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Using social media to share universal messages about early language and literacy development with parents and caregivers
Dunstan, Kym Smith, Helen Melvin, Katelyn Ziegenfusz, Shaun Cronin, Anna Scarinci, Nerina
Dunstan, Kym
Smith, Helen
Melvin, Katelyn
Ziegenfusz, Shaun
Cronin, Anna
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.
Keywords
social media, health promotion, language, literacy, parent education
Date
2024
Type
Journal article
Journal
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
Book
Volume
Issue
Page Range
1-12
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Allied Health
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled
Notes
© 2024 The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. Published by Taylor & Francis.