Parents’ perceptions of smartphone use and parenting practices

Abstract

Technology use in one’s life has generally explored why people use certain technologies, how they use technology, and the effect of such usage on our personal relationships. To date, however, few studies have explored the use of using smartphones and its effect on parenting practices. The present study sought to understand parents’ perceptions of their smartphone use’s effect on their children and parenting practices. Grounded in a social constructionism perspective, interviews were conducted with 12 parents inquiring about their smartphone usage. Five themes emerged: (1) Disengagement, (2) Concern for Future, (3) Change in Social Norms, (4) Boundaries, and (5) Cognitive Dissonance. These findings indicate some remarkable effects parental smartphone use is having in the lives of study participants. Results and implications are discussed. Keywords: Parents, Smartphone, Technology, Internet, Phenomenology.