‘Trust us! we know what we are doing!’ Parent-adolescent digital conflict in Australian families

Abstract

Networked technologies and device use have become a significant source of conflict between parents and their children, negatively affecting family cohesion and wellbeing. Drawing on the findings of a participatory action research project which consisted of family workshops designed to discuss, and ultimately reduce, family digital conflict, this article explores the main sources of digital conflict amongst Australian families. Four main causes of digital conflict were reported by parents and their children: the amount of time that young people spend online and the subsequent displacement of other tasks considered by parents as more worthwhile; “inappropriate” content; the perceived effects of digital media use on children’s behaviour, and sibling conflict. Findings also revealed differing perspectives and knowledges about the value of digital technologies between parents and children which contributed to family conflict. The findings point towards a greater need for interventions which facilitate a more democratic approach to digital parenting, premised upon parental listening, negotiation, and mutual understanding.