WhatsApp school groups :|A study of parental experiences with instant group messaging

Abstract

The WhatsApp (WA) application has been commonly used in many schools all over Turkey. The main purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of parents who are members of WA parent groups in primary schools and how they reflect on their experiences in terms of communication between schools and parents and also among parents. Semi-structured interviews with 14 mothers with children in primary schools were conducted through a purposeful sampling method. The data was verbatim transcribed and then qualitatively analyzed through the use of a thematic analysis procedure. Five themes emerged from the data: transmitting information between related parties, planning and action on subjects in which parents have similar concerns, establishing connections between parents, exhibiting parental attitudes and responsibilities through WA, and drawbacks of being a member of WA parent groups. Findings show that even though WA parent groups have drawbacks, parental involvement is ensured through this online social platform. WA groups form new relations between parents through its functions. Additionally, these interactions have effects on children’s relations, too. It can be concluded that if the WA parent groups are managed effectively they may be an efficient tool for parents in primary schools, especially in situations where schools are not able to meet parental needs.