Screens' domestication in childhood: Uses and parental mediation in city and rural contexts

Abstract

The aim of this study was both to characterize screen use by children in domestic spaces depending on their urban or rural contexts and how their families intervene. For this purpose, four focus groups were applied to four-and five-year old children living in Lisbon and Vila Pouca de Aguiar, in Vila Real district. Eight parents from both contexts were interviewed. The main conclusions are: 1) in rural contexts, rather than in the city, children use more screens; 2) parents from both contexts are accountable for children's access to screens, especially smartphones and tablets; 3) the main explanation is parents' concern with children's social exclusion in case they don't use screens; and 4) parents from urban context reveal more risk awareness concerning their children's exposure to technological devices.