Parents feel overwhelmed by school digital tools

Parents in France are becoming less involved in their children's education, even though they have more information about school activities than ever before. This trend is linked to the widespread use of digital platforms like Pronote and École Directe, which send constant updates about grades, warnings, and assignments. These platforms create a flood of messages that can feel overwhelming, especially for parents managing multiple children.

PISA survey highlights French parental disengagement

The latest PISA survey shows that only 49% of French students say their parents are interested in their learning, compared to 58% in other OECD countries. This gap is most noticeable among younger students, with 63% of French teenagers reporting that their parents ask about schoolwork weekly, down from 74% in 2022.

Digital tools create an illusion of control

Nadège Larcher, a psychologist and educator, explains that digital platforms give parents the "illusion of knowing everything," which can lead to less open dialogue and more direct questioning or commands. This shift can make children feel criticized, especially during adolescence, when they are more sensitive to such interactions.

Instant communication disrupts family dynamics

The speed of digital communication changes how school and home interact. Grades and warnings are now sent instantly through SMS or apps, often during work hours. This can interrupt daily routines and reduce the chance for meaningful conversations. Digital notifications also create small distractions that can harm concentration, and information received during the workday may be forgotten by the time it's relevant to discuss with the child.

Digital tools add mental strain on parents

Managing digital platforms like Kwyk for math exercises or Spanish padlets adds mental pressure, especially on mothers who often handle school-related tasks. This can be challenging for families trying to limit screen time. One parent described how her son received a zero on an assignment because his grandparents didn’t have access codes, despite the family’s efforts to reduce screen use.

Parental fatigue and changing roles

Generalized parental fatigue is a growing issue, as changing lifestyles and longer work hours make it harder for parents to support their children academically. Géraldine, a parent, admits she can't help with homework after a long day. Nadège Larcher notes that parenting has evolved over the past 50 years, with parents spending more time with their children. However, this can lead to exhaustion during adolescence, causing some parents to step back.

Experts urge balance and digital limits

Nadège Larcher advises parents to accept the challenges of the digital era, manage screen time, and avoid constant monitoring of school platforms. She emphasizes balancing work and family life, suggesting that there is a time for everything, in line with Ecclesiastes. Some schools are reducing digital intrusion, with parents like Albane choosing a limited version of École Directe and prioritizing paper agendas over digital communication.