, implemented using Facebook.

Method
A cross-sector partnership of Australian speech-language pathologists developed a suite of universal messages for parents to support their child’s language development. Messages were delivered across 12 weeks via Facebook. A convergent mixed methods study design was used to evaluate survey responses from parents of children aged 0–5 years, before (n = 136) and after the intervention (n = 61). Social media analytics were collected.

Result
Participants identified social media was a helpful way to receive information about supporting their child’s language and literacy development, reporting an increase in knowledge following the intervention. Participants reported they trusted information provided in Facebook posts as it was from professionals and evidence-based sources. The usability (i.e. look and layout) was generally rated highly.

Conclusion
Social media is a valuable tool for speech-language pathologists to deliver universal messages. Future social media initiatives should be co-designed with families and social media professionals to ensure delivery of trusted, consistent, and user-friendly information.

Keywordssocial media; health promotion; language; literacy; parent education
Year2024
JournalInternational Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
Journal citationpp. 1-12
PublisherTaylor & Francis
ISSN1754-9515
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2024.2398783
PubMed ID39402766
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85206328117
Page range1-12
Publisher's version
License
All rights reserved
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusIn press
Publication dates
Online14 Oct 2024
Publication process dates
Deposited07 May 2025
Additional information

© 2024 The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. Published by Taylor & Francis.

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