Research Framework : Parents can use at least two strategies to limit the detrimental effects of their child’s use of digital technology. Active mediation refers to sharing, discussing and exchanging opinions with the child on the influences of technology. Restrictive mediation involves setting rules around its usage, as well as technical measures, such as installing parental controls.

Objectives : The aim of this study is to examine some parent-specific (i.e., gender, education level, problematic social media use) and family specific (i.e., parental stress, number of siblings, shared responsibility for childcare, child age) determinants that may be associated with the use of these mediations.

Methodology: A sample of 112 parents completed surveys (75% women; M age = 33.42; SD = 0.51) whose child (M age = 6.97; SD = 3.89; range = 1 to 16 years old) uses a tablet or mobile phone. Two hierarchical linear regression models with forms of mediation as dependent variables were each tested.

Results: Active mediation is positively associated with problematic social media use, the number of siblings and shared responsibility for childcare, and negatively associated with parental stress. Restrictive mediation is not correlated to any of these variables.

Conclusions : Since restrictive mediation includes stricter technical measures, it may be associated with circumstantial occurrences, such as a parent’s fear in response to a specific incident.

Contribution : A better understanding of the factors and contexts influencing parental mediation behaviours enables us to offer a wider range of strategies adapted to each family’s unique situation. Parents can thus foster the development of safe behaviours their children, without causing unwanted negative effects from the use of digital technologies.

• digital technologies
• parental skills
• media education
• child
• family
• media
• connected screens
• digital uses

https://journals.openedition.org/efg/20377