Screen-Assisted Parenting: The Relationship Between Toddlers’ Screen Time and Parents’ Use of Media as a Parenting Tool

Abstract

The amount of time that children spend using various screen devices and the factors predicting it have long been the subject of empirical inquiry because of the negative outcomes associated with extensive media exposure. Most research has focused on factors such as parents’ sociodemographic characteristics and their attitudes regarding media, with little attention to parents’ child-rearing needs and their screen-assisted practices. This oversight is indeed critical, as children’s media use takes place within the context of the parent–child relational dynamic. Furthermore, no substantive attempts have been made to distinguish between factors associated with children’s screen time on weekdays and those determining weekend media exposure. This differentiation is especially relevant because parents may face different challenges during each of these respective parts of the week. The present study aims at filling these gaps by explaining screen viewing time of toddlers aged 1.5 to 3 years, with special emphasis on screen use as a parenting tool.

Digital Parenting: Media Uses in Parenting Routines during the First Two Years of Life

“…Furthermore, parental use of media to occupy the child significantly contributed to intensified exposure to screen content, as shown in the previous studies among older children (Beyens, & Eggermont, 2014;Elias & Sulkin, 2019). The present study also revealed that when the digital devices served as an available and convenient "babysitter," this usually occurred without parental supervision, which might expose very young children to highly inappropriate content.…”

“…"babysitter"), calming the child and regulating his/her behavior (i.e. "pacifier") (Beyens & Eggermont, 2014;Elias & Sulkin, 2019;Nabi & Krcmar, 2016;Nikken, 2019;Zimmerman, Christakis, & Meltzoff, 2007).…”

Keeping Kids Busy: Family Factors Associated with Hands-on Play and Screen Time During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…However, emerging literature indicates that some technology use, such as educational applications (apps) and video chats to socialize or engage in activities like virtual storybook readings, may be a positive use of screens (Gaudreau et al, 2020;McClure & Barr, 2017;Neumann, 2018). Similarly, child screen time may provide a relatively safe activity for children to engage in, allowing parents to complete their own responsibilities or to facilitate challenging parenting tasks such as mealtime (Elias & Sulkin, 2019). Given the extenuating circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to develop a greater understanding of how families are using screens to inform next steps in supporting healthy child development.…”

Update on Screen-Related Parenting Practices in Early Childhood

“…The above studies also highlight new developments in this field by advancing our understanding of the specific contributions of parents' own screen use, [2][3][4]6 paternal parenting practices, 3 and screen-related parenting practices aimed at managing child behavior. 3,4 Three studies reported that greater parent screen use is associated with greater child screen use. 2,4,6 Another study found no relationship, but the sample size was small (n=39 families).…”

“…Background screen use was associated with greater toddler screen use amounts on both weekdays and weekends (β=0.20, p<0.05; β=0.18, p<0.05). 4 Finally, in a six-country European study of families with school-aged children (mean 8.2 years, n=10,969) TV coviewing (parents and children watching TV together) was associated with increased child and parent screen use (B =11.85, p<0.001; B =14.47 p=0.001). 5 All four of these studies further extend the evidence on the various types of screen-related parenting practices that contribute to the amount of child screen use.…”