AAP News: Parents' internet use, communication style influences teens' use
By Sean Stangland
Limiting an adolescent’s screen time may not deter problematic internet usage (PIU), a recent study found. Rather, teens’ internet use is influenced by parents’ own habits and an open parent-child dialogue.
PIU is defined as having excessive, impulsive or risky internet use that leads to negative physical and mental health consequences.
Researchers wanted to evaluate parents’ role in preventing PIU in their children. To do so, they analyzed surveys of 4,558 adolescents ages 12-18 years and 4,568 parents.
Teens and their parents completed a screening tool that measured PIU and reported parenting rules regarding internet content and time. Adolescents also completed a scale that measured the quality of communication with their parents/guardians regarding internet use.
Read the full article via AAP News