Parental restrictive mediation of children’s internet use: Effective for what and for whom?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of parental restrictive mediation and to examine the effects of restrictive mediation on children’s internet use. Data were obtained through a survey of Korean children from fourth to ninth grade, and their parents. According to the findings, the age of a child, parental perception of the negative influence of the internet, parental perception of their child’s low self-control, and parental internet skills were significant predictors of restrictive mediation. Restrictive mediation was significantly associated with reduced online risks and reduced time spent online, and was not associated with addictive use. In particular, the effects of restrictive mediation on online time and online risks were greater for a child with low self-control. This study advances the understanding of the effects, predictors and moderators of restrictive mediation.