Journal of Educational Sciences
Vol. 10 No. 6 (2026): Journal of Educational Sciences

Parental Support in Smartphone-Based Reading Instruction: A Qualitative Case Study of Elementary Literacy Development

Sekar Ayu Pramadhita (Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Primary School Teacher Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia)
Fitri Puji Rahmawati (Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Primary School Teacher Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Jun 2026

Abstract

The increasing integration of smartphones into elementary education presents both opportunities and challenges for literacy development. While digital tools can enhance engagement, their effectiveness depends largely on structured implementation and adult mediation. This study aims to explore the role of parental support in smartphone-based reading instruction and its influence on students’ reading fluency, comprehension, and motivation. A qualitative case study was conducted in an elementary school involving three fifth-grade students, three parents, and three teachers who participated directly in the smartphone-assisted reading program. Data were collected through interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis, and were analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that smartphone-assisted reading, when guided by teachers and supported by parents, enhances students’ engagement and contributes to gradual improvement in reading fluency. However, challenges such as distraction, screen fatigue, technical limitations, and inconsistent parental supervision were also identified. The study concludes that smartphones function effectively as complementary literacy tools when embedded within structured instructional design and collaborative home–school practices. Sustainable implementation requires balanced screen management, pedagogical planning, and strengthened parental involvement to ensure meaningful literacy development.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JES

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Library & Information Science Other

Description

JES publishes original articles on the latest issues and trends occurring regionally and internationally in the educational sciences with the aim to advance our knowledge both in term of theory and practice. Moreover, this journal also covers the issues concerned with the following special sections: ...