Traditional Parenting in a Digital Era: A Malaysian Perspective

This study examines the relevance and limitations of traditional parenting models in addressing the realities of contemporary family life within an increasingly digitalised and multicultural society. Guided by concerns that conventional parenting theories may no longer adequately reflect current social, technological, and cultural contexts, the study explored parents’ perceptions of traditional parenting practices and their applicability in modern child-rearing. A qualitative research design was employed, involving in-depth interviews with 36 Malay, Chinese, and Indian parents from four regions of Peninsular Malaysia. Participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques to ensure diverse perspectives and experiences. The findings indicate that traditional parenting continues to be valued for promoting discipline, moral development, respect for elders, cultural identity, and family cohesion. However, participants also identified significant limitations, particularly regarding harsh disciplinary practices, authoritarian control, limited emotional engagement, and the inability of traditional approaches to address challenges associated with digital technologies and changing social expectations. Parents emphasised the need for greater flexibility, communication, emotional support, and digital supervision in contemporary parenting. Rather than rejecting traditional parenting altogether, most participants advocated a balanced and adaptive approach that integrates traditional values with modern parenting competencies. The study concludes that parenting frameworks must evolve to remain relevant, combining cultural and moral foundations with the skills required to navigate the complexities of twenty-first-century family life.

The twenty-first century has witnessed unprecedented transformations in family life

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