Learning to be a Parent: The role of the Internet in teaching new skills

It is now widely recognised that the use of the Internet as a source of health information is increasing. Parents form a high proportion of those using the Internet to seek health care advice for themselves and also for information about their children's health and well-being. Resources available for teaching new parents about the day-today aspects of childcare are limited and it is often not until parents are at home and experiencing difficulties that they are receptive to learning about aspects of childcare. At this point parents are increasingly turning to parenting websites to seek more information and support in caring for their children. This trend is reflected by the growth in the number of parenting websites providing virtual discussion arenas for parents and a wide range of relevant online information. This paper presents findings from the Cyberparents research project. Using data collected via an online survey linked to www.babyworld.co.uk, the paper explores the ways in which mothers in particular are using the Internet to help them adjust to their role as new parents.