Does It Matter What Mama Says: Evaluating the Role of Parental Mediation in European Adolescents’ Excessive Internet Use

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between adolescents' excessive Internet use (EIU) and parental mediation. A random stratified sample of 11-to 16-year olds (N = 18 709) and their parents from 25 European countries (EU Kids Online II project) was analysed to explore to what extent different types of parental mediation and other factors predict EIU. Active parental involvement in the child's Internet use (when the child had experienced online harm) and restrictive mediation were associated with lower EIU. Harmful online experiences, time spent online, scope of online activities and adolescents' age predicted higher EIU.

Prevention of Internet addiction: A systematic review

“…In companies with a regular Internet connection, Young (2010) recommends supporting employees’ responsibility and ethical integrity; (b)  skills connected with the monitoring of Internet use , such as understanding their child’s needs regarding Internet usage (Kalmus, Blinka, & Ólafsson, 2013; Wu et al., 2013), knowledge and awareness of their child’s online activities (Ang et al., 2012), and monitoring of the child’s Internet use (Li, Li, & Newman, 2013). This may be done, for example, by establishing rules regulating the content of online activities and/or by criticizing excessive Internet use but without setting strict time limits for Internet use (van den Eijnden, Spijkerman, Vermulst, van Rooij, & Engels, 2010), by the mediation of Internet use to children in the form of discussions and joint Internet use together with them (Xiuqin et al., 2010), and by the use of restrictive strategies with regard to Internet use (Kalmus et al., 2013; Xiuqin et al., 2010). Liu, Fang, Deng, and Zhang (2012) also point to the adoption of adaptive norms of Internet use and consistent adherence to them among parents.…”

Self-reported bedtimes, television-viewing habits and parental restrictions among Finnish schoolchildren (aged 10–11 years, and 2 years later aged 12–13 years): Perspectives for health

“…Setting clear rules, limiting screen time and keeping screen-based devices out of the bedroom have been found to be significant factors in decreasing the amount of time adolescents spend in front of screens (Ramirez et al, 2011). Parental active involvement and rule-setting have also been found to help children when their use of Internet has been too intensive (Kalmus et al, 2013). Moreover, the example set by parents can have a substantial effect.…”

An investigation into risks awareness and e-safety needs of children on the internet

“…Young people should also be aware of the security risks of accessing certain types of content (Sullivan and Beech 2004, pp. 248-261;Kalmus, et al, 2015;Sharples et al, 2009). They should be taught to always question the source and reliability of any content accessed or downloaded.…”

“…What is now being recognised, is that society is drastically different and new sets of risks are posed which needs to be adequately identified and assessed in order to be mitigated and controlled (Gould, 2008;Barton, 2003;Kalmus, et al, 2015). The Internet is ultimately a vehicle for transporting information, it is the modern lifestyle, and is constantly being used by a technologically savvy generation of children and adults to communicate and network.…”

“…However, since both adults and children are allowed to interact using the same online facilities, children are put at risk as they become exposed to inappropriate content. This may be pornographic, hateful, abusive or violent materials which encourage activities that are dangerous or illegal, or is just inappropriate or biased (Yar, 2006, pp1-10;Wall, 2007, pp.30-39;Kalmus, et al, 2015).…”