Parental attitudes and beliefs that predict cellphone ownership by their elementary school-aged children

• In Event: Intersection between technology and parenting: The COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

Abstract

Smartphones provide many options for entertainment and interaction, redefining how children socialize. Almost all teens (95%) have access to a smartphone; about half report being connected to the internet almost constantly (Pew, 2022). Unfettered access to the connected world comes with risks and opportunities for contemporary youth. Smartphone ownership facilitates more frequent and longer durations of use, interfering with sleep (Lissak, 2018). Increased use of social media has been associated with depression and anxiety which could stem from “fear of missing out”, social comparison, and inescapable cyberbullying. However, owning a smartphone offers opportunities. Online engagement can afford access to social support (Cole et al., 2017) and facilitate early independence and age-appropriate developmental goals (Moreno & Uhls, 2019. Understanding characteristics and motivations of parents who provide phones to their children could guide efforts to reduce risk and support healthy development. This study examines differences in parental factors between those whose school-aged children did or did not own a smartphone and documents parents’ involvement with their child’s first smartphone. Parents of children in grades K-5 (N = 615) were contacted and surveyed through an online research service that utilizes existing opt-in panels. Sampling quotas were used to obtain a sample that closely reflected the ethnic breakdown of the US. Parents were asked about their opinions regarding the impact of phone ownership of children and those whose children had phones were asked about their engagement with parental controls, what they monitor (e.g., social media, internet), and the factors they considered important regarding their child’s smartphone ownership. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to determine the factors contributed to children’s smartphone ownership. 41.1% of parents in the sample reported their child owned a smartphone. 91% of parents helped set up their child’s phone, 79.5% installed parental controls, and 81% knew their child’s passcode. Many parents monitor their child’s internet use (75.5%), phone/video calls (64.8%), and texting (64.0%) on the phone. 54.2% of parents look at their child’s phone to see what they are doing. Primary reasons for allowing a phone included to keep the child safe (83.4%) and connecting the child with their parents (82.6%) and friends (61.7%). Child smartphone ownership varied by child age (OR=1.37 [1.12, 1.67]), parental negative attitudes about the impact of phone ownership (OR=0.464 [.390, .551]), and parental positive beliefs about a phone providing safety and connection (OR=1.37 [1.16, 1.63]). Results indicate that many parents oversee and are involved in their child’s obtaining a phone, setting it up, and using it. Information regarding effective monitoring practices may be useful to and accepted by parents of school-aged children. Parental attitudes about the safety and impact of smartphones play a strong role in whether or not they provide a phone. Considering the vast functionality of phones beyond safety and family connection, other devices might meet the needs of families without exposing young people to additional risks.

Authors

• David S Bickham, Boston Children's Hospital
  Presenting Author

• Michael C. Carter, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School

• Elizabeth A Hunt, Boston Children's Hospital

• Michael Rich, Boston Children's Hospital