It depends on you. Family beliefs of digital technologies as a regulator of children's screen use

Abstract

Family attitudes and beliefs around digital technologies are a key factor in young children's digital habits in the home. This study involved conducting interviews with 46 families of children under 6 years of age to understand how parental perceptions determine the screen use of young children in terms of activities, content, and time. The aim is to provide knowledge for an in-depth reflection on media management in the home. A descriptive, quantitative study was designed, based on a questionnaire survey model to interview families. The results show few differences between the most positive and the most negative family perceptions of children's use of ICTs. The complexity of the analysis of parental digital education strategies and support systems is evident. The perceptions of families are based on a balance that avoids extremes, are shrouded in contradictions, and are regulated according to the needs of the context. This requires consideration of all the factors that influence children's digital habits: the socioeconomic context of families, parental digital habits, family perceptions, and the parental digital mediation strategies used.