A Qualitative study of the Role of Parent’s Self-interest in the Digital Media Use of Their Children

Abstract

Previous research shows that intensive digital media use has negative consequences for the health and well-being of children. It is important to find a balance between online and offline behaviour and parents have an important role in creating this balance for their children. In this study the role parental self-interest regarding the upbringing of their children using digital devices is investigated across different age groups. Transcriptions of semi-structured interviews with 31 parents with children between 3-16 years old were analysed. Results of the interviews indicate four different situational patterns in which parents actively or passively stimulate the digital media use of their children. Parents initiate digital media use (1), do not intervene when children are already on a device (2), allow it when children ask for it (3) and arrange fixed moments in which children are granted to use digital devices (4). Parents with younger children are more actively using digital media to create time for themselves or to make sure the child is calm and behaves. Parents with older children use digital media time for children more passively by not intervening to avoid conflicts or because they are busy.