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The websites of parenting organisations:
A review and the development of a Good Practice Guide
Background
During the last few years, there has been a huge increase in the amount of information and support available to parents via websites. These websites have different aims, formats, content, images, styles, etc. Given the rapid development of website provision, there has been little opportunity to review these websites, or to assess the extent to which they are meeting parents’ needs. This is what this project aims to do.
The Project
This project involves four key stages:
First, we will undertake a review of the types of information and support provided on websites. This will include both websites aimed solely at parents, as well as more specialist websites which provide information for practitioners and policy-makers, as well as for parents.
Second, we will interview senior staff in a range of parenting and specialist organisations, to gather information about the aims and development of their websites.
Third, we will undertake research with parents, to look at (a) their experiences of using websites to get information and support, and (b) the effectiveness of current website provision. The latter will involve ‘hands on’ research in front of terminals, reviewing content, style, navigability, accessibility, etc.
Finally, we will use this information to write and produce a Good Practice Guide. This Guide will be distributed to all those who are involved in providing support to parents via websites, with the aim of improving and developing sites.
Funding and Timetable
This project is funded by a grant to TSA from the Parenting Fund, administered by the Department for Education and Skills. It will be completed by the middle of 2004.
Project Workers
Dr Debi Roker and Amanda Holt are responsible for this project.
Further information
Trust for the Study of Adolescence (TSA)
23 New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1WZ, UK.
Tel: 01273 693311 Fax: 01273 679907