Strategies for Controlling Children’s Media Access: The Role of Single Parents in Preventing Domestic Violence in the Digital Age

Abstract

In the digital era, media exposure has become increasingly complex and carries the potential to influence behavioural risks, including domestic violence. Single parents often face challenges in regulating their children's media access due to constraints in time, resources, and social support. This added difficulty makes the issue of media management among single parents a compelling area of research. Accordingly, this study aims to explore the strategies employed by single mothers in controlling their children's media access as a means of preventing domestic violence. While many studies have discussed media supervision in general, research that specifically focuses on the strategies of single parents in managing children's media exposure remains limited. This study employed a mixed-methods approach involving 208 respondents who were members of the Women-Headed Households (PEKKA) organization in West Java. The findings indicate that one of the effective strategies adopted by single mothers is regulating media usage time based on the child’s age and needs. Single mothers employ a communicative and participatory approach by engaging children in regular discussions about media content, modelling appropriate technology use, and encouraging alternatives activities. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of single parents in fostering children’s media literacy and preventing domestic violence. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and social service providers in designing support programs that address the specific needs of single parents.