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WhatsApp most preferred tool for UAE parents: Survey

Abu Dhabi - The survey also revealed that 9 per cent of the parents want to communicate to schools through emails.

Parents in UAE rely on WhatsApp to communicate with schools on matters concerning their children, according to an online survey.
The survey, conducted by Ministry of Education (MoE) on their official Twitter handle, says 53 per cent of the parents like to communicate with their child's teacher via WhatsApp messages, while 38 per cent prefer direct or face-to-face communication.
The survey, which involved the participation of 1,136 parents, also revealed that 9 per cent of the parents want to communicate to schools through emails.
The social media tool, according to parents, is easier faster and provides them a platform for quick discussions with teachers, school administrators and also students.
Those who prefer direct communication said it was good to speak directly to teachers and school administrators for matters concerning their wards' performance and behaviour.
Emirati father, Abdullah bin Ghanem, whose son goes to an Abu Dhabi school said: "We always communicate to the teachers via WhatApp. Each class has got a WhatApp group that includes parents and the class teacher and through which students' problems are discussed and solutions are found.
"Such communications are almost daily and it doesn't require parents to go to school. Also, it doesn't prevent me from going to the school in case a one-on-one discussion about my child's behaviour or performance is required."
Another parent, Salma Rashid, whose two kids go to a public school in Abu Dhabi, said WhatApp was a common means of communication these days, and that teachers give them information and updates about their children.
"I like using WhatApp to communicate to my child's teacher because I find it simple and effective. It is easy and cheap too."
Pakistani parent, Tareq Mohammed, 50, whose two children go to a private school in Abu Dhabi said: "I always prefer to have a direct discussion with a teacher or school staff on matters concerning my kids."
A survey conducted by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) on the parents' satisfaction during 2017, revealed that 79.8 per cent of parents in public and private schools were satisfied with the way the school communicates with them.
The Ministry of Education said it was keen on highlighting the parents' significant role in promoting education.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com