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Insights about Screen-Use Conflict from Discussions between Mothers and Pre-Adolescents: A Thematic Analysis

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  • Kathleen Francis

    (Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands)

  • Hanneke Scholten

    (Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
    Technology, Human and Institutional Behavior Group, Department of Communication Science, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands)

  • Isabela Granic

    (Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands)

  • Jessica Lougheed

    (Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada)

  • Tom Hollenstein

    (Department of Psychology, Queens University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada)

Abstract

Digital screens have become an integral part of everyday life. In the wake of the digital swell, pre-adolescents and their parents are learning to navigate seemingly new terrain regarding digital media use. The present study aimed to investigate parent and pre-adolescent perceptions of screen use and the source of conflict surrounding digital media. We employed a qualitative thematic analysis of 200 parent and pre-adolescent dyads discussing screen use. Our analysis showed five overarching themes for screen use perceptions and conflict: screen time, effects of screen use, balance, rules, and reasons for screen use. In contrast to previous studies that mainly focused on parental perceptions, we were also able to shed light on pre-adolescent perceptions of screen use and the difference in opinions with their parents. Furthermore, we found that patterns of the source of screen use conflict were oftentimes rooted in the age-old developmental tug of war between autonomy-seeking pre-adolescents and authority-seeking parents. Though navigating autonomy-granting and seeking behavior is familiar to developmental scientists, negotiating these challenges in a new digital world is unfamiliar. Autonomy support, open dialogue, and playful interaction between parents and children are needed to understand and resolve conflict of digital media use in family contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Kathleen Francis & Hanneke Scholten & Isabela Granic & Jessica Lougheed & Tom Hollenstein, 2021. "Insights about Screen-Use Conflict from Discussions between Mothers and Pre-Adolescents: A Thematic Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-12, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:9:p:4686-:d:545032
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    Cited by:

    1. Katherine M. Boydell & Michael Hodgins, 2021. "Special Issue on “Qualitative Inquiry in Mental Health Research with Young People”," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-4, June.

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