Digital parenting interventions to prevent violence against adolescents: Lessons from the ParentApp for Teens trial for South African social work practice

Abstract

Violence against children remains a critical challenge in South Africa, with disproportionate impacts on marginalised families. This note from practice reflects on the ParentApp for Teens trial in Tanzania — a blended digital parenting programme adapted from the Parenting for Lifelong Health model — and considers its implications for South African social work. Preliminary insights suggest the intervention may reduce adolescent physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, improve caregiver and adolescent mental health, and decrease caregiver intimate partner violence, at a delivery cost of approximately USD 6 per family. This commentary examines how such a model can support prevention-focused social work, extend services to underserved communities, and align with the profession’s ethical mandate for empowerment and social justice. Key considerations for implementation include addressing the digital divide, safeguarding and data privacy, cultural adaptation, and workforce readiness. The findings suggest that digital interventions, when ethically and contextually adapted, can be a valuable addition to South Africa’s violence prevention strategies.