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Exploring the Impact of Perceived Parental Oversight on Problematic Smartphone Use Among Adolescents in the Digital
Mary Ho1,2, Peter Johannes Schulz1,3, Angela Chang4
1Institute of Communication and Public Policy, Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.
Background:
The proliferation of smartphones raises worries over their impact on adolescent development, especially problematic smartphone use. This research investigates the intricacies of problematic smartphone usage in adolescents, particularly in light of significant increases in screen time, from a developmental psychology perspective.
Objective:
This study aimed to examine the association between adolescent-perceived parental monitoring strategies and problematic smartphone use in Taiwan, while also exploring variations across age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
Methods:
A nationwide dataset from Taiwan's annual survey (n=1673; aged 10-18 y) was analyzed using descriptive analysis and moderated multiple serial mediation regression. In total, 3 parental mediation styles-restrictive monitoring, evaluative mediation, and unfocused monitoring-were examined for their effects on smartphone usage.
Results:
Rigorous surveillance is more beneficial for younger adolescents (aged 10-12 y), significantly reducing smartphone addiction. Conversely, as teenagers mature, the efficacy of restrictive approaches wanes. Adolescents aged 16-18 years benefit more from parental mediation strategies that foster autonomy and encourage appropriate digital conduct. Restrictive monitoring significantly diminishes addiction by constraining internet access; yet, the diverse outcomes of assessment methods highlight the importance of qualitative engagement. Conversely, unfocused surveillance is ineffective, necessitating the use of targeted parental strategies.
Conclusions:
This study highlights the significance of developmentally suitable parental strategies to mitigate digital addiction and enhance teenage self-regulation. We urge policymakers to implement age-specific, evidence-based methods to improve digital literacy and overall well-being in youth. Future research should investigate the enduring psychological and behavioral impacts of parental mediation and analyze cross-cultural differences in digital parenting methodologies.
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