Triple P Online Community: Exploiting the Power of Social Media to Promote Child Development with Vulnerable Families

Reaching vulnerable parents with effective parenting programs is a formidable challenge. Despite the demonstrated effectiveness of evidence-based parenting programs, relatively few parents access them. Aside from logistical obstacles, the stigma surrounding a child’s behavioral or emotional disorders constitutes a meaningful barrier to participation in an in-person class due to feelings of “blame and shame” (Corrigan et al., 2006). Vulnerable populations can experience the additional barrier of racism that is complicated by the antagonistic relationship between Black communities and child welfare agencies. Other barriers exist at the agency level: The costs of hiring, training, and maintaining professionals in EBPs can be out of reach for isolated or poorly resourced agencies.  However, the popularity and accessibility of social media opens an opportunity to engage young parents; to maximize reach by overcoming barriers such as limited availability of trained professionals, geography, logistics, social stigma, and distrust; and to lower delivery cost. This study aims to evaluate whether an evidence-based parenting program, the Triple P—Positive Parenting Program, can be effectively delivered via a social media format. This project, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is comprised of two parts. First, we used a consumer-informed approach to design and build a social media platform to deliver Triple P Online — using gaming technology, discussion boards, and facilitation by a certified Triple P provider — aimed at engaging highly vulnerable parents in Los Angeles, CA, including those involved in the child protection system and ethnic minorities. Secondly, the efficacy of delivering Triple P Online via a social media platform is being evaluated in a randomized controlled trial with 120 vulnerable families.  This presentation will demonstrate the innovative program, present preliminary findings, and facilitate discussion about the role of social media as a powerful tool in a public health approach to promoting healthy child development.