PARENTS’ MEDIA LITERACY IN SELECTIONS CHANNEL YOUTUBE KINDERFLIX IN INDONESIA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF DIGITAL FAMILY COMMUNICATION IN 2024-2025

Abstract

This study explores parents’ media literacy in selecting the Kinderflix YouTube channel as an educational medium for young children in Indonesia. The rapid growth of digital platforms has made YouTube a central element in children’s daily routines, raising questions about how parents act as digital gatekeepers. Employing a qualitative case study within a constructivist paradigm, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, digital documentation, and thematic analysis. Findings reveal that parents demonstrated active involvement through three layers of mediation: previewing videos, co-viewing, and playlist creation. These practices ensured safe, age-appropriate, and value-based exposure while balancing parental authority with child autonomy. Parents applied diverse strategies such as manual search, peer recommendations, blocking features, and reflective dialogue with children. Criteria for educational value extended beyond cognitive learning to include moral, emotional, and social dimensions, reflecting broader family values and cultural norms. Parental negotiations, community engagement, and children’s active responses further shaped digital family communication. The study concludes that parental media literacy is a reflective and communicative process that integrates technical skills, moral considerations, and interactive dialogue. Practical implications highlight the need for strengthening digital parenting programs and fostering critical literacy skills to support safer, more meaningful digital engagement for families.