How parents’ perceptions of digital media relate to digital parenting practices for adolescents

Background

Parents play a central role in adolescents’ digital lives, yet little is known about how different types of parental perceptions of digital media relate to specific digital parenting practices.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used survey data from Norwegian parents of lower secondary school pupils aged 13-16 years (N = 1,803). Linear regression models examined associations between parental perceptions of digital media and six dimensions of the Digital Parenting Scale: regulation, mediation, co-use, technological monitoring, boundary negotiation, and monitoring by proxy. A positive perceptions index and a health concerns index were constructed, while concerns related to missing out socially if not on social media, algorithmic influence, and harmful online behaviours were analysed separately.

Results

Positive perceptions were associated with lower levels of more restrictive practices (e.g., regulation) and higher levels of supportive practices (e.g., mediation and co-use). In contrast, health-related concerns were associated with greater use of control-oriented strategies, including regulation, technological monitoring, and monitoring by proxy, and with lower levels of mediation and co-use. Higher levels of boundary negotiation were associated with greater concerns and lower positive perceptions. Concerns about harmful online behaviours were positively associated with all parenting dimensions, whereas concerns about algorithmic influence and missing out socially showed weaker and less consistent associations.

Conclusions

Parents’ perceptions of digital media were systematically related to distinct dimensions of digital parenting. Our findings highlight how parents’ interpretations of digital media may shape their engagement with adolescents and underscore the importance of addressing both perceived benefits and risks when supporting families in digital contexts.

Key messages

• Parents’ positive and negative perceptions of digital media were linked to distinct parenting strategies toward adolescents.

• Supporting families requires addressing both perceived online risks and benefits, not only screen-time concerns.