Parental Awareness and Attitudes Toward Sustainable Education in Early Childhood

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to assess parents' awareness and attitudes toward sustainable education in early childhood within Abha, Saudi Arabia. From March to June 2023, a total of 320 parents of preschool children aged 3 to 6 years completed a structured questionnaire designed to evaluate their knowledge of sustainable practices and their attitudes toward integrating sustainability into early education. The results indicated a moderate level of knowledge among parents, with a mean score of 9.7 ± 3.2 out of 15. Awareness was highest in areas of recycling (85.0% correct responses) and energy conservation (78.1%), while knowledge about sustainable consumption and environmental protection initiatives was lower. Attitudes toward sustainable education were generally positive, with a mean score of 4.1 ± 0.6 on a 5-point scale. A significant majority agreed on the importance of teaching environmental responsibility to children (90.6%) and expressed willingness to support sustainability initiatives in schools (85.3%). Higher educational levels and household incomes were significantly associated with greater knowledge and more positive attitudes (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.56, p < 0.001), suggesting that increased awareness may foster more supportive perceptions of sustainable education. These findings highlight the potential for enhanced parental involvement in sustainability initiatives and underscore the need for targeted educational programs to address knowledge gaps. Engaging parents in sustainability education could significantly contribute to fostering environmentally conscious behaviors in children from a young age.