The Development of Digital Literacy among Primary School Students in a Religious Cultural Environment

Abstract

The development of digital technology has brought significant changes to the field of education, including at the primary school level. The use of gadgets and digital media among primary school students has continued to increase, both as a means of entertainment and as a learning resource. However, the development of students’ digital literacy is also influenced by the social and cultural environment in which they grow and develop. This study aims to analyse the development of digital literacy among primary school students within a religious cultural environment and to examine the influence of the religious environment on students’ use of gadgets and digital media. This research employed a qualitative approach with a case study design conducted at SDN 1 Cimarel, West Bandung Regency. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation involving students, teachers, and parents. The findings indicate that students’ digital literacy has begun to develop through the use of digital media for entertainment and simple learning activities, such as searching for school assignments through YouTube and Google. However, students’ use of digital media remains under parental supervision and is influenced by strong religious values in their daily lives. Qur’anic learning activities, parental supervision, and religious values shape more controlled patterns of gadget use among primary school students. This study demonstrates that a religious environment does not hinder the development of students’ digital literacy; rather, it contributes to shaping more disciplined and responsible digital media usage behaviours among primary school students.