The Influence of Siblings on the Digital Media Ecology of Young Children

• In Event: Roundtable Session 53
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Research on Race, Gender, and Leadership Development of Youth of Color

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of siblings on the digital media ecology of young children. Data was drawn from home visits conducted with three Mexican American families with young children ages 4-6 and at least one older sibling. Five broad categories of sibling influence were identified: direct interactions, access to social networks, access to technology and tools, mediation of parental beliefs, and mediation of family routines. The findings contribute to a growing body of literature that takes an ecological approach to understanding children’s experiences with digital media across multiple contexts.

Authors

• Elisabeth R. Gee, Arizona State University

• Sinem Siyahhan, California State University - San Marcos

• Anna Montana Cirell, Arizona State University - Tempe