Perceptions of Saudi Parents of Children with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Searching for Information and Support through Social Media Applications

Abstract

This research paper concerning the perceptions of Saudi Parents of children with deaf and hard of hearing seeking information and support through social media is based on data obtained from interviewing of forty parents. The paper examines the available literature materials concerning children with deaf and hard of hearing in Saudi Arabia and health information on social media. The paper also analyzes the research materials such as books and journals and online materials concerning social media and parents of children with deaf and hard of hearing. The collection of the data for this research is conducted through questionnaires that are randomly distributed to teachers for distribution to Parents of children with deaf and hard of hearing in Riyadh Saudi Arabia.Random sampling was used in the study where 80 parents were selected on the reliance of probability sampling method. Descriptive analysis was applied in the analysis of the data obtained from the survey. Descriptive analysis is used in analysing and explaining the general attribute of data collected. Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) is also used in processing the data. The results are analysed, and it reveals that parents are actively using social media to search for information about deafness and hard of hearing. The literature reviewed is collaborated by the information obtained by this research. It is concluded that social media application plays a role in shaping the way parents of children with deaf and hard of hearing behave. Finally, the paper offers recommendations to the parents, guardians and the society as a whole.

Keywords: Parents, children with deaf and hard of hearing, information and social media.