Parental Perceived Causal Networks of Problematic Screen Time in Adolescents: The Centrality of Passive Scrolling

Excessive screen time in adolescents has become a growing concern, with parents seeking effective strategies to manage its impact.

To investigate parents perceived causal networks linking children's screen use, child mental health problems, and parent-related factors, as a first step toward informing parent-focused interventions.

This study used the PErceived CAusal Networks (PECAN) method to explore how parents perceive causal relationships between screen-related problems and associated mental health challenges. A total of 128 parents participated (mean age 48.1 years) reporting about children aged 12-19 years (mean age 14.1 years). Each parent selected problems relevant to their child, and rated perceived causal relations among 20 predefined problem areas. These problem areas covered child behaviors and emotions, as well as contextual factors and parental behaviors and emotions.

Most importantly, passive scrolling emerged as the problem most frequently perceived by parents as influencing other difficulties. Further, parents of boys highlighted gaming and lack of real-life friendships as perceived to be causing other problems, while parents of girls perceived physical inactivity and sadness as central. Parents rarely perceive their own behaviors or emotions as causing child problems, with the exception of problems with setting screen time boundaries.

These findings are relevant for the development of supportive interventions aimed at parents, suggesting passive scrolling may be an important target for future parent-focused interventions. Further, interventions might be adapted to address gender-specific concerns, providing parents with practical tools to mitigate the negative effects of excessive screen time.