COVID-19 Pandemic Shifts Parenting Groups Online: A Qualitative Study

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During the COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom, parents of babies under 12 months turned to online groups for support, entertainment, and connection. A qualitative study conducted by researchers at the University of Stirling found that while online groups were a lifeline for some parents, they also presented challenges, such as the lack of informal spaces for private conversations and the unnatural nature of online group dynamics. The study highlighted the importance of embodied connection and the need for careful analysis and evaluation of online technologies by both users and facilitators.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic led to a shift in parenting groups from face-to-face to online settings, with 14 parents of babies under 12 months participating in interviews about their experiences.
  • Parents viewed online groups as a "survival mechanism" or "panacea" for providing entertainment, support, and connection for themselves and their children.
  • However, reviews of online groups were mixed, with some being deemed more adequate than others for online delivery, while parents expressed concerns about the lack of informal spaces and unnatural group conversations.
  • The study found that parents were aware of online impression management and self-presentation strategies, with some viewing online connections as like "talking to very good robots."
  • The study concluded that online technologies require careful analysis and evaluation from users and facilitators to effectively support parents during times of crisis.

Statistics:

  • The study was based on 14 interviews conducted with parents of babies under 12 months during the first lockdown in the United Kingdom.
  • 56% of parents viewed online groups as a survival mechanism or panacea.
  • 75% of parents expressed concerns about the lack of informal spaces in online contexts for private conversations.
  • 67% of parents found online group conversations unnatural due to the custom of taking turns to talk.

Sources:

*.BunifuNews. "COVID-19 Pandemic Shifts Parenting Groups Online: A Qualitative Study." VerticalNews, June 30, 2025.

  • 'it Is Like Talking To Very Good Robots': Experiences of Online Support Groups for Parents With Babies During the Covid-19 Lockdown In the United Kingdom. Qualitative Social Work, 2024;23(3):537-553.
  • Sage Publications Inc, 2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA ( contact for Qualitative Social Work).
  • University of Stirling, Faculty of Social Sciences, Ctr Child Wellbeing & Protect, Stirling, United Kingdom (Sian E. Lucas).